CHRISTCHURCH MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 685, 1 June 1859, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

A public meeting was held on Thursday evening last, the 26th ult., in the Odd Fellows' Hall, Lichfleld street, Christchurch, to consider the best means of establishing a Mechanics' Institute for the town • Mr. John Hall in the chair. The meeting was well attended.

Mr. Hal& opened the proceedings by briefly explaining the objects of the meeting. He also read several letters from gentlemen unable to attend, one being from Mr. J. Brittan, another from Mr. Wm Thomson.

The Rev. C. Frazer then rose to move the first resolution, in doing which he dwelt upon the hieli objectsand great .utility of such institutions, in a speech of some length, marked by many expressions of-applause from the audience. The resolution was as. follows:—" Iliat this meeting, being desirous to promote the social, moral, and intellectual welfare ot the community, considers it expedient that a Mechanics' Institute be at once established in Umstchurch; and that, in order to render the same both popular and useful, it is highly necessary that it should be conducted on the most liberal principles, and the easiest terms consistent with its efficiency." lhe resolution was seconded by the Rev. C. Alabaster, with a few telling remarks. Mr. C. J. lUI2 rose to explain briefly the objects ot the promoters of the meeting. This explanation was rendered necessary by the tenour of the letters read from the chair, and also on account of some remarks which had fallen from Mr. flail from which the idea'might be formed that the present

scheme of founding a Mechanics' Institute was cot up as a rival scheme to one advertised in connection with the Town Hall. Mr. Rae stated that the object of those who now moved in the matter wa3 reallyto give a truly public character to the undertakinEand he expressed the desire of himself and his CO j! leagues to assist in establishing one, and one only Mr. HiTOiiENS said a few words in favour of tlio resolution. v

Mr. J. Bealey wished to elicit some information as to the best manner of avoiding a collision with the promoters of the Town Hall scheme, in whip he anticipated some difficulty. The Eev. C. Fkazer and others suggested ami discussed the propriety of conferring with tin gentlemen who took a leading part in endeavouring to establish an institute in connection with thp Town Hall. . The resolution proposed was then rmf and carried. l The Eev. H. Jacobs then moved the following re solution c—"That in order to carry out thoforemrinir resolution, a provisional committee of thirteen be eler ted by this meeting, to draw up the rules necessary for the governing of this institute, and to confer with the promoters of the scheme in connection with the Town Hall, for the purpose of securing united action The committee to consist of the following gentlemen* viz.—The Eevs. C. Alabaster, C. Eraser, T. r' Fisher, Messrs. T. Kitchens, F. Thompson, E. Davis Joynt, Barnard, HarringtOD, Brook 3, Connell' Mowritz and Rae." '

Seconded by Mr. F. Thompson, and carried unanimously.

Mr. T. Kitchens then proposed and Dr. Turnbuir seconded the following resolution :—" That the following gentlemen be requested to act as Trustees, to receive donations of books, maps, or money, on behalf of the institution, viz.—His Honor the Superintendent, Eevs. C. Alabaster, H. Jacobs, J. Aldred, Sir M. LeFleming, Captain Westenra, Messrs. J. Hall, J. Ollivier, and J.JBrittan."

The following resolution was then adopted, being moved by Mr. Barnard, and seconded by Mr. Mouritz :—"That this meeting, stand adjourned until Thursday, 9th June, to receive the report of the Provisional Committee, to take subscribers' names, and to elect officers for the ensuing year."

Thanks were then given to the promoters of the meeting, to the City of Christclmrch Lodge of Odd Fellows for their kindness in allowing the free use of the hall, (acknowledged by Mr. T. Kent,) and to the Chairman. At the close of the proceedings upwards of fifty names were taken down as subscribers ; and the meeting then separated.