PUBLIC MEETINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 409, 7 May 1902, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETINGS.

WHO SHOULD SERVE ON COMMITTEES ? At the meeting of citizens last evening, some discussion took place with regard to the practice of electing gentlemen who wore not present at a meeting to serve on particular committees. A proposition had been moved by Mr G. Darton to the affect that a Finance Committee should be appointed, and of the names supplied only three were present, Mr A. Sawyer proposed as an amendment, that the committee should be formed from those present at the meeting. If certain people did not think it worth their while to attend the meeting, they should certainly not be appointed to serve on any committee. Major MeCrcdie regretted that this matter had been raised. He was sure that it was not the fault of many that they were unable to be present, and they should therefore bo excused. The occasion they were celebrating was one when ffiey should be all of one accord, and it would seriously affect the happiness of che gathering if the amendment were carried. It would be a case of “ a house divided against itself,” and would probably lead to offeuce beiDg given to some people. In the present case they did not want to offend anyone outside. Mr P. Maher thought that Mr Sawyer was quite right. He approved of the amendment. He (Mr Maher) had attended many njeetings in the town during che past few years, and it was invariably ••he rule for all the high positions of honors to be given to absentees, A few who did not care to attend the meeting were gene--ally pitchforked into all the best positions, and he often discovered that those selected were enjoying themselves elsewhere instead of attending the meeting. A voice : That is so.

Mr Warren thought the meeting was wasting its time in’ appointing a finance committee. Surely the Town Clerk could take care of the money collected.

Mr Stubbs wanted to see the whole of those present on the Finance Committee.

Rev. Father O’Connor said that it would be necessary for someone to go round with the hat, ak the money voted from the local bodies would not be nearly sufficient to defray expenses. He thought that a committee consisting of four or five persons should be They all knew from experience that what was everybody’s business was nobody’s business. A small committee should, he thought, be appointed. Mr Warren was surprised to bear Mr Darton refer to the fact that that the gentlemen whom he suggested tj serve on the committee usually displayed great energy in matters pertaining to the public good. He was astonished to hear the statement, but he would nevertheless uC cept Mr Barton’s assurance that it was so, and support .the motion. Mr Harding expressed surprise that the meeting that evening should Have been so poorly attended- He fully expected to have seen a full house.

After further discussion, Mr Sawyer agreed to withdraw his amendment, aDd the motion was carried, the names of several other gentlemen being afterwards added to the committee.