specifically designed to house the collections.

According to long-term member George Miller, this was done to imitate similar institutions in England and create a body of shareholders, "who would, in fact, be the holders of the property, and thus become interested in its welfare and advancement."

However, the limited number of shareholders caused ongoing financial difficulties for the library who finally decided in 1869 to offer the building and books to the Government to clear their debts. On 22 September 1869, the government

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