NELSON INSTITUTE.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 59, 23 July 1859, Page 2

NELSON INSTITUTE.

The half yearly general meeting of the members of the Nelson Institute took place, in the Reading Room, on Tuesday evening ; H. Adams, Esq., the President, in the chair.

The Secretary road the following Report : — "In presenting the first half-yearly Report of the Nelson Institute, your Committee have to congratulate the members on the increase in the number of subscribers which has taken place since the Institution has been remodelled under the present system ; while the good attendance at the reading room, and the great demands upon the library, testify to the fact of the increased popularity of the Institute, far better than any assertions of your Committee can do. " The number of subscribers last year, including life members, was 109 ; the present number of subscribers is 189, showing an increase of 80 during the past half year. This increase in the number of members is no doubt owing, in some measure, to the reduction in the rate of subscription ; butit may also be attributed to the increased accommodation afforded, to the additions to the library, to the popularising of the Institution by means of lectures and discussion classes, and to the proposed enlargement and extension of the Institute. " Several lectures have been delivered during the half year, the attendance at which on each occasion has proved that both the public and the members of the Institute highly appreciate the advantages of thi3 class of intellectual entertainment. The Committee hope, during the ensuing half year, to be favoured with such assistance as shall enable them to make the lectures a still more prominent feature in the proceedings of the Institute. " A discussion class has been established within the last few months ; and with the increased facilities which a new building will afford, this also will probably prove of great advantage, especially to the younger members who are desirous of qualifying themselves for a position in public life. " Your Committee have been so impressed with the want, of accommodation which the present building affords, that they have caused designs to be prepared, and have invited tenders for the erection of an Institute, which shall be more worthy of its name, and of the increased importance of the City of Nelson : and have already accepted tenders for the foundation and brick work. .

"It is found, however, that the cost of this building will exceed the funds at the command of the Committee by about £500, and they appeal to the members with confidence, feeling assured that they will not hesitate to contribute towards the completion of a building that is destined to confer such inrecased advantages. " As will be seen by the plans of the new building, it will include a public Museum ; and the Committee trust that the members of the Institute will not neglect any opportunity that may offer of procuring andpreserving specimens, &c., illustrative of the natural history of this colony. "The Trustees of the Nelson Trust Funds have, at the solicitation of the Committee, agreed ,to assist them in erecting suitable buildings by granting a loan of £300 for seven years, without interest. They have also invested £150 in the purchase of philosophical instruments, which are to be placed in the charge and to be at the service of the Institute."

The adoption of the report was agreed to by the meeting 5 and Messrs. Nash, Levien, and Hayß were appointed auditors of the accounts for the present year. Some conversation ensued with reference to the proposed new building ; and it appeared to be the wish of the subscribers that the Committee should lose no time in commencing building operations. It was announced also that upwards of £70 had been subscribed to the building fund, and hopes were entertained of the required amount being readily contributed by the public.