YOUNG MEN’S CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2634, 15 September 1882, Page 3

YOUNG MEN’S CLUB.

A meeting of the committee of the above was held last evening at the City Council Chamber*. Present His Worship the Mayor (in the chair). Very Bov. the Dean of Christchurch, Eev. O. Eraser, Messrs Hogben, Malcolm, H. W. Packer, and Griffiths (hon. sec.). A letter was read from Messrs J. H. Twontyman and Cousin, stating that as the association bad identified itself with the Freethought Association, the avowed enemies of God and religion, they would not give the association their support or countenance. The Yery Bev the Dean said that ho regretted very much that this have occurred. He bad explained the circumstances of the case to Mr Twentyman. It was this, that while waiting for the meeting in the ante room Mr Levy came over and said that there were some thirty young men at the Freethought Hall who would like to come over. The individual members of the committee, as individuals, Messrs March and Fraser, went over to the hall and explained the objects of the Young Men’s Club. The managing committee was not now composed of the same individuals, and he thought that it was much to be regretted that, after the explanation he had given to Mr Twentyman, he should have repeated it in writing. He would move “ That Mr Twentyman’s letter be answered to the effect that the committee of management of the Young Men’s Club Association beg distinctly to repudiate the charge that tho_ movement is in any way identified or in the remotest degree connected with the Freethought Association, and they regret very much that Messrs Twentyman and Cousin should endeavor to hinder the good work by an injurious statement, of the groundlessness of which the head of the firm had already been assured." Eev. Charles Fraser said the committee, who had visited the hall, were not in the slightest degree aware of the character of the meeting of young men over the way. The word freethought was never mentioned, and he was quite unaware of the connection of the meeting of young men therewith. Mi- Malcolm asked whether the gentlemen mentioned were a deputation appointed by the meeting. Rev. Mr Fraser said not, the meeting was at an end. He should like to see the resolution of the Dean contain the words “ That the committee repudiated the assertion." His Worship the Mayor said that he had gone over to the Freethought Hall under the impression that the meeting was that of a political association. He could not see how any exception could be taken to the admission of any persons whatever might be their sect. He understood that the Young Men’s Club was entirely unseotarian, and, therefore, even supposing that the deputation had gone officially there could be no objection. Mr Griffiths said at the meeting of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Friday last, Messrs Heywood and Hargreaves criticised the Young Men’s Club adversely in the same terms as contained in Mr Twentyman’s letter. Mr Hogben stated that ho also had been spoken to on the subject. Mr Malcolm laid that for some reason or other there was a consensus of opinion in Christchurch that they had identified themselves with the Freethought Association. After some further discussion, the motion was put and carried unanimously. The Secretary stated that Professors Biokerton and Hutton had expressed their willingness to help on the movement so far as they could. Mr Seager had also notified his willingness to assist in entertainments, and Mr Stansell had given his services towards the formation of singing classes. The details of the opening night were given by the secretary and Mr Hogben. Mr Malcolm said that Professor Hutton had consented to give six lectures on phy Biology, and also to extend them on other subjects. [Hear, hear.] Bev. 0. Fraser said that he would move—- “ That the Very Bev. the Dean be requested to open the proceedings on the opening night by a short address explanatory of the objects of the club.’’ I Mr Malcolm seconded the motion, which was carried. On the motion of the Tery Bev. the Dean, Mr H. W. Packer was elected as treasurer. It was resolved that in future the committee meetings be held on Thursday evenings at S p.m., in the class room of the elub at the Temperance Hotel. The Treasurer, Mr H. W. Packer, men--1 tioned that his Worship the Mayor had made i a donation of £5 6s to the funds of the club. After the transaction of some further f routine business, the meeting adjourned till Thursday next.