LYTTELTON COLONISTS' SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 128, 9 October 1868, Page 2

LYTTELTON COLONISTS' SOCIETY.

* The annual meeting of the members of this society took placo last evening, in the large hall of the institution. There was a good attendance of members. The chair was occupied by Dr Donald, the President of the society. The minutes of the last general meeting were read by the Secretary and confirmed. The President read the report of the officers for the past year. The Treasurer, Mr Balestiee, read his financial statement, which showed that during the past year tbe sum of £1462 16s lOd had been received and expended, leaving a balance at the time the statement was made up of -£85 Os 7d. He was sorry to say, however, that certain sums were due, which would reduce this amount to £25. Their expenditure at the present time was greater than their income ; it would rest with the members to decide whether they would curtail their expenditure in any way during the ensuing year. The President said the next business was the election of officers for the ensuing year. There were five gentlemen nominated for the position of President — Dr Donald, Dr J. T. Rouse, Capt. F. D. Gibson, Rev. J. D. Ferguson, T. Merson. Dr Rouse rose and said he had been nominated without being consulted in the matter. However much he might covet the position, he was sorry to say he could not devote the time required to it. He thanked the gentlemen who had proposed him, but must decline this year. Captain Gibson said he felt flattered by being nominated ; but he had distinctly stated that he would not stand for election. He wished to see new blood introduced into the society, and muat decline the honour with thanks. A ballot was then taken, Dr Rouse and Captain Gibson acting as scrutineers, when Dr Donald was re-elected President. Dr Donald returned thanks for the high honour done him. He always held it to be a duty for him not to refuse any office offered him by his fellow townsmen. By placing him at the head of the list, he was fully assured that they were satisfied with what he had done during the past year. The next business was the election of VicePresident; there were three nominations: — T 4 Merson, H. R. Webb, and C. W. H. Woledge. Mr Merson was elected, and returned thanks for the honour done him. Mr J. L. Balestiee was unanimously reelected treasurer. Mr J. Carder was elected secretary. The President passed a high compliment on this gentleman's conduct during the past year, in assisting the society, and mentioned more particularly the winter readings, in which he had done so much towards making them a success. Mr Roper rose and said that he wished something more than a vote of thanks to be pissed. He proposed that an entertainment be got up for Mr Carder's benefit. Mr Carder said he was much obliged to Mr Roper for his kindness, but must decline anything of the sort. What he had done during the past year was for the good of the society. The treasurer had stated that there was a debt on the Society, and he hoped that in another year they would be free of this. ■ c sincerely thinked the members for their kind appreciation of his services during the past year. The election of committee was next proceeded with. The following gentlemen were elected. Messrs Willcox, Hawkins, K. England, Lanauze, Rouse, Woledge, Ward, Wilkin, Ferguson, Thomson, Nalder, and Cuff. Mr Godfrey was elected librarian. Dr Donald proposed and Mr Graham seconded that Lord Lyttelton and Mr Selfe be elected honorary members of the Institution, which was carried unanimously. Mr Willcox said it was usual at these meetings to pass a vote of thanks to those gentlemen who had given contributions during the past year. The President read tbe list of donors as stated in the report. On the motion of Mr Willcox, seconded by Mr Merson, it was resolved that%. cordial vote of thanks be given to the donors, and that the same be entered on tbe minutes. ■*i,Mr Balestiee brought forward the subject of allowing smoking in the reading room, and argued that it would induce many to attend if they were allowed to enjoy the weed.

This was strenuously opposed by nearly all the members present. -""Mr Ward moved-the^following resolution, which waa carried — " That when the funds of the Society will allow, the committee be requested to take into consideration whether it would be advisable tb erect a smoking 'room^J On the motion of Mr Roper, seconded By Mr Cuff, it was resolved and carried by acclamation that a vote of thanks be given to the retiring members. Captain Gibsen returned thanks and hoped the society would progress.