Huddersfield Daily Chronicle (15/Oct/1891) - The Carlile Institute at Meltham
THE CARLILE INSTITUTE AT MELTHAM.
Mr. J.W. Carlile, who, in memory of his connection with Meltham, has erected an institute to bear his name, which will be opened on Friday next, has issued the following address :—
To the Workpeople at Meltham Mills.
My Dear Friends.
It is nearly 40 years since you and I first made each others' acquaintance. During that time we have seen many changes, but I feel sure that I am right in saying that one thing has never changed, and that is the cordial relationship that has always existed between us.
No one can visit your beautiful valley, so full of busy industry, without being impressed by the many memorials of the Brook family, the churches and schools, the public grounds, the neat cottages, and Convalescent Home, all proving the deep interest which they have felt in you, and now that I have ceased to be their partner, I have built you an institute in order that you may keep my "memory green," and I have bestowed my own name upon it, so that in years to come your children may give a kindly thought to him who ever held your best interests very near to his heart.
Having been always fond of books, I desire to foster among you the same taste ; you will find in the institute a carefully selected reference library, and comfortable rooms, where you may have a quiet retreat when the bustle of the day is over, and become familiar with the thoughts and fancies of many a master mind.
I earnestly trust this library, the selection of which has given me great interest, may be well kept up and extensively used. In adding books to it, I particularly wish the trustees not to permit any additions which are at variance with the principles which have guided me in my original selection.
A newsroom is provided for conversation, to be supplied with papers, magazines, and various games, but cards and gambling of any description is strictly prohibited throughout the whole building.
I hope that the hall will often be filled with an amused and edified audience, listening to recitals, lectures or concerts, but I particularly wish the institute to be kept free from local or party politics, that all subjects introduced may be strictly moral and intellectual, not opposed to the teachings of the Bible, nor of a sectarian character.
The adjoining classrooms, although under the same trust, have been built in the first place for the use of the members of the Meltham Mechanics' Institute, of which I was for many years president. My trustees have power to lease it to them yearly, as long as they are satisfied that their work is thoroughly efficient. The Mechanics' Institute will be governed by its own bye-laws.
With an earnest hope that God's blessing may accompany this effort to add to your happiness and well-being.
Believe me my, dear friends, Yours sincerely,
October, 1891.
James W. Carlile.