GYMNASIUM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 908, 28 April 1871, Page 3

GYMNASIUM.

A public meeting, convened by advertisement, for the purpose of considering the possibility of establishing a gymnasium in the city was held at White's Hotel at 8 o'clock last night. There was a good attendance of cricketers and boating men, besides sever.il unconnected with such amusements. Mr E. S. Wilcocks was moved to the chair, and in opening the proceedings oaid that he had not expected to be called upon to preside that evening, but rather looked forward to the chair being occupied by some of the gentlemen of influence in the city who bad previously identified themselves with such matters. However, as be had taken very great interest in gymnastic exercise in his youth he had great pleasure in presiding, and should only be too glad to do anything in his power to forward such a very desirable movement as that to be discussed. If the promoters required any hints or suggestions, he would placa himself entirely at their disposal, but in the meantime, as he was ignorant of what preliminary measures had been taken, he would call upon Mr Mounier to state them to the meeting. Mr Mounier said ho had received an offer of the old gymnasium hall, opposite the Literary Institute, at a rental of £1 per week for six or twelve months. He, therefore, put down the sum of £52 for the hall, and Mr James Wood had offered to make and fit up all the apparatus shown in the plan laid upon the table, also to provide complete sets of foils and gloves for the sum of £26. Then again there would be £10 or £15 for a person to take charge of the hall, which would bring the total estimated expenditure for the first year to about £97 18s. He thus considered ] that on the most moderate calculation they could not commence operations without they bad 100 members at £1 eac'i. He was satisfied they could not make the undertaking pay with a less income than this, and he certainly considered there ought to be no difficulty in procuring it. The Chairmah said he considered it doubtful unless a peraon competent to give instruction in the varieus exercises was secured. Mr Mounier said he did not know of any one in Christchurch who possessed such qualifications, and thought they must work on as well as they could for the present with one of the older members to instruct the young ones. He had written to Messrs Snosswell and Spencer, gymnastic outfitters, London, for a catalogue of their manufactures, and to ask if they knew any person likely to come out on speculation. He had no doubt there was a good opening for an instructor of the kind, who by attending schools during the afternoons, and the gymnasium in the evening, might make a large salary. The Chairman pointed out that there were two or three items of absolutely necessary apparatus not mentioned in the plan. Mr Mounier was aware of it, but said these omissions would be rectified. The Chairman enquired what hours it was intended to have the gymnasium open. Mr Mounier said most probably from fi p.m. to 10 p.m., and that the key might be left at Mr Reader's for those who wished to visit the building during the day. The Chairman said the two hours between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. were worth three hours in the evening for exercise in gymnastic exercise. Adverting again to the question of an instructor he pointed out that one was very necessary, if only to prevent new beginners attempting too much at first,, and thereby seriously injuring themselves. He would suggest that advertisements should be in.serted in the Melbourne and Sydney papers. Mr Gordon thought it would be inadvisable to incur any responsibility, until some guarantee had been secured as to the support the gymnasium was likely to receive. He would suggest that a committee should be formed to canvass for members and subscriptions. A letter was read from Mr B. Simpson, stating that as a representative of a Sydney firm, dealing in all kinds of gymnastic apparatus, was in town, he could negotiate favourably for the supply of such things. The Chairman suggested that communication should be opened with the gentleman referred to by Mr Simpson, with a view to acquiring information as to the probability of procuring an instructor from Sydney. Mr Gordon moved " that a provisional committee be appointed for the purpose of canvassing for members to join in the formation of a gymnastic club ; such committee to consist of Messrs Wynn Williams, J. Ollivier, E. Denham, A. Ollivier, G. A. Heade, H. Cohn, J. H. Herdson, J. G. Glassford, S. P. Andrews, James Wood, K. P. Croabie, A. H. Westenra, A. J. Cotterill, Thos. Gordon, and J. Hebden, with power to add to their number. Mr Denhasi seconded the motion, which was agreed to nem. con. Mr James Wood moved — " That the committee be requested to act upon the foregoing resolution as speedily as possible, and report at the next general meeting to be held on Thursday next, th- *th of May, the amount of funds collected and promised." Mr H. Cohn seconded the motion, which was carried. On the motion of Mr Gordon, the secre-

tary was authorised to purchase a minute book for the club. Several gentlemen then subscribed their names as members, and the meeting terminated.