THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14302, 23 February 1910, Page 8

THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.

The first annual meeting of the Citizens* League was held in '.the.' Chamber of Commerce last evening. There was a good attendance of members, Mr. C. P. Murdoch occupied the chair. In moving that the report and balance-sheet, showing a : credit balance of £67 3s 6d, be adopted, the chairman congratulated the league on the good work done during the first year, all matters taken un having been carried to a successful issue. He said the league was in readiness for action and was prepared to move in any public matter which is likely to affect the welfare of the city and port. The election of officers was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows: Patron, Mr. L. J. Bagnall; president, .Mr. W. .1- Ralph; vice-presidents, Messrs. G. L. Peacockc, Fred. Earl, Henry Shaw. R. Wright, H. E. Partridge, 11. C. Ohoyce, C. P. -Murdoch, Arnold Barter, W. Duncan. J. Kncen,.,.T.. M. ■ Mennie. J, .7. Holland, W. C. Somers, T. H. White, Colonel G. W. S. Patterson, and Dr. King: committee, .Messrs. J. M. Moran. M. J. Bennett, R. (J. Macky, J. T. O'Brien, G. Donaldson. C. Seagar, W. E. Hackett, F. Kearsley, F. E. N. Gatidin, A. T. Coppard, Maurice Foley, 11. L. Wade, K. Burke. T. Davis, J. Chalmers, M. J. Sheahan, D. Flynn, J. Harrison hon. treasurer, L. W. D. Andrews; secretary, R. A. Armstrong. Mr. Ralph, in taking the chair, referred to the necessity of a broad-minded and intelligent organisation, which would contribute to municipal, social, and national progress. Ho particularly urged the importance of opening up the Crown and native lands in the Auckland province, ami, incidentally referring to the advent of the P. and 0. steamers and the direct cargo boats to London, said that if "these lands were settled the commerce of Auckland and tfs port would increase beyond measure.

Mr. L. .7. Bagnall, in a brief speech, acknowledged the usefulness of the league, and said any organisation that tended to remove apathy ami inspire citizens with * proncr conception of their duty should •..bo encouraged. Ho drew attention to the altered constitution of the Hospital amd Charitable Aid Board, the election in conection with which takes place next month, when, for the tirst time the members are to he elected by the ratepayers. Mr. -I. M. Monnie, in dealing with Harbour Board and City Council matters and the public attitude of criticism, emphasised the necessity of some organisation'• that would provide opportunities for those holding public positions to communicate their views to the community, and he was pleased to see that in the Citizens' League them was the nucleus of such an organisation. On the motion of Mr. ,7. J. Holland vote of thanks to tho chairman was carried.