YOUNG MEN’S INSTITUTE

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1540, 26 August 1924, Page 4

YOUNG MEN’S INSTITUTE

BOROUGH COUNCIL TO BE APPROACHED. LAND OFFERED AS ENDOWMENT. An adjourned meeting of the Te Awamutu Young Men’s Institute held last night, the president (Mr J. Oliphant) presiding. Further consideration was given to the proposal to dispose of the Institute’s property in Market Street. Mr W. F. Stewart, one of the founders of the Institute, by telegram replied to an inquiry that he resented and would keenly oppose any suggestion to sell the section. He would prefer that it be handed over in 'custody of the Te Awamutu Borough Council as an endowment, though lie could not believe that it was impossible to resuscitate the Institute. Mr C. G. Downes, referring to his notice of motion given a fortnight ago, said he desired to withdraw the proposal that the section be sold. He was of the opinion that the better plan would be to adopt the suggestion put forward at last meeting that the section be vested as a municipal endowment. Mr C. A. Reilly said he had completely changed his views since last meeting. He then favoured a sale, but on consideration he thought the better way would be to hand it over as a Young Men’s Institute endowment. This would enable the Council to utilise the land meanwhile, and in due season, when the need arose, to possibly provide for an institute. Mr A. C. Cruickshank opposed the idea of a sale. He considered that the value of the land should be trans-

ferred to the swimming baths account and utilised in some permanent manhgt. The chairman said he had keenly opposed the suggestion of transfer to the Council. During the last fortnight, however, he had considered the question further, and believed that the ‘committee would honourably acquit itself of its trust if it handed over the section to the Council as was proposed. He now favoured the transfer of the section if ticketed with the ‘title of, a Young Men’s Institute Endowment, so as to keep alive the name of the endowment. He would oppose utilisation of the funds for any sectional movement, such as swimming baths or the like. . . Mr W. Jeffery urged the claims ot the swimming baths as a most necessary facility in the town. A Young Men’s Institute could serve no better purpose than to encourage the establishment of swimming baths, as young men would derive a direct and immediate benefit.

The proposal to sell the section was put as a matter of form, but received no support. Mr S. A. Empeon proposed that a deputation wait upon the Borough Council to open negotiations with a view to the section being vested in the Council as an endowment.” He suggested that the section be known as a Young Men’fs Institute endowment. Mr Downes gave the meeting an outline of difficulties likely to arise in negotiating with the Council. Municipal law was complicated, and restriction might likely arise in the definition of an endowment. Mr Reilly seconded the proposal now before the meeting. His idea of the proposal was that it did not restrict the Council in any way. Mr Empson in explanation said the idea of naming the endowment was merely to keep alive the name. The title would be clear and without encumbrance of any kind. In reply to Mr Jeffery the chairnian said it would always be possible for a future Council to make a grant from the general account for the purpose of an institute, if necessary. The proposal was canned unanimously, Messrs Oliphant, Reilly, and Empson being appointed to confer with the Council and report to a future meeting. Mr Downes gave notice of motion to propose in the event of negotiations with the Council proving satisfactory the Institute be wound up as soon as possible.