Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/202

 i go The Library. but this was abandoned, and, immediately on attaining his majority, he took a situation as a rate collector. After rilling this situation for a year, he saw an advertisement for a sub-librarian at the Sheffield Public Library, and, disliking the work in which he was engaged, he applied for the post and was appointed out of 150 candidates. The duties of this office were so congenial to him that he threw himself, heart and soul, into the work, and during the illness of the chief librarian (Mr. Parsonson), which lasted for a period of two years, the work was so satisfactorily per- formed by him, that upon the death of Mr. Parsonson in 1873, he wa s appointed to the post of chief librarian, which position he held until his death. He was thus the oldest servant of the Sheffield Corporation, having held office for 38 years as a librarian, and for 21 years of that time he had been chief librarian. By the death of Mr. Hurst, Sheffield not only loses its oldest civic servant, but one of the best and most conscientious men whom it was ever my privilege to know. His cheerful and happy disposition made him uni- versally popular. His zeal and activity in the service of the Corporation were most remarkable. His industry knew no bounds. More ungrudging and faithful services were never rendered to any Corporation than were rendered by him to Sheffield. He was a man utterly devoid of pretence or affectation, but with a thorough knowledge of his duties and with a firm determination always conscientiously to carry them out. He had, naturally, a wide circle of friends, and was esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Abbeydale Congregational Church, and was chosen one of its first deacons. The minister of this church, in an. obituary notice of Mr. Hurst, says : " He served the church as financial secretary, and this work could not have fallen into more exact or con- scientious hands. Always to be found at the post of duty ; his work stood the test of the keenest criticism. Without much external demon- stration, he had a secret joy in his work, and, in point of punctuality and methodical service, we can hardly expect to find one to fill his place with equal ability." Mr. Hurst was married, and leaves a widow, two sons, and four daughters to mourn his loss. W. H. B. association SEASON 1893-94. THE SEVENTH MONTHLY MEETING of the SEASON was held at 20, Hanover Square, on Monday, May ;th, at 8 p.m., Mr. Henry R. Tedder in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The meeting had been convened to consider a letter which had been received from the Joint Committee of the National Sunday League and the Sunday Society asking the Association to join with them in requesting the Government to open the national libraries and museums on Sundays. Mr. Herbert Jones moved and Mr. Humphery seconded the following resolution : That no action be taken in connection with the letter received from the National Sunday League and the Sunday Society. After some discussion the following amendment was moved by Mr. MacAhster, and seconded by Mr. Crowther, of Derby : That in the opinion of this meeting the question of the 'opening of libraries and museums on Sundays does not fall within the objects of the Library Association, and it therefore respectfully declines to express an opinion upon the subject. pn the amendment being put it was carried nem. con., and on the motion of Mr. Foskett it was resolved that the resolution be communi- cated to the societies interested.