PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1101, 10 December 1884, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

In response to the advertisement calling a meeting with the view of establishing a Parliamentary Union in Lawrence, between thirty and forty gentlemen assembled in Trinity Church schoolroom on Friday night, and written apologies were sent by others who were unable to be present that evening. The Yen. Archdeacon Beaumont, aa convener of the meeting, occupied the chair, and briefly explained the object for which it was called together.— Mr Crooke was appointed Secretary for the evening. — The Chairman explained that he had communicated with Mr M. Cohen (Speaker of the Dunedin Union) and also with Mr W. B. Scandrett (Speaker of the Invercargill Union.) Both these gentlemen had replied, and aent copies of the rules of their Unions. Theße rules would be of great value to them, and would act as a | guide in the drafting of rules should they decide to form a Parliamentary Union in Lawrence. The Chairman then called upon those gentlemen who had the charge of resolution* to lay them before the meeting. — In response, Mr Fraer proposed : " That a Parliamentary Union be formed." The motion was seconded by Mr Stenhouse, and, on being put to the meeting, was declared to be carried unanimously. —On the motion of Mr Stenhouse, seconded by Mr- Toloher, it was resolved : " That the name be the Tuapeka Parliamentary Union." — The next resolution— "That the object of the Union be the discussion of political, municipal, and social topics " — which was proposed by Mr Woods and seconded by Mr Cutten, was also carried nem. con. — Mr Herbert proposed : " That the Union shall consist of representative members who shall pay a subscription of 103 6d each year, all subscriptions payable in advance, and that no representative, whose subscription is in arrears, shall be qualified to take part in the meetings." Mr Gordon seconded the resolution, which, after two amendments to alter the sum had been rejected by the meeting, was carried. — Mr Vivian proposed, and Mr Byrne seconded : " That applicants for membership be not less than 21 years of age." Carried. An amendment, reducing the age to 18, was lost. — On the motion of Messrs Taylor and Griffin, it was resolved : " That a Provisional Committee be appointed, consisting of not more than five members to hold office until the first meeting of the Union, such Committee to consist of the Yen. Archdeacon Beaumont, Messrs Stenhouse, Woods, Pilling, and the mover ; and that it be an instruction to the Committee to report on the best place, day, and hour of meeting." Carried. — This concluded the buaineea, and the establishment of a Parliamentary Union may be considered wi faii accompli. The first meeting will be caUed soon after the holidays, when this useful association will be fairly launched.