Boating Club.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 29, 6 January 1885, Page 2

Boating Club.

The first general meeting of the above Club was held last evening at the Commercial Hotel. Present— Messrs A. S. Bentley (m the chair), West, Hicks, Park, Pirani, Healy, and the Secretary. The Secretary read the ininutes of the inaugural meeting, which were duly confirmed. The following correspondence was then read ; — ggFroni Mr A. S. Baker, suggesting that the Club do not purchase any plant or requisites until it should be found practicable to rise the Awapuni lagoon, as he had tieen waited on by natives owning, property adjoining the lake, and requesting his advice as to their claims of ownership, to prevent if necessary any persons using the water for boating purposes. Also, that he had informed them that he believed if there was a road frontage to the lagoon they could not prevent parties using it for boating, so long as they did not trespass on the property of landowners verging on the stream. - ■■•■.. - After considerable discussion on this matter, it was resolved not to take any notice of the affair, as it was generally believed by the members that there was Government frontage to the lake, and permission had been already received from the local authorities to make use Of it. ■ = ; ... ' ; ..;., „■ Letters were read (m reply, to application from the Secretary for information re purchase of boats, &c.) from the "Star" Club, Wellington; the Foxfon and Wanganui Clubs ; Taylor, boatbuilder, Wellington; Balchaum, boatbuilder, Ashurst ; and Saunders, Ashurst. The following Committee were appointed to ascertain the real facts as to any likely hindrance to the use of the lake, to consider the correspondence received, and decide as to the purchase of necessary boats : — Messrs Park, A. S. Bentley, Turnfer, West, Johnstone, F. H. Smith, T. King, and Secretary, with power to add to their number. It was decided to name the Club " The Palmerston North Bowing Club." Proposed by Mr Hicks, seconded by Mr Bentley, and carried, " That a resolution passed at the first meeting, to the effect that 80 members be enrolled before constituting the Club, be rescinded, ,it being considered desirable to start with the number of members already on the list — upwards of 60." . / - Proposed by Mr West, seconded by Mr Park, and carried. " That Mr Hicks be appointed Treasurer to the Club." Proposed by Mr Hicks, seconded by Mr Bently, and carried, "That Mr Clarke be appointed Hon. Secretary to the Club." Mr Park stated, m regard to the adverse action of those' persons m reference to the use of the lagoon, that the promoters of the Club were really entitled to the thanks of the community for having exerted themselves m the establishing of a recreation which would undoubtedly prove a- public benefit. The Club did not wish to intrude on the property of anyone, or interfere with the legal rights of any concerning the lake, but nevertheless they were not to be bounced into submission without they could see they were acting wrongly. These remarks were unanimously endorsed by those present. The. Committee were authorised to call the next meeting of members, when more definite arrangements will be made for the practical stai'ting-of the Club. The meeting then adjourned.