PROPOSED LYCEUM.

West Coast Times, Issue 305, 14 September 1866, Page 2

PROPOSED LYCEUM.

According to advertised notice, a meeting was held last night, at the Criterion Hotel, for the purpose of forming a company, whose object should be the erection of a building for public purposes, in Ilevell street South. The attendance was numerous, and from the cordial manner in which the varjpus resolutions were carried, the scheme was evidently regarded with high favor by those assembled. Mr Pringle, being voted to the chair, opened the meeting by reading the advertisement which convened it, when Mr Edwards proposed, and Mr Fitzsimmons seconded the motion, that Mr Archibald Bonar should be secretary pro tew., which was carried unanimously. Mr Mcc moved the first resolution :—: — " That the want of some centrally-situated and convenient building for different public purposes has been long felt in this city." Mr Ferris seconded the motion, which, on being put to the meeting, was carried nem con.

Mr Shaw, in proposing tlie second resolution, said the v subject now before the meeting was not a new one in Hokitika, as tan attempt had been made to form a Gymnastic and Literary Institution, which was then warmly advocated by the "West Coast Times." The movement, however, like many others for the public weal, had unfortunately fallen through, which failure was to be attributed less to apathy on the" part of the^ public than to the pressing demands of private business. Afr the same lime, he trusted that the present scheme would be carried out, as it • was admitted on all sides that / Revell-street South was the great centre of business, for there were situated thebanking and principal merchants'establishments, and stores ; and such a building as was proposed Jto be erected — which could be used for dramatic performances, or where a literary society could hold its meetings, or a Chamber of Commerce be — would be an immense benefit to the town, and prove a very payable speculation to the company who erected it. It seemed strange that the idea had never been carried out, and & great pity besides, because a site for the building was easily procurable a few months ago, whereas now there veie few sections to be obtained suitable for the purpose. There was, however, one valuable site that might yet be secured, which was was situated between the Union Bank and the Fire Brigade Hall. It possessed a frontage of 33 feet, which was sufficiently wide for the erection of a very handsome entrance. Some time ago, an application for this section had been mpde to Mr Sale by th,e committee of the proposed Literary and Gymnastic Institution," but that gentleman had refused to »ive it, stating that tbe Government had determined to sell it by public auction. As the sale of the town lands might be expected to come off shortly, there was nothing to prevent an organised company from securing it. Excepting the Prince of Wales Theatre, there was no place in Ilokitika where the public — when it had any specified object in view — could assemble, and to supply this want the present meeting was convened. It was very necessary there should be. some place where concerts could be held or lectures given, and where dramatic professionals visiting Hokitika could give their entertainments ; and he believed that the absence of such a building kept many actors of high ability away from the town. Moreover, if a really commodious building was erected, the Miinicipal Council might very possibly hold its meetings there, and this would be another source of profit to the Company. No bars for the retailing of liquor would be tolerated : the house would be kept free from them, as extremely objectionable, aud certain to entail a great deal of inconvenience upon tlje majority of those who frequented it. In Australia and other placevS, where the theatres* were partly hotels, the bar business was chiefly studied, and the intervals between the acts were purposely extended, to allcw those who desired to drink time to do so. This was decidedly objectionable, as the great majority of spectators, not being drinkers, were compelled to sit in wearying idleness waiting for the curtain to rise again. The present movement had, so far, been very favorably received, Mr Munro alone having a list of subscribers to it which represented LIOOO. He had, therefore, much pleasure in moving, '' That a Company, to be entitled ' The Lyceum Proprietary,' with a capital of L3OOO, y in 600 shares of Lo each, be formed under the Limited Liability Act, for the purpose of securing a site of land in Ilevell street South on which to erect a building suitable for concerts, dramatic performances, lectures, library, reading room, Chamber of Commerce, and other public requirements, but totally devoid of anj r bars for the sale of liquors." Mr Taggart seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr Edwards proposed, and Mr Lynch seconded, "That the capital be collected as follows: — 5s per sh* re on application, 15son the first Monday in October, and 20s per share on each succeeding Monday, uutil the full amount be paid up." Mr B. Marks objected to the above, and moved, as an amendment, " That L 2 10s be paid on each share upon allotment, and the balance in one month." This would

place capital at the disposal of the^ommittee, who could at once proceed' with the building. Mr P. Solomon seconded the amendment, which was carried.

The- following gentlemen were then elected to form a provisional committee :—: — Messrs Prosser, Cassius, Shaw, Lynch, M'Quilkin, Edwards, Osborne, Cohen, Munro, Mcc, Fitzsimmonß, R. Ecclesfield, Binney, J. R. Anderson, M'Guire, and Bonar.

At the request of the meeting, Mr Armson, architect, made a rough statement of the estimated cost. He considered that aya v building suitable for the purposes enumerated in the second resolution, could be erected for L3OOO. The price of/a section was not included in this estimate. If this amount was forthcoming when required, and the ground readyf a building could be erected — time being allowed for tendering — in two months. He was however speaking roughly, not having made any calcu«. lations. ' Mr Shaw remarked that after Mr Armson's itatement, it would be advisable for the meeting to keep on the safe side. He should, therefore, move — " That power be given to the directory to increase the capital to L4OOO, by the issue of additional shares."

Mr Cohen seconded this motion, which was carried. / Mr B. Marks proposed that Mr South should be appointed solicitor for the company. This led to a discussion, and it was ultimately decided that the appointment should rest with the .committee. The Secretary*gave notice that the committee would receive due notification by circular when their first meeting would take place, and a vote of thanks having been accorded to the chair, the proceedings terminated.