ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 164, 14 December 1874, Page 3

ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

The quarterly meeting of members of the Ashburton Library was held on Thursday, 10th iust, Mr Wills was voted to the chair, in the absence of the president. The secretary read the quarterly report as follows : “ Your committee have much pleasure in presenting this, their second quarterly report, to be able to state that the institution is still steadily progressing in the path of intellectual recreation opened up for its members, and your committee have endeavored since last meeting yon to manage the institute in a manner more conducive to the general interests. “ During the last quarter, your committee have received a grant from the Government of £IOO, and the receipts, by subscription, rent of hall. See, has been £25 16s. “The hall has been seated and lighted during the interval, at a cost of £l9 ss. Your committee have also purchased a piano, on advantageous terms, to be repaid by monthly instalments, extending over twelve months. Arrangements have been made, in accordance with the resolution passed at your last meeting, for a general system of cleaning and lighting the hall and reading-room, and beg to draw your attention to the efficient manner in which the same is done. “ Sundry improvements are in course of construction—viz, removing the porch to the outside the main building, thereby increasing the seating accommodation; placing steps at the reading-room doors, erecting a bar on the outside, for the convenience of the public to tie their horses to, and placing zinc spouting round the budding. “ The second instalment of books have been received from the Government, and the number on your shelves now is 475 volumes. The number of subscribers has steadily increased, and the reading-room is well patronised. “During the quarter a lecture has been delivered by Professor Bickcrton, which was highly appreciated, and your committee regret that the course cannot at present be continued, in consequence of Professor Bickerton’s time being wholly occupied with his duties in Christchurch. “ You will be called upon to-night to elect a member on the committee, caused by the resignation of Mr D. McLaren. “ Two very important notices of motion are coming before you to-night, to which your earnest attention is directed. “ In conclusion, your committee urgently press upon you the necessity that exists for unity of action between the general members and your committee, who will always endeavor to carry out the wishes ol the majority of members.” The report as read wag received. Mr Greenwood proposed, Mr Friedlander seconded, the following motion standing in his name—■“ That the trusteeship of the institute be changed from, his Honor the Superintendent to private trustees.” After a lengthened discussion the motion was negatived. Mr Poyntz proposed, Mr Greenwood seconded—“ That bye-law No 9be repealed.” After considerable discussion this was carried. Mr Poyntz proposed, Mr Boyle seconded — “ That the hall be opened for Divine service to any denomination, at a charge of 2s 6.1 for each service, on Sundays and Holydays.” Moved by Mr Shury, seconded by Mr Friedlander—“That all words after ‘charge of ’ be struck out.” The amendment on being put was negatived. The resolution, which evoked a very large amount of discussion, was ultimately carried by a large majority. The election of a member to fill the vacant seat on the committee was then proceeded with, when the following having been duly proposed and seconded, viz., Mr Williamson, Mr Hunt, and Mr Cambridge : the lastnamed gentleman was declared duly elected. Mr Ward proposed, Mr Meikelham seconded—“ That the rent charged to the Good Templars be reduced in future by one-half.” An objection having been raised, the chairman ruled that the motion being out of order, due notice not having been given, it could not be put. Mr Poyntz gave notice of the following motion to be brought forward at next quarterly or general meeting—“ That the rules be revised at the next meeting.”

Mr Shury gave notice of the following motion—“ That quarterly, half-yearly, and annual membership shall date from the day on which the subscription is paid, instead of from previous quarter day.” The meeting then adjourned.