CALEDONIAN.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 277, 20 June 1868, Page 6

CALEDONIAN.

(FROM OUR OWjST CORRESPONDENT) "WESTPORT HOSPITAL. On Saturday evening last ameeting was held at the i\lbion Hotel, Caledonian Lead. Mr Munson and Mr Brown attended as members of the Committee. Mr .Robert M'i'arlane proposed and Mr J. L. Munson seconded, that Mr Brennau act as chairman. Mr E. M'Farlane proposed and Mr Steele seconded, that Mr E. H. Bullen act as secretary to the meeting. The chairman introduced Mr Munson and Mr Brown as delegates from Westport. Mr Munson came forward and proceeded to explain the objects of the meeting. He said that the affairs of the Westport Hospital had for some time past been before the public, and "the time had now arrived when the public had ail opportunity of taking the management of the Hospital into their own hands. He read the advertisement calling the meeting in Westport, and Mr Kynnersley's speech on that occasion : he told them the present movement was for the purpose of knowing how much money could be raised by subscriptions for the Hospital, in the proportion required by the Government. He informed them that the present building was nothing more than a stable which had been converted into an Hospital, and that the accommodation was wholly unfit for patients ; by the proposed arrangement, any person subscribing the sum of one guinea was entitled to demand admission in case of illness, for the period of twelve months, and it was intended that parties who had subscribed a larger sum would be able to recommend the admission of a friend whose circumstances might not admit of his giving any donation towards the institution. He hoped that the Caledonian! men would now come forward, and by their liberality, proportionately to the population, exceed other places in the amount which should be placed by them to the credit of the Westport Hospital. Be concluded by saying he should be happy to answer any questions the gentlemen present might wish to ask, and that Mr Brown would address them. Mr Brown explained the nature of the subscribers' tickets, which he shewed, as well as the intended rules of the Westport Hospital, should the present arrangement be carried out. He informed the meeting of the working of the St Vincent Hospital, Sydney, and stated he was ready to re-cei'-e any monies and hand a receipt for the same.

Mr M'Farlane suggested that a committee had better be formed, when the following gentlemen having been dulyproposed ai d seconded, were elected : Messrs Robert M'Farlane, David Barrio, Patrick Brennan, W. Ormsby, Henry Braithwaite, Jno. Braithvvaito, W. Bingham, J. Webb. Mr Jno. Braithwaite proposed and Mr M'fjaren seconded, that Mr Ormsby act as secretary to the Committee. Carried. Mr Stewart proposcd-and MrSoddard seconded that Mr Robert M'Farlane act as treasurer. Carried. Mr Munson stated that all monies received were to be handed to the treasurer who would lodge the same in the Bank of New South Wales to the credit of the Westport Hospital, and any member of the Committee receiving money was personally responsible to the party from whom he received it. The gentlemen present expressed their determination to do their utmost towards collecting funds and notified their intention of having a ball in aid of the institution. It had been their intention some two months ago to have had a ball for the Hospital but it had not come oft' yet. Mr Brown proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr Brennan, which was seconded by Mr J. L. Munson, and carried unanimously. Mr Jack proposed and Mr Ormsby seconded a vote of thanks to the delegates who came from Westport, which was also carried nem con. Mr Munson proposed and Mr Bro"wn seconded a vote of thanks to Mr Stewart for the use of his room and lights. Carried. Mr Brown then handed twenty receipt cards, each, to Messrs M'Farlane, Brennan, Henry Braithwaite, and John Braithwaite, the remainder of what were brought up were given to the hon. secretary as Messrs Barrie, Bingham, and Webb, were not present. The thanks of the delegates and Committee are due to Mr W. Loughton, who kindly procured a bell and published the meeting through the township, declining any remuneration and saying he only wished I he could do more for the Hospital.