CORN EXCHANGE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2145, 10 January 1881, Page 3

CORN EXCHANGE.

The adjourned annual meeting of the above took place in the Corn Exchange on Saturday afternoon, at two o'clock. Present—Mr T. Bruce (president), who occupied the chair, Captain Willis, Messrs. Attwood, Leadley, Watson, Job Osborne, G-. B. Woodman, B. L. Higgins, Josephs, John Mcßeath, H. W. Peryman, J. J. Herriek, O. T. Dudley, W. Henderson, M. Eaglesome, J. Qr. White, H. J. Mathias, Patterson, J. A. G-ammaok, Sawle, Pyne, McDougal, E. H. Banks, W. T. O. Mills, and J. W. McAlpine (seoretary). The Chairman reminded the meeting that the Corn Exchange and Farmers' Club had only an annual life, and it was for them to determine if they should carry on operations for another year or otherwise. In accordance with the resolution passed at the meeting held the other day, of which, this meeting was an adjournment, circulars had been sent to all the members, notifying the postponement of the annual meeting to this day, and enclosing a post card to allow each recipient to notify continuance, or otherwise, of membership, if he was unable to attend. A considerable number of these post cards had been duly returned, although a great many had neither responded or were present. Several letters had also been received, which the secretary would read. The statement of accounts for 1880, duly audited by Messrs E. H. Banks and W. T. O. Mills, was next submitted and reoeived, by which it appeared that the receipts were £297 17s 3d, expenditure £299 2s 3d, deficit £lss. In reply to a question from Mr Peryman, the Secretary said the present members numbered about forty. Captain Willis thought that if his district were canvassed about twenty-five new members, in addition to others who would ioin again, could be obtained. ■ Mr J. S. White considered that,.if the system that obtained in America of bnying through the Club was adopted—and a small per oentage, say one per cent., charged, it would greatly enhance the Club's usefulness. No matter what a member wanted—be it a reaping machine, or a bag of sugar, or anything else, the club could save money for him in buying well, and if this prinoiple was adopted and carried out, the agreed rent for their premises could be paid without any concession being made. He knew the system worked well elsewhere—why not here. [Cheers. J Mr Banks hoped Mr White would read a paper on this subject at an early date. Captain Willis spoke at considerable length in favour of Mr White's idea, and would move that the Corn Exchange be oontinued, at the same time expressing the hope that they would remember what a capital Cooperative Farmers' Society had been formed in South Canterbury, and do likewise. The question of grain freights ought to be taken up by the club, as it was notorious that whilst 60s was charged here only 30s or 36s obtained in Australia at most. Freights from New Zealand ought not to be more than 5s in excess of thoso obtaining in Australia. Every pound saved in this way meant so much more money spent in Canterbury. He thought perhaps a little new blood was desirable, and although Mr Bruce had served them well as chairman for two years, perhaps if another were elected, say, Mr H. W. Peryman, it might give them fresh impetus. He would propose—" That tho Corn Exchange be continued."

After a desultory discussion, in which Messrs Mcßeath, Mathias, and others took part, the resolution was seconded by Mr Higgins and carried unanimously. Mr Fcryman proposed, Mr Henderson seconded, and it was unanimously agreed—- " That twenty-one directors be elected to carry on the business of tbe Corn Exchange and Farmers' Club, five to form a quorum." On the motion of Mr Higgins, seconded by Mr Sawle, the following gentlemen were elected as directors for 1881:—Messrs T. Bruce, H. W. Peryman, George King, E. H. Banks, W. Henderson, J. J. Her rich, J. A. Gammack, O. R. Leadley, H. J. Mathias, W. Attwood, Henry Overton, Alex. Patterson, G. B. Woodman, D. Dick, Robert Pattern, Sam Bailey, M. Eaglesome, J. M'Beatb, Captain B. Willis, John Boag, and R. L. Higgins. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting terminated.