PUBLIC MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 369, 6 October 1868, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held last night in the drill-shed attached to Mr Emanuel's Hotel.

Mr Martin, having been called to the chair, explained that the meeting had been called to receive a report from the Kynnersley Testimonial Provisional Committee, and to decide upon what further steps should be taken. As they were no doubt aware, a number of gentlemen, impressed with a desire of getting up a testimonial to the late Commissioner, Mr Kynnersley, as a recognition of the way in which he had discharged his duties on the Coast, had formed themselves into a Provisional Committee, and canvassed the town for subscriptions. There had been collected in Westport by Messrs Stitt and Sheahan, the sum of twentyseven guineas, besides a considerable amount which had been promised, and could be got at any time. No money hud been received from Addison's Flat as yet, but a good sum was collectable in that quarter. It now rested with the present meeting to consider what should be done further.

After a pause, Mr Bain asked if the Committee were prepared with any suggestion, Mr Eadcliffe, as a member of the Provisional Committee, considered that it was too large; he would therefore propose that a smaller committee be appointed to carry out the original object of presenting a testimonial. This proposition was seconded by Mr Milne, and the following names were included in the motion, —Messrs Harris, Martin, Kerr, Sheahan, O'Grady and Milne. Mr Harris asked leave to move an amendment. He observed that the proposed committee were narrowed to Westport men, and thought it would be better that some representatives of the other places, should be on the committee. On these grounds, and on these only, he proposed as an amendment, that the committee consist of the following:—Messrs Martin, Milne, and Smyth, to act in Westport; Messrs Daly, and Sheahan, on Addison's ; and Messrs M'Farlane and Braithwaite on the Caledonian.

Mr Smyth having declined to act, the name of Mr Porter was substituted Mr Eadcliffe having withdrawn his proposition, the amendment of Mr Harris was carried as a substantive motion.

The only other resolution was one proposed by Mr Hughes, and carried, to the following effect. " That the committee just appointed, take such action as may be advisable to carry out the object of the meeting, and report to a meeting of subscribers at an early date; and that Mr Martin be requested to act as secretary, and Mr Eadcliffe as treasurer.

A vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman, the meeting separated.