PROPOSED AUCKLAND ATHENÆUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4637, 23 September 1876, Page 6

PROPOSED AUCKLAND ATHENÆUM.

A atertin'g of the provisional directors of the proposed Auckland Athenaeum was held in the Board-room of the New Zealand Insurance Company j'esterday afternoon, to take further steps for the establishment of the Athenaeum. There were about 15 directors present. The meeting was convened for three o'clock, but the proceedings did not commence till about a quarter to four. Mr. J. M. Shera was voted into the chair. The Chairman first read the notice convening the meeting. He then read letters of apology from Colonel Haul tain, and Mr. J. E. Pounds, respectively, expressing their regret at their inability to attend the meeting from press of other engagements. An anonymous letter, protesting against a premium for award being granted to any competitor whose design for the Athenaeum does not include all the specified accommodation in the building was read by the Chairman. This letter was signed " Competitor, Star Office." A somewhat similar letter, from Mr. T. B. Cameron, was read by the Chairman. Mr. Cameron objected to either of the designs, marked "E. K.," and " Fido," being awarded prizes, until tenders were called to ascertain whether the building could be completed for the stipulated sum, or a sum less than that specified by the design marked " Hope." The Chairman wished to know what course the directors wished to pursue— ■whether upon personal responsibility, or Whether they intended to form a company according to the prospectus. Captain Bdrton said that, as he intended to leave for England on Monday next, he thought it was most desirable to call the provisional directors together to have a preliminary talk over the matter of the proposed Athenaeum. The purpose for which it was intended to establish such an institution was fully set forth in-the prospectus, w.ich was now in the hands of each of the directors. An Athenaeum was greatly needed in Auckland, and he hoped that no apathy would be displayed in taking the necessary steps for its establishment. He had already succeeded in obtaining upwards of 700 subscribing members, and many more could yet be procured. The provisional directory, he might say, was a thoroughly representative directory for the city, which in itself was no small consideration in reference to the project. A site in Shortland-street, with good and substantial foundations whereon to erect a suitable superstructure, had also b°en placed at the disposal of the directors, after they had applied to the owners thereof for the Bum of £2000. The foundations, which originally cost £1500, were as substantial as over they were, and the price asked for them, including the site, was quite reasonable. Plans for the building bad been selected from competitive designs by the judges appointed for that purOse —namely, Dr. Campbell and Mr. J. M. Clark, and it would thus be seen that matters were, so far, in a satisfactory state. With regard to amalgamation with the Mechanics' Institute, he might state that that institution had unanimously resolved to recommend to its subscribers the propriety of casting in their lot with the Athenaeum ; and so soon as the Institute knew that the establishment of the AthenMm was finally determined upon, the Managing Committee of the Institute would make arrangements for the disposal of the property attached to it, and appropriate the proceeds thereof by way of loan to the Athensenm, upon such terms as could not be objected to. The sole object of the promoters of the Athenseum was to improve what might be termed "a dead horse." Tho Mechanics' Institute had done its work, in its own day, but that day was now past, and something better was needed. The Freemasons would be a material help to the Athenaeum, to whom, as permanent tenants of the institution, complete accommodation would 'be provided at a reasonable rent. What, then, with the co-operation of the Mechanics' Institute and the Masonic .body, the Athenaeum would be strongly and permanently supported. With regard to the proidrty of the Mechanics' Institute, it" was found necessary to consult Mrw Whitaker on the subject, and that cgendi'man had given his advice thereon. Capt. Burton then read a letter from Mr. Whitaker, stating that it would he necessary to ob£ain a special Act of Parliament to authorise the disposal'of the property, which Act he did not-'think-could be introduced and passed this session, owing to the large amount ofiother- legislation *that would have to be gone-through. MxvAVhitaker expressed his approval of the proposed amalgamation, and stated that on his return to Auckland he wouldi- 1 render what aiii ho could in furtherance of the: project.' lio (Captam Burton) wonldnow suggest that.aisub-cotnmittee of the provisional directors be appointed'to take the matter of the Athenaaum in hand, with a view to the establishment of wefal an institution as soon- as possible.' I'

He thought that a small, committee would work better than a large one. It was also necessary that a secretary to the direotors should be aprointed in his (Captain Burton's)"room, and he was glad to be in a position'to state that Capt. Harrison would coneent to act in that capacity. He had. received a communication from Captain Harrison, stating that he would jointly perform the duties of secretary with Mr. Weston— the latter gentleman being willing to do so also [Captain Burton here read Captain Harrison's letter, in which the latter gentleman, besides expressing his willingness to act as secretary, suggested that only halt the capital of the proponed Athemeutn Company should be called up at present.] Captain Burton stated that he had received copies of the rules and regulations of the Geelong, Dunedin, Invercargill, andother Athenceums, and these weru, without exception, in a flourishing state. In these rules and regulations many useful hints could be obtained for the Auckland Athenaeum. It had occurred to him (Captain Burton) that by a simple arrangement members of one Athenleum paying their yearly subscriptions might, (.it tuey lemoved to a town or district where there was a similar institution, migtit be received as inembera of suuh institution, without becoming a subscriber to it afresh, which would be an advantage of no small consideration. He earnestly hoped that the project of founding the Atheiueum would not be allowed to collapse, seeing that, so far, success had attended the efforts that had been put forth in that direction. In bringing his remarks to a close, he would urge the appointment of a sub committee, as, if the affair was left to a large number of people, it would, he feared, not be so well attended to as its importance demanded. Dr. K Lis then moved that the awards of the judges, in reference to the designs, be approved of by the provisional directors. Mr. Co.sqra.ve seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. G. S. OfiAUAM said that a cordial vote of thanks was due to Captain Burton for the valuable services he had rendered to tho Athenjeum project. It was undeniable that Captain Burton had put forth every effort to further the object, and thus to place at the disposal of the public an institution that was much needed, aad it was much to be regretted that they were losing so energetic a promoter of the Athenseum. He (Captain Burton) would no doubt, however, come back to New Zealand, and accord that support to the Athenasum in time to come which he had already done. He (Mr. Graham) had been one' of the most prominent of the promoters of the Mechanics' Institute many years, and he was now prepared to aid the Athemeum by taking ten shares in the concern, which he hoped would prosper. There being 750 members to start with, he hoped that the project would not be allowed to collapse, as they m>ght rest assured that sufficient capital could be obtained to iloat the company. He then proposed that a subcommittee, composed of the provisional directors, be appointed to carry out the object of the prospectus, such committee to consist of Dr. Campbell, Dr. Ellis, Colonel tlaultain, Messrs. J. M. Clark, S. M. Shera, B. Ireland, G. J. Pierce, J. E. Pounds, and G. S. Graham, —• -s

Mr. Mqss seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Graham proposed a vote of thanks to Capt. Burton for hitherto acting as secretary to the directors, as well as for his untiring efforts in promoting the establishment of the Athemeum. Nothing would give Captain Burton greater pleasure than to see the institution in a most flourishing state on his return from England. Mr. Moss seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. On the motion of Mr. Pierce, Mr. Shera was appointed convener of the committee. 'Japt. Burton proposed a vote o£ thanks to the Auckland Press, from which he had invariably received hearty co-operation in the furtherance of the Athen.-eum. He felt he was under an obligation to the Press, and wished it to be known that he was. The motion being seconded and carried, a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.