ST. ANDREW'S BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3356, 18 April 1868, Page 4

ST. ANDREW'S BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

A meetihg of members and other persons desirous of reviving this Society was held for that purpose in the Star Hotel last evening. Mr. James George was called upon to preside. The Chairman read the advertisement convening the meeting, as published in the Daily Southern Gross. He said it was well known by a number of gentlemen present that, from circumstances over which they had no control, the Society had become defunct.— Daring the time the Society had been in active operation it had been productive of much good. He had no doubt, if revived and sustained, it would become an important and useful Society in Auckland. The gentleman who had filled the office of secretary and treasurer would state what funds were in the bank to the credit of the Society. Mr. George Eraser said he had been formerly secretary of the Society and custodian of the books. The pass-book of the Savings Bank showed that there was a sum of £66 10s. 3d. in the bank to the credit of the Society up to the end of last year. The Society was instituted in 1851, and was allowed to < lapse at the end of 1859. By the rules, a person to be eligible for admission as a member of the Society must be a native of Scotland, or the son, grandson, or husband of a native of Scotland. The principal objects of the Society were the promotion of education, the granting of pecuniary aid to deserving persons who might wish to emigrate, the rendering of assistance to such on their arrival in the colony j the communication of information as to the state and prospects of the province to influential persons and societies in Scotland, with the view to the benefit of intending emigrants ; the revival of old associations, ami affording such charitable relief as its funds might permit to natives of Scotland and their descendants resident in Auckland. The entrance fee was 2s. 6d.,andtheannualsubscriptionlos. l pajablein equal sums quarterly. He would like to know if there were any grounds for believing that the Sooiety, if resuscitated, would be supported at the present time. Mr. Archibald M aophbrson believed the Society would be well supported. Mr. Axeiandbb Wright expressed a similar opinion. Several persons had expressed a wish that the Society should be revived. He proposed, * • That the Society be revived, and that the former rules be adhered to in the meantime." Mr. Gborgi Fraser seconded the motion, which wm unanimously carried.

Mr. Fbaser proposed the election of Mr. Junes George as President of the Society. Mr. Maopherson seconded the proposition, which wti carried unanimously. The Chairman expressed his thanks for their kindness, and the confidence they had reposed in him by placing him in that honourable position. He would endeavour to promote the success of the Society by every means in his power. It was the duty of every Scotchman to assist the Society, and he trusted it would be carried out successfully. Mr. Frasbr consented to act as Secretary. Mr* Maofhbrsok proposed the election of Mr. William ftattray, Shoctland-street, as Treasurer. That gentleman had taken a deep interest in the Society when it was^in operation, and would do all he could now to assist it. Mr. Fbaskr seconded the proposition. He observed that Mr. Rattray had promised to give the Society his best support. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Maophersok proposed, and Mr. Wright seconded, the appointment of Mr. A. Beveridge as Vice- President of (the Sooiety, which was unanimously carried. Mr. Beveridgb said he would be very glad to give every assistance he could to forward the welfare of the Sooiety. He had heard very many persons speak of the desirability of reviving the Society. He was glad to see that it was to be resuscitated, and he had no doubt great benefit would result from it if properly carried out.

COMMETTJIE. The following gentlemen were elected as the committee : — Meisrs. James Smart, Archibald Maspherson, Alexander Wright, Roderick McKay, and John Ogilvie.

RULES OF THE SOCIBTT. On the motion of Mr. Bevjsridge, seconded by Mr. McDonald, the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer were appointed a committee to revise the rules, and make any suggestions for carrying out the objecbs oi the Society, and to report to a future meeting. The Secretary was instructed to convene a meeting at an early date ; and, after passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting separated.