TOWN HALL AND INSTITUTE FOR NORMANBY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 14, 29 May 1880, Page 3

TOWN HALL AND INSTITUTE FOR NORMANBY.

A meeting of persons favorable to the •erection of a Town Hall and Institute was held at Normanby on Wednesday evening, and, although the weather was anything but favorable to a large gathering, «bout fifteen or sixteen gentlemen attended. On the motion of Mr. Wreford, seconded by Mr. F. H. Brett, the chair was taken by Mr. C. E. Gibson, who explained the objects for which the meeting Bad been called. The Chairman said he •would like to have seen a fuller meeting, but as there were' some friends from Hawera present, he thought it would be a pity to adjourn it. There could be no doubt that Normanby had advanced to such a stage as to justify the building of a Town Hall and Institute. The population of Normanby and the vicinity was nearly 500, and the number was increasing every day. Mr. Hurst, of Wellington, had promised a suitable site, and it rested with themselves as to whether they should put up a suitable building. Mr. Wreford stated that at last meeting he had been deputed to see Mr. Bate, who was one of the promoters of the Town Hall at Hawera, and that gentleman had kindly come over to the meeting, and would give them any information in his power. Mr. Bate said that, in the first instance, they called a meeting in Hawera, and passed a resolution that a Town Hall i should be built. They thought they should have a capital of £600 — not that they expected they would have to call up the full amount, but they considered the shares might sell well afterwards, through having the capital stated at that amount. They elected seven provisional directors, who canvassed the district, and got 250 shares taken up. The contract for the building was let at £400. The first expenses were rather heavy ; the solicitor's fees amounted to about £30, and they had to get a stamp which cost £10. When the building was erected, it was mortgaged for £800. They had some money left after paying the contractor, but a good deal had to be spent in decorations, lamps, fittings, &c. The building, as it stood, cost about £550.

The Chairman — It has been proposed to amalgamate the Town Hall and Institute. Do you think, Mr. Bate, the two would work together ? Mr. Bate — I think they would not. An argument against the reading room would he that it would not be suitable for any purpose except a library. Mr. Quin— -If the Town Hall at Hawera had been constructed at much less expense, would it not have answered just as well? . * Mr. Bate — Yes, it would; but then it would cost so much more to enlarge it afterwards, when it became necessary. Mr. Dacre asked, if they devoted the building for the purposes of a iree library, whether they would not get a subsidy towards it from the Education Board ?

Mr. Bate — Yes ; but only towards providing periodicals and newspapers. The Chairman — Do you think the two things (the Town Hall and Institute) would be better kept apart ?

Mr. Bate — Yes. For the present, the reading room might be in the Town Hall, until such time as the residents can "build an Institute. But the shoreholders might get at loggerheads with the public. The Chairman asked on what conditions Mr. Hurst would give the land ? Mr. Wreford said that they were anxious to get a section of ground to erect a Library, and in the course of time they might be able to erect a Town Hall. Mr. Hurst said they could have a section of his land for the purpose.

The Chairman — In the event of a company being formed, would Mr. Hurst hand over the section unfettered from any conditions ?

Mr. Wreford thought not. The deed was already prepared, in the names of Messrs Morrison, T. Bobson, and Hunger. Mr. Bobson said, if they put up a Town Hall, they would not be able to get a subsidy towards it. They had a reading room at the Lower Hutt, which was used for public meetings when required, and it answered all purposes. The Chairman—Would it not interfere with raising money on mortgage if the property is vested in trustees ? Mr. Bate thought it would, because the shareholders would actually have no property to offer as security. Mr. Quin asked where the section which had been offered by Mr. Hurst was situated ?

Mr. Wreford — Next to the police station — on the northern side.

Mr. Quin thought the Town Hall and Institute ought to be combined, but too large a place ought not to be put up. One large room, two ante-rooms, and a gallery, which might be built at once or afterTvards, would be quite sufficient. He 'considered that, with the present price of timber, £400 would be enough to erect a Touilding for their requirements. The Chairman pointed out that in the ■event of the library being brought under the Public Libraries Act, it must be clearly understood that the building would have to be always open to the public. In answer to a question, Mr. Wreford stated that £26 had been already promised towards a library. After some further discussion, it was proposed by the chairman, and seconded by Mr. Lockington, — " That a company be formed, with a capital of £600, in £1 shares, to be called • The Normanby Town Hall Company (Limited), 1 for the purpose of erecting a building for public entertainments, reading room, library, &c." The resolution was unanimously assented to.

Mr. Dacre proposed, and the chairman seconded, — "That the following gentlemen be appointed pro-visional directors, with power to Add to their btubber: — Messrs. 0. H. Beresfotd, W. Lockington,

J. Robson, T. Robson, R. Dacre, J. Morrison, F. H. Brett, F. Hunger, C. E. Gibson, and D. McGregor."— Carried. It was suggested that Mr. Quin's name should be added, but that gentleman stated that business would compel him to go to Southland for some time. Mr. Brett proposed, and Mr. F. Hunger seconded,— " That the bankers of the company be the Bank of New Zealand, No.manby, and that Mr. C. R. Wreford be appointed secretary pro tern." — Carried. Mr. Lockington proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Bate and the representative of the Star for attending, which was carried.

A meeting of the provisional directors was afterwards held, and Mr. Gibson was elected chairman. Messrs. Gibson, Hunger, Dacre, and Lockington were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a prospectus.