SANSON PUBLIC HALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 91, 15 July 1881, Page 2

SANSON PUBLIC HALL.

-♦- A meeting of persons interested in the erection of a Public Hall at Sanson was hold at the district Sohoolhonse on Monday evening last. It was originally intended by the promoters that Mr .T. A. Bailey should take the chair, but unforeseen circumstances prevented him from arriving at the hour lixed. After some delay Mr (\. Farmer, Chairman of the Saudon-Car-n.aryon Highways Board, was voted to the chair, ami opened the meeting by reading a copy of the circular sent round, inviting the attendance'of the settlers. About 40 persons were present, and the meeting throughout was of an encouraging nature. Mr tturcham moved thn first resolution as follows : — That an effort be made to build a I public hall in Sanson, to be erected by voluntary contributions ; that Messrs Campball and Kirk be appointed to canvass the district for subscriptions ; estimated cost of hall, £400 ; and should the whole of this sum be not collected in above manner, that the balance (provided it does not exceed one-third of the total cost) be raised by mortgage on security^ of property ; building to seat 500 people ; to have an ofiice on either side of front entrance, and two dressing rooms and stage at back. He said he undertook the duty allotted to him with diffidence, believing it might easily have fallen into abler hands, but certainly not to any one who more cordially sympathised with it, or would give it stronger support. He was certain there was no one present who would not consider the erection of a public hall a " consummation devoutly to be wished, " as it would contribute to the promotion of their interests in many ways. He know the word "interests," to many persons, carried a ■;oineriferous jiugle — (A voice —Spell it ! — Laughter.) — but he would at once admit that if they expected monetary advantage from the erection of a hall he did nor. The promoters desired them to banish that idea from their mind. In the distant fur.ure, no doubt, the hall property would be v valuable one, but if erected *by public subscription no inducement was held out to the donors that they would be recouped in a monetary manner. There were many vvays in wnich the settlers would benefit i>y the erection of a hall. It would be imoossible to point out all of them. Some he would mention. It would afford a common meeting place for discussions of a scientific character. He referred to the evil effects of ignorance and said a public hall would tifford an oppornunity for the exchange of opinions. It :oukl also be used as a meeting place for friendly societies, farmers' clubs, and could also be serviceable as a place in which to hold literary and musical entertainments. He referred to the importance aud powerful effect of recreation of this kind, as they had, when properly organised, revolutionised the habits, tastes, and opinions of communities. He would leave others to ooint out the practical view of the case. He huped the affair would be undertaken with spirit and energy, and if so it must be successful. The difficulties in the way were small, and he believed Sandon possessed gentlemen with sufficient energy and intelligence to carry it through. If they sank personal feeling, and united for the common object, he had no doubt all difficulties would be removed. (Applause. ) Mr Sanson, in seconding the motion, said he would deal with tho matter from a practical point of view. There were three ways of erecting such a hall as they proposed. First, by forming a joint stock company. That course would iuvolve a large expense for incorporation and registering, at least £20 ; the accounts would have to bj kept ou the system of double entry, the set of books alone costing £12, whilst the geueral expenses of working the company would be at the least from £30 to £40 per annum. He thought theretore that plan was too expensive. A second plan was to erect it by subscription, each subscriber having votes in the management according to the amount of his donation. Under this method a time would of course come in the nature of things, when all the subscribers would either have died out or l-ft the district, leaving, the property without owners. That course would be most: undesirable. The third plan was to put the hall up by voluntary subscription,leaving the management entirely in the hands of the public. No doubt in the future there would be a large influx of population into the district, and the newcomers, if present, would pro'jably take as nuch interest in the hall as they who were then assembled. He therefore thought it well to allow them to have a voice in its management. The third plan was the one which appeared most desirable to the promoters. Tiny therefore proposed to put the hall up by voluntary subscriptions, and vest it in five trustees. There were two ways of doing this. One by putting it unler the Land Transfer Act, and' inserting 6 ie words, '' No survivorship ;" the other : >y putting it under the operation of the Puolic Reserves Act. The former course, would be the simplest and most effective. They proposed, also, to appoint a Committee of 7 settlers, who, together with the trustees and officer?, would manage the concern, the Committee to be appointed each year, and to make an annual statement and balance sheet ; also to be eligible for re-elec-tion. The cost of the hall would be £400, for the building alone, and he believed there would be no difficulty in raising that sum in Sandon. and Carnarvon. The adjoining districts would no doubt assist, as the hall will be a common place of meeting. Of the necessity of a hall, no one could doubt if he remembered the schoolroom they were in was the only meeting place they had had for ten years, and the time had come for the erection of a suitable building. Among other things that would follow if the hall were built, would be the holding of a Magistrate's C >urt in the township. Some, persons objected to Courts, but they were a necessity, and it was batter to have it hell near at hand than several miles away. It certainly was not far for suitors to go from Sanson to Bulls, but the' case of settlers who lived on the Douglas Block and travelled to Bulls to find their cases adjourned was hard . indeed. He believed both the Gorernment and R. M. were willing for periodical Courts to be held at Sanson ii a suitable building were placed at their disposal. Then there were the farmers' clubs, which tha mover had mentioned. They could not as farmers estimate the value of combined action, in regard to the bird pest, or introducing new grain, or such matters. That was a most important roaaen why they should take

step 3to erect a pliw# whtfre'suoh a club could meet. There would be no difficulty if they put their shoulders to the wheel. 'Aaifce worth £50, adjoining Mr Toralinson's hohao, had been given by Mr Haines, of Wairarapa, free of cost, but subject to conditions not yet to hand. In conclusion, he expressed an opinion that the erection of a public hall would tend to enhance the value of all the property in the district. ( Applause. ) Mr Smith asked if the committee would lie independent of the trustees. Mr Sanaon replied in the affirmative, but added thu trustees would be ex ojficio com■aitteenien. . . ■ . ' ■ ' The motion was put and carried unanimously. MrSpsedy then moved— ~-.~ That the following gentlemen be Trustees :— Messrs J. Bailey, G. Farmer, H. Sanson, J. Harris, and .7. Bowater. ' Mr. Bailey said that though his name was amongst the list of those proposed, he would second the motion, and would add that he would give his hearty support to the project, and would do anything he could to further it. (Applause.) Carried unanimously. Mr J. A 'Court said the motion he had been asked to move was as follows : — That a Building GW.mittee be appointedj'consiating of Messrs Burcham, An? derson, If. Sanson, J. A 'Court, Weight, Hammond, Cockbnrn, Speedy, Parr, Bishop, Whitenian, Edwards, Hill, and five trustees, Secretary and Treasurer : five to ■ > ■.* form a quorum ; such Committee to retire on completion of *4ie Mall, when a working committee will be elected, consisting of the five^ Trustees, Secretary and Treasurer ex officlo, and five others, twelve in all j working committee to submit a balance sheet annually to the public meeting, and then retire, but to be eligible for re-elec-tion. He referred to the necessity of organised effort in carrying out such matters. Mr Croucher seconded the motion. Mr Phillips' name was originally included amongst those proposed, but that gentleman firmly declined to allow it to stand , notwithstanding that he was strongly pressed to do so. Mr Croucher then proposed that Mr Prisk's name be inserted instead of Mr Phillips', but Mr Prisk replied, he would - go on the Committee when the building was up, a remark to which Mr Anderson replied by saying Mr Prisk should go on the committee and see the money was spent properly. (Hear, hear.) The Rev. W. Worker moved — That charge for use of Hall be from 10a . to M 2, including lighting, according to object for which it is required ; charge to be at discretion of the Committee ; the Secretary and two of the Committee to have the power of letting. Any fund arising from the use of If all, or from subscriptions, &c, to be disposed of as follows : — 1. Payment of interest on borrowed capital. 2. Insuring and keeping premises in good order. 3. Liquidation of any debt. 4. Any surplus arising from above sources shall be disposed of as a majority at a pttb-' r ; •: Uo meeting may direct. He said he regretted the absence of ladies from the meeting, as he thought they would he largely interested in the success of the scheme. He was glad to see so many persons present, and considered the interest . already displayed assured the suocesß of the affair. He thought, after hearing the first speaker (Mr Burcham), that if not a Master of Arts, he fully deserved the title, whilst the "old stager "who follawed him was worthy of a similar honor. The case had been so ably put that no further remarks were necessary. He would, however, Bay that recreation was necessary to man, and the proposed hall would afford the means of enjoyiug it. He was certain men never did their work well unless they could get away from their ordinary duties for recreation. He fully agreed with Mr Burchain that the manners and ideatpof. communities were improved by public halls. A man had never finished his education. Some years ago a book was issued in England, addressed, " To the Boys of England —from eight to eighty." He liked the sentiment, and though time was creeping on, he hoped never to grow old,— never to be without a cheerful, spirit. Mixing with people assisted that. Literary institutions were the means of great good. Damage was not done to the morals of the people by discussion and knowledge, but by their opposites. He often wished for the opportunity of discussing scientific matters. The rev. gentleman here referred t'i probable discoveries of seiencein the future. A public hall would . j afford the opportunity of discussing suchtheories as those he had hinted at. Some feared the existence of a hall would cause the district to be visited by low theatrical companies, and would lead to frequent balls. He shared no such fears, and oer.tainly could not agree in the wholesale condemnation of theatrical performances and dancing, though with reference to : the latter, he liked to see the sexeß dancing separate. All talents and. enjoyments should l)e sanctitied, aad not destroyed." In conclusion, he hoped his flock would be able to get the use of the hall for their comtemplated bazaar. : ■ , T7 / Tfj •; The motion was seconded by "Mr TiiH, and-carried unanimously. Mr Smith asked if it was "intended to charge for the hall whenjused for. religious services. ■.■■■-. .-. ..1 )• .-; .?7 Mr Sanson said 'it was proposed to make no exceptions, a minimum 01 "ten- shillings having been fixed, including, lighting. A hearty vote 'of thanks "was- ><Awh: pro?-; %J T posei by Mr Sanson to Mr Haines, for the gift of his section. * Seconded ; b.jr r .Mr 7 ■-„ Burcham, and carried with acclamation. In reply to a question,. Mr Sanson, said j that it was proposed to limit' the borrowing: v ' power of the Committee to one-third qf the entire cost of the building*. If tfwo-thirds ? of the cost were not raised the donations would be returned is full, the.' promoters ; - having bound themselves by a written agreement to share- the expenses in that • .. case. . Mr Russell said that having been invited by oircnlar to the meeting he would Bug- '■"■'■ nest that it would be a pity if the scheme fell through because say £50 less than the amount required were raised by subscription. In that case,' would' it not bVas well l j• A to raise a temporary loan by debentures issued by the committee ? Mr Sanson said the committee, djdjgoj; bind themselves to spent) £400. If sufficient money were not raised to complete the . building, they would make it go as far as" !I1 ' !: possible. Besides, to anticipate failure; wals ' to court it. ' ■■-■■''• - - > Mr J. H. Kirk was then unanimously appointed Hon. Secretary, and Mr A. Campbell, Hon. Treasurer, r . : Votes of thanks to the Chairman and Press representatives present. having been passed, a subscription liatt was 1 handed >' I round, and about £50 at once subscribed. The meeting thea separated, ' . - ,■■ j, (f: