PUBLIC HALL, NORTH SHORE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3119, 16 July 1867, Page 4

PUBLIC HALL, NORTH SHORE.

A meeting of the shareholders in the DevoDport Assembly Hall waa held at the Masonic Hotel yesterday, " to determine on a site for the building, and to appoint directors." Mr. Mays, Secretary, having read the minutes of last meeting, The Chairman (Mr, D. Barn) said that sites had been offered by Mr. Hammond, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Duder, and Mr. Burgess ; but beyond these he knew of none. He thought that, before they could come to any decision, it would be judicious to empower the provisional directors to advertise, so that those parties who were willing to furnish sites might offer, and then the matter could be determined. Mr. Bjeetham said that, since the last meeting, the, provisional directors had considered the question of a site. In what would be, in the intention of the zesolution carried at last meeting, a central position, there were only three sections with a frontage to the sea which would answer for the hall. There was the section originally purchased by Dr. Campbell, Mr. Duder's section, and the school reserve. The last mentioned was beyond their reaoh. Dr. Campbells section bad been sold to different parties. The last meeting took the view that the central part for the district was a central position between the two wharves, and at the time he concurred ; but he now thought that the proper part for the hall Was the most central spot for the houses in the place. Mr. Beetham then stated that he had made inquiries of various parties about their ground, and the terms they proposed. Mr. Hall and Mr. G. Graham, who owned allotments, were notintown, and could not be quickly communicated with. He thought that the best place was Mr. Duder's allotment, which was nearer than any other to the centre of the popnlation. Mr. Duder said he would give any quantity of his allotment for £2 a-foot, or lease it on moderate terms, as it might suit the shareholders. He would also take twenty shares in the company, if his offer were accepted. If the back portion of the allotment were taken he would sell it for £1 per foot. The meeting then adjourned for a few minute*, in order that those present might look at the lit e3. When the shareholders re-assembled, Mr. Beetham moved that the offer of Mr. Duder of a frontage to the Beach Road, at £2 per foot, on deferred payment of five years, bearing 10 per cent, interest, be accepted. ■Mr. Bedboes seconded the motion. Mr. Nicool thought they were rather premature in coming to such a resolution till they ascertained something more about the other sites. The Chaimian said they had got the matter before the public, and, if they let it sleep, it "would go down as the project for erecting the Albert Hall had. The motion was then put and carried. It was proposed by Mr. Mats, seconded by Mr. Bobgess, and carried, that the land should have a frontage of 60 feet, with a depth of not less than 140. Messrs. Burn, Hammond, and Beetham were chosen to act as trustees, in whom the land was to

be vested. It vas,» : agreed tbat another meeting should be held on Jdonday next, at half-past two o'clock, for the appointment of directors, as it was deiirable to have as large an attendance of the shareholders as possible for tbat purpose.