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 establishment of the Library, Sir George Grey offered to present his collection of books, pictures and curios to the City, and this generous action influenced the City Council in its decision to erect a building which would suitably house this and other collections.

In 1883 the site of the new building was selected, and designs invited for a Public Library and Art Gallery building, and the plans of Messrs. Grainger and D'Ebro, architects, of Melbourne, having been accepted, the foundation stone was laid, on the June, 1885, by the Mayor (Mr. William Richard Waddel) with much pomp and circumstance, addresses being delivered by Sir George Grey, Sir George Maurice O'Rorke and Sir Frederick Whitaker. The contract for the building was let to Messrs. Malcolm & Price for £21,851.

The official opening of the Library took place on 26th March, 1887, and was again the occasion of an interesting ceremony, in which the citizens took an active interest. The Mayor (Mr. A. E. T. Devore) presided over the gathering which filled the building, and he was supported by representative citizens, including Sir George Grey, who occupied the seat of honour. Addresses were delivered by the Mayor, by Sir George Grey, Sir G. Maurice O'Rorke, and ex-Mayors Peacock, Clark and Waddel, while vocal selections were rendered by the Choral Society.

At the date of the opening of the new building, the stock comprised 15,000 volumes, the increase being mainly attributable to the acquisition of Sir George