THE NAVY LEAGUE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7830, 24 June 1909, Page 4

THE NAVY LEAGUE.

A meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Navy League was held m the Borough Council Chambers last evening, when there was an attendance of about fourteen members, and Mr H. Davis, the Mayor, presided. Apologies were received from Dr Handcoek and Mr W. H. Collins. The Mayor stated that a general meeting had been called with the object of placing before members the present position of the League. It was thought, too, that a permanent committee should be appointed that night, but seeing that the attendance was rather small, it might be as well to continue for the present with the provisional committee. I The secretary reported that thirtyfive members had joined the League. A letter was received from the Christchurch Centre, notifying the intention of the League to offer prizes for competition by scholars attending Secondary and District High Schools, and stating the conditions of the competitions. Mr Ferriman thought that the competition should not be confined to children attending District and High Schools. He thought that, not only children attending the primary schools, but all children between the ages named should be allowed to compete. Mr Purnell would not go as far as Mr Ferriman, but agreed that primary schools should be included. He would move that the Executive be recommended to amend the conditions m this direction. Mr Ferriman, m seconding the motion, said he could not understand such a provision, and if the Executive was not nrepared to do as recommended, he would himself provide an equal number of prizes for competition by the pupils attending primary schools. The motion was carried. Mr Purnell expressed the opinion that before electing a permanent committee it would be advisable to wait till the membership had increased, and he suggested that another meeting be called m one month's time. Mr C. W. Nicoll moved that the secretary and the chairman be empowered to sign cheques until an execiitive is elected. This was seconded by Mr Purnell, and carried. Mr Purnell moved that the meeting be adjourned for four weeks, and that the election of an executive be deferred till then. Mr Ferriman seconded, but thought that the next meeting should be held m the afternoon, on a day that would suit the farmers. Mr C. "VV. Nicoll suggested to the mover that he should amend his motion so that the meeting might be held m a fortnight's time. This Mr Purnell consented to do, and m that form the, motion was carried. Mr Nicoll then suggested that_ each gentleman present should show his enthusiasm by bringing the names of six new members to the next meeting. He had already secured five members, and would undertake to _ obtain six more before they met again. Accounts amounting to £2 Is 2d were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.