The expressed belief of the writer was that the proposed room would draw away many of the members from the existing institution, which, after many struggles, was just then in a position to pay its way. The writer was, however, forgetful that his own institution had been recently placed in its better position by profits derived from fêtes, which were only another kind of amusement. The said writer also referred inviduously to the position of the St. Leonards Mechanics’ Institution in these words:- “The last report of the institution of our sister town contains much which should cause us to pause before we throw our energies into establishing a fourth reading-room for the mechanics of the borough.” Now, what, in truth did the last report of the St. Leonards Mechanics’ Institution show? It showed a loss of three members only during the quarter, whilst the Hastings Institution had a further reduction of 19 members after a loss of 14 members during the preceding quarter. The latter, however, had a cash balance of £2. 10s., whilst the former had only a balance of a few shilling[1]s, with £30 outstanding liabilities. But, as against such liabilities it possessed nearly or quite twenty times its worth of property, whilst the institution at Hastings had no building of its own. It was also shown that the funds of the St. Leonards society had suffered from the upper part of the building not producing its usual rent-money in consequence of being unoccupied, whilst a considerably(sic) loss had been sustained by the cost of paid lectures, and in one case where there was an audience of only ten persons. Another cause for a decrease of members was the spirited volunteer movement, which, of course would effect both institutions; and, as regards the St. Leonards society, there was the recently established Working-men’s Institute immediately opposite in the same Norman Road. But now, mark the difference of treatment. Instead of opposing this new reading-room, as “A Member of the Hastings Mechanics’ Institution” did the proposed reading-room for Hastings, several of the members of the St. Leonards Institution assisted it in the several ways of concerts, lectures, readings and other amusements, believing as they did that there was still a class of workmen and their families whose educational status unfitted them for members of the Mechanics Institution, but for which the preparatory nature of the new association might, at least in some cases act as a training school. Hence, whilst such men as Messrs. Butler, Skinner Brett and others, rendered considerable assistance to the Work-
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
