HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3004, 10 February 1881, Page 3

HASTINGS.

(from our own correspondent.)

February 10, 1881.

The public meeting held last night in Hastings to consider the advisability of building a town ball was well attended, Captain Russell in the chair.

The Chairman, after reading the advertisement convening the meeting, called upon Mr Fitzßoy, the convener, to give the meeting the benefit of the information he had acquired on the subject of erecting a town hall. Mr Fitzßoy, after showing the necessity for erecting a suitab'e building, stated that what appeared to be the only difficulty was the choice of a site, three of which were available, namely, the site reserved by Mr Tanner as a town hall reserve, the market reserve, and Athenaeum reserve, but he was afraid that there might be a difficulty in having any of these properties handed over ta a private company without certain restrictions. He then read a letter from Mr J. Boyle offering half-an-acre fronting the main road for the sum of £100. These, he stated, were the principal pointe which he had to lay bsfore the meeting. He would therefore move, " That this meeting affirms the desirability of a town hall being erected forthwith, and pledges itself to further the undertaking in every way." Seconded by Mr J. and carried.

Msved by Mr J. N. Williams, seconded by Mr Collinge, and carried, " That the company be formed, with a capital of £1,200 in 1,200 shares of £1 each,—ss to be paid on application, os on allotment, 5s in three months, and tbe remainder not to be called up till wanted."

Moved by Mr McLeod, and seconded by Mr J. N. Williams, " That negotiations be entered into with Mr Boyle with a view to acquiring the purchase of the section adjoining Mr Somerville's original purchas-e, as mentioned in his letter of Bth February, 1880."

Aβ an amendment it was proposed by Mr Beecroft, and seconded by Mr Tong, " That previous to any other action being taken to acquire a site, Mr Tanner be requested to state whether he will convey the town hall site ia East Hastings as reserved by him to the town hall company free of all restrictions."

On the amendment being put it mot •with no support. The original motion was then put and unanimously carried. Proposed by Mr Beilby, seconded by Mr Foreman, and carried, " That a provisional committee, to canvas for support to the company, be appointed, 6uch committee to coneist of Messrs J. N.Williams, P. Ramsay, C. A. Fitzßoy, William Vickers, Thomas Foreman, John Colling, Thomas Bishop, and Thomas Hayes."

Moved by Mr J. N. Williams, seconded by Mr Foreman, and carried, that Mr Beilby be appointed secretary pro tern, and that a share list be at once opened." " This being all the business, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

After the meeting most of those present waited on Mr Beilby, and signified their intention of taking shares, 300 being subscribed in the room. We wish the company and town of Hastings every success in the undertaking.