MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 33, 18 May 1863, Page 3

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

In accordance with the advertisemont, a public meeting was held on Friday , 15th inst, at 7 o'clock in the evening. The meeting was not numerously attended, partly owing to the unfavorable state of the weather. Amongst other gentlemen present we observed Messrs. Calder, Beavan, Clarke, Marchant Lockhart, Perkins, Nichol, Denison, Geisow, Elburn, &c. Mf Beavan having been unanimously called to the Chair, opened the business by reading the advertisement convening the meeting. By a rule of the Institution, it was arranged that four out of eight of the Committee should retire at the close of their year of office, the four natres to be determined by lot. It was doubtful whether the necessary number of subscribers (13), to constitute a general meeting, were then present, or whether it would be advisable to postpone the meeting. The trial by lot having been made by the Secretary, the following four gentlemen retired : — Messrs Calder, Blacklock, Heale and Lockhart. By reference to the minutes, it was ascertained that the Provisional Committee had been chosen on 9th May, 1862, consequently their year of office had just expired. It was decided that if all the gentlemen present were subscribers, the attendance would be sufficient for the purpose of the meeting ; most of those present accordingly, gave in their names as subscribers. The terms of subscription were stated to be £1 annually. Another gentleman on the Committee, Mr G. M. K. Clarke, had resigned — thus there were five vacancies to be filled ; the names remaining still on the Committee were, Messrs. Grant, ana T. M. Clarke.

Mr Calder suggested that, before proceeding to the election ot a Secretary for the ensuing year, it would only be just to consider what remuneration should be offered to the present secretary, for the trouble already incurred in the past year. He had been mucU gratified and surprised at witnessing the amount of close attention and active exertion, that Mr Hunter had bestowed on. this Institution, amidst the pressure of his multifarious duties and engagements. Proposed— That the salary of the Secretary under present circumstances be £25 annually, as a slight acknowledgement of the trouble and labor which devolve almost entirely upon the Secretary. Mr Hunter felt grateful for the compliment bestowed upon him, and under the embarrasment of its present circumstances, had ■considered it no more than his duty to use his best exertion for so useful an Institution.

Mr Clarke enquired if this was not a question to be decided by the Committee v.hen they had learnt the state of the finances ?

The Chairman thought that, as the power of election was with the general meeting, so was the decision of this matter also.

Mr Geisow seconded the above motion, which was carried.

Mr Calder proposed Mr Beavan. as President, for the ensuing year. That gentleman had alredy filled the office in the past year, and had always evinced much interest in the progress of the institution, and had been, in fact, its chief originator.

Mr Geisow seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr Beavan trusted he should always take an interest in this or any other Institution of the kind, wherever he might be located. He had hoped that after the first year had got it into working order, some one else would come forward and taken up the position of President. However, as the meeting had done him that honor, he would be happy to take upon him the duties of the office.

Mr Geisow proposed Mr J. C. Hunter, as Secretary.

Seconded by Mr Calder, and earried. The following gentlemen were elected to the vacancies in the Committee: — Messrs. Heale.Geisow, Marchant, Calder and Struck. Mr T. M. Clarke proposed and Mr Geisow seconded, Mr Heale's appointment. Mr Calder proposed, and Mr Grant seconded, Mr Geisow.

Mr Geisow proposed, and Mr Calder seconded, Mr Marchant.

Mr Geisow proposed, and Mr Marchant seconded, Mr Calder.

Mr El burn proposed, and Mr Oalder secconded, Mr Strick.

The Chairman stated that the reading room would be open every week-day evening, commencing on Saturday, the 16th, to subscribers, and suggested that others should be permitted to attend, on payment of a certain sum wepkly, and that the Secretary be authorised to secure the services ot some one to keep it in order and light it up. Mr Calder suggested the use of .weekly tickets.

Mr Lockhart strongly urged the desirability of keeping the reading room open through the day. Many a steady workman would be glad during the intermission of work, to come in there to read, thereby shunning the temptations to drink, which were so abundant on every side. This matter had already been urged in Committee, the only objection laised at that time was the expense of an attendant. Prom experience on this matter, in Glasgow, Mr Lockhart did not think that the continual services of an attendant would be required, but it would be enough to look in occasionally and keep the place clean and in order. Country visitors and others should have the opportunity of entering, and a money-box be provided for the reception of any subscriptions they might chose to deposit. Mr Lockhart contended that the greatest advantages of the Institution would be lost, if only opened in the evening

The Chairman said, for the present, the reading room would be opened in the evening. And as soon as practicable, the Gommitee would be happy to take into consideration Mr Lockh art's proposal.

The Secretary reported that the Provisional Committee had nominated the following gentlemen as Trustees, whose appointment was (by rule), to be decided at the present meeting:— Messrs T. M. Clarke, Grant, and Beavan. On beins: put to the meeting, the decisioH of the Committee was unanimously ratified. The Chairman, in conclusion said, that there vfas no other business before the meeting ; he hoped those present would use their influence in getting as many new subscribers as possible. Mr Calder moved, and Mr Clarke seconded a vote of thanks to the Chair.

The meeting then broke up