| The first set of minutes in this volume, dated between 9 April 1871 and 7 June 1871, were created by an organisation called Tauranga Library, which was inaugurated on 9 April 1871. On 12 June 1871, the minutes record that the library united with the Mechanics Institute "for the purpose of forming a Mechanics Institute and securing the advantages offered by the government". From this date onwards, Tauranga Library assumed the name of the Mechanics Institute and the newly merged organisations agreed to follow the rules and regulations drafted by Tauranga Library at their first meeting. Details of donations and lists of subscribers can be found at the beginning of the book, and correspondence at the end. |
