AUCKLAND ATRENÆUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7660, 10 June 1886, Page 5

AUCKLAND ATRENÆUM.

Last night a meeting of gentlemen interested in establishing an institution for the interchange of opinion on matters relating to politics, literature and art waa held at Robson'e Diningrooms, Queen-street, the Mayor presiding. There was an attendance of about forty. Tha Mayor, in opening the proceedings, eaid ho waa glad tu see that there were as many present as had been anticipated. He explained that the object of the meeting was to establish a society to be called the Auckland Athena-um. They were aware that the old Parliamentary Union had ceased to exist, and some gentlemen were desirous of forming a society on something the eame lines. Dr. Murray Moore, who had paid considerable attention to the matter, would explain their objects more fully. Dr. Murray Moore then moved, " That an institution for the interchange of opinion upon matters relating to politics, literature, and art be formed uuder the name of the Auckland Atlienicnm.' Ever since he had been in Auckland he had been desirous of seeing the establishment of such a society, to have debates, and occasional reading of essays on a broad basis, not confined to any particular party or Church. They wished to have a free interchange of opinion on all interesting questions in politics, literature, and art. There had been a general agreement among those to whom he had spoken as to the desirability of such an institution. They had been found fault with lately for having no pnblic opinion in Auckland, and he thought that such an institution would enable them to form such an opinion, and to be able to form a mature judgment on the statements made to them of euch a divergent character by leading statesmen like Sir G. Grey, Sir J. Vogel, and Major Atkinson. They wished to disclaim any opposition to the Auckland Institute, which was now startiug on a career of wider public usefulness, than hitherto. Thirty-four names of gentlemen wishful to become members had been already sent in. Mr. E. W. Burton seconded the resolution, which, was unanimously carried. Mr. McCullough moved that a committee be formed for the purpose of drafting rulee to be submitted at a future meeting. Mr. J. K. Debney seconded the motion, which was carried, the following gentlemen being appointed members of the committee : The Mayor, Drs. M. Moore. Lawry, Messrs. Benton, Debney, E. Bell, P. A. Philips, G. M. Reed, G. M. Main, J. M. Geddes, W. Cooper, Rev. D. Brace, Messrs. McCullough. J. M. Lennox, J. Buchanan, and W. F. Hammond. Letters of apology for non-attendance and offeri of assistance were read from Professor Poenett, Mr. W. F. Hammond, and the Rev. C. M. Nelson. It was resolved that all present should be considered members of the institution on payment of the proposed subscription of 10s. A number of names of intending members were taken at the close of the meeting, . making the total number 57.