WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 498, 11 May 1850, Page 2

WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

Thb half yearly general meeting of the members of this Institution was held on Tuesday evening last in the New Building for the purpose of electing officers and transacting other business. The meeting was very numerously attended. The chair was taken by Mr. Lyon one of the Vice Presidents. The Secretary read to the meeting the following Report of the Committee for the past half-year. " The Committee of the Wellington Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute on' this the first general half-yearly meeting of members held in a building of their own, beg to offer their congratulations on the success which hts sa far attended the progress of the Institute. From the statements made at the opening of the Hall, the members are' aware that the whole amount of money placed at the disposal of the Committee for the erection of the building has been expended, and that the Treasurer has been authorised to raise £60 on loan at 10 per cent, interest for its partial completion. The Committee feel assured from the cheering expressions of confidence recently manifested, that the further exertions requisite to carry out the design will be made by the commnnity. While the suitableness of the building for marry purposes of social improvement has become apparent, the want of additional accommodation ii as clearly perceptible. It is estimated by the architect, that a further sum of £34 will be required to complete the Hall by lathing and plastering the interior, and that the wings may be erected for the sum of £130. Upon a careful estimate of the probable expences and income for the ensuing year, it has been considered desirable to increase the amount of subscription to 10s. 6d. per annum, including therein the price of members tickets. This alteration ii recommended to the attention of this meeting.

Librart. — A few donations of books and some newspapers have been received. The books purchased with the' £10 remitted to Mr. Knowles in October last, are probably now on the way. A catalogue of the books in the Library has been prepared with great care, and the opinion of the members is requested as to the propriety of printing it for circulation among them at a price to cover th« expense.

Classes. — A class for, the study and practice of instrumental music holds its meetings regularly twice a week. A class for vocal music will be formed r/hen a sufficient number of members shall hare intimated their intent'on to join. The drawing class has rtsumed its meetings. Members desirous of joining classes for the study of the French and English languages, and of Elocutitn, are requested to leave their names with the Librarian.

Rules for Classes. — The following rules have been temporary adopted and according to the general rule are now submitted for confirmation by this meeting. Ist. Any three or more members wishing to form a class are to make application to-thb Committee, itating the objects of tht claw

and the times they propose to meet ; but no class shall be formed without the sanction of the Committee obtained in answer to such applicati&n. 2nd, Each class shall at its first meeting or as soon after as possible, elect a" secretary and any other officers they may see fit, and form rules for the management of the class, a copy of which rules shall be presented to tht Committee at its next monthly meeting for approval. 3rd. Members of the Institute only shall be eligible to become members of the classes meeting in the Institute. 4th. The secretary of each class shall on the first day of every quarter pay to the treasurer of the Institute in advance, at the rate of Is. for each member of the class, to cover the expense of candles ; the class not to meet more than twice each week. sth. All classes to be under the superin-" tendence of the Library Sub-committee, who shall report thereon, according to the minute of the sth June, 1849. Lectures. — The Essay of Basil Montague on Hobbes' Theory of Laughter has been read by Mr. Hart. Notes descriptive of part of the eastern coast of the Southern Island by Mr. Mantell, and a lecture on Education by Mr. Woodward has been delivered. The Committee are in hopes that a series of Lectutes and Readings will be continued through the winter, and request tbose friends of the Institute who are able, to contribute their assistance in this important branch of its operations. Funds. — The Committee notice with satisfaction that there is a balance of £10 7s 5d in the general revenue as shewn by the Treasurer's accounts, and it is to be hoped that the steady increase of the funds will next half-year enable the Committee to obtain a regular supply of the magazines and other periodicals. Where so much that is pleasing has to be recorded, the Committee regret to call attention to a matter of an opposite nature. On the occasion of the recent soiree an arrangement was entered into for the supply of tea and coffee at the price of Is. for each person present. In consequence of the disappointment experienced in the nature of the articles supplied, the Committee have tendered a lower sum in discharge, which has been refused. The Committee recommend to this meeting to instruct their successors to resist the demand as originally rendered, belie'viflg^tbat the audience then present would be disposed to approve of that course."