THE JOURNALISTS’ INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1215, 14 June 1895, Page 19

THE JOURNALISTS’ INSTITUTE.

The annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists took place on Tuesday afternoon in the United Press Association’s rooms. Mr W. 11. Atack in the cliair. A. letter was read from Mr E. T. Gillon (the retiring chairman) apologising for inability to be present and tendering thanks to members for their courtesy towards him during his term of office. The annual report was road by the lion, secretary (Mr H. R. Dix). It congratulates the members upon f the steady,though naturally anything but rapid progress of the branch.” During the year one member resigned and seven (including a junior associate) joined, making the nominal strength 56 as against 51 last year, but then there are several members out of compliance. No levy had been made on the funds during the year for the relief of any member, but two impecunious pressmen from other parts of the colonics (not members of the Institute) received small advances to enable them to proceed els 3where. Reference is made to the demise of the Evening Press, and to the annual " social ” of the branch. Mr Gillon had signified that he would not seek re-election as chairman, and had nominated Mr Atack as his successor. Mr R. C. Harding nominated Mr R. A. Loughnan, but Mr Loughnan declined to stand, being indisposed to oppose the retiring chairman’s nomination. Mr Atack was, therefore, in the absence of any other nomination ipso facto elected, and on the same ground Mr Ilott stands elected as hon treasurer. There is a balance in hand of £l7 5s 7d. The hon. treasurer (Mr W. H. Atack) then supplemented the secretary’s report with a financial statement. After a discussion upon certain matters arising out of the report, both report and balancesheet were adopted. On the motion of Mr J. M. Geddis, seconded by Mr C. Wilson, the secretary was instructed to send a

letter to the retiring chairrtfrtti expressing the regret of the branch at his resignation, expressing sympathy with him ill the? cause (impaired health), and conveying cordial thanks for his past services. Mr J. Ilott, being the only person nominated for the position of lion treasurer, was declared duly elected, and Mr H. R. Dix was reelected hon. secretary, while the election of a chairman was held over for a further meeting. The following were elected the committee :—Messrs W. 11. A tack, J. Duigan (Wanganui), J. M. Geddis, J. R. Gibbons, E. T. Gillon, R. C. Harding, R. A. Loughnan, W. C. Marter, J. W. McDougall (Napier) and W. H. Seft’ern (New Plymouth). Messrs W. H. Atack, R. A. Loughnan, E. T. Gillon, C. Wilson, J.£M. Geddis and W. 11. J. Setfern were elected delegates to the Council of the Institute, and Messrs F. W. Weston and George Humphries were appointed to exercise the. votes of the branch on behalf of absent members. Mr M. C. Hickey was elected a member of the branch. It was resolved to hold a special meeting on Monday, Bfch July, to elect a chairman, consider alterations to by-laws, deal with the question of a social gathering, and discuss any other business that may be set down.