400 The Library. consisting of the Mayor of Capetown and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, four Government nominees, and four members elected by the subscribers, of whom there are now 410. There are also five other libraries receiving special Government grants and enjoying similar privileges to the library at Capetown, viz., those of Grahamstosvn, Kimberley, King Williamstown, Port Elizabeth and East London, which possess collectively 68,000 volumes and have 1,500 subscribers. During last year 72 public libraries in the smaller towns rendered returns showing a total of 140,000 volumes with 3,700 subscribers. The following regu- lations have been framed for the management of public libraries as approved by the Cape Parliament : (1) That the Government annual grant shall not exceed the annual average amount raised by subscriptions and donations during the three preceding years, or, in the case of new libraries, shall not exceed the amount of subscriptions and donations received for the first year, or average for two years, but in no case to be more than 100 per annum, provided that these grants shall be made out of the moneys voted annually by Parliament for the purpose. (2) That no aid shall be given when the aforesaid contribu- tions do not exceed ^"25. ' (3) That whenever the library is open, the public be admitted free, and allowed access to all works of reference, and to all books and periodicals in the library. Access to newspapers shall be under such conditions as each library committee may determine. (4) That a report be presented to the Government annually, showing the amount raised by subscriptions during the year, and generally, the state of the finances of the institution, the circula- tion of books and the number and description of those purchased, acquired, or sold during the year. Not Rateable. By Act 19 of 1892, all lands and buildings, or such portions thereof as are exclusively appropriated to the pur- poses of, and used as, public libraries or museums of natural history or fine arts within the Colony, are exempted from the payment of municipal rates and taxes. Natal. The want of public libraries in Natal is much felt, there being no public institution of any extent or importance in the Colony. At the same time there are several semi-public societies situated in the principal towns. In Pietermaritzburg, the chief town of the Colony, there was formerly a Mechanics'
