WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 654, 8 November 1851, Page 3

WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

ihe half-yearly meeting of the members of the W e iii ngton Athenseum and Mechanics’ Institute, for the election of officers, &c., took place at the Athenaeum on Tuesday evening, the 4th inst., Mr. Lyon, Vice President, in the chair. The following Reports by the Secretary and Treasurer, were submitted to the meeting The Committee of the Wellington Athenaaum and Mechanics’ Institute, in laying before the Members their halt-yearly report, feel considerable satisfaction in reviewing the proceedings of the past six months. One of the first acts of the Committee, after the last genera, meet ng, was to prepare and present to the Legislative Council a memorial, soliciting aid from the public funds in furtherance of the objects of the Institute.. This appeal was promptly and liberally met by the Council, who placed on the Estimates, for this purpose, the sum of £2OO, which has been received by the Treasurer. Agreeably to the terms of the grant, the sum of £lOO has been set apart by the Cormnittee for the purchase of standard books ; half of this sum will be retained in the colony for the purchase of books as opportunity may offer, the other half will be sent to England by an eaily conveyance, for the purchase of books there; and the Committee, in order to meet the wishes of the members as much a? possible, propose to lay a book on the table in the library for one month from this time, in which they would invite members to enter the names of any books they might desire to see added to the library, so that from the list thus suggested a suitable selection may be made.

me remaining portion of the grant the Committee propose to appropriate as follows: First, to repair and improve the building, by covering the roof of the portico with lead, fencing and enclosing the whole of the land, painting the exterior of the Hall, and erecting a porch to shelter the side door, besides making some needful alterations to the roof and chimney of the library, the cost of which works, it is estimated, will be about £74; and, secondly, to commence a collection of apparatus, for the use of lectures and classes, by expending the sum of ten or fifteen pounds in the purchase of such articles as it may be deemed most advisable to procure.

Prior to obtaining the grant of money above referred to, the Committee had expended £lO of the ordinary revenue of the Institute in the purchase of books, had fitted up the library with convenient book-shelves ; and, in order to preserve the walls of the Hall from damage by the winter rains, had caused gutters and water trunks to be fixed round the building. The catalogue has also been published ; but as the Committee have in prospect large additions to the library, they have only had 250 copies printed, to supply members for the next twelve months, after which time a new edition will be necessary.

Lectures cn the following subjects have been delivered, several of them illustrated by diagrams, models, and apparatus, provided by the various lecturers. Peasant Proprietors—Lynch Law—By Mr. Justice Chapman. Education—Mr. Fitzherbert. Astronomical Wonders—Poetry— The Rev. W. Kirton. Evidence—Australia in 1851—Mr R. Hart. The Air or Atmosphere—Mr, T. Fitzgerald. The Science of Optics as applicable to Lighthouses, two lectures by Mr. Roberts The Origin and Art of Printing—Mr. Catchpooi. The Principles of Construction, as applicable to Timber Architecture—Mr. J, Woodward. The Microscope—l)r. Ralph. The present number of members is— Yearly subscribers (to 30th June, 1852) ..34 Half-yearly do. (to3lst Decern., 1851).. 104 Total 138

These numbers, although gratifying, are not so large as could be desire, but tbe.Com> mittee confidently anticipate, as the library becomes more attractive and useful, that the number of members will be proportionately increased. A very handsome addition has been made to the furniture of the Hall by the kindness of Mr. W. Bishop, who has presented to the Institute the picture of the “ Dying Camel,” which at present forms the most conspicuous ornament of the room. The Treasurer in account current with the Wellington Athenaeum:— Dr.

Audited, and found correct, 1J A. C M'Donald. Moved by Mr. T. Mills, seconded by Mr. Boyton, and carried unanimously— That the Reports, as read, be adopted. A ballot for members to serve on the committee then took place. Messrs. R. J. DunCall, J. Plimmer, and W. Holmes were ap~ pointed scrutineers, when the following gentlemen were elected to serve on the committee in place of the retiring members :— Messrs. T. Mills, E. Catchpool, J. Blyth, G. Allen, J. Wallace, W. Allen, and G. Edwards. Moved by Mr. Duncan, seconded by Mr. Munn, and carried unanimously . — _ That the Secretary be requested to convey to the President of the Institution* and the other gentlemen who so kindly devoted their time and talents in affording instruction to the members and the public, by the delivery of lectures during the past half year, the sincere and hearty thanks of this meeting. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting broke up.

1851. Nov. 4, To balance of account from last half year „.. 59 5 4 » Special subscriptions towards lining of Hall .... „ Donation from Mr. Blyth to3 17 6 wards expense of building Library 1 1 0 » Balance received from Committee of Ball at Anniversary ..... 0 12 0 „ Balance from late Music Class 1 0 0 » Members’ subscription this half year „ Cash received at Lectures 42 4 6 from visitors 3 7 » Grant from Legislative Council 2OO 0 0 » Cash received from Odd Fellows for use of Hall » Cash received from Wellington Building Society for use 2 2 0 of Hall 1 10 0 £314 19 4 Nov. 4, To balance brought forward . .£161 2 5 Cr. 1851. Nov. 4, By amount paid P. Cotter for building wing (balance).. „ Amount of Architect’s commission on building of wing, 5 per cent, on £99 12s. .. 54 12 0 5 0 0 „ Amount paid Wakelin and Carter for shelves in library and library steps 4 3 0 » Amount paid Wakelin and Carter for gutters and water trunks 7 0 o » Amount paid “Independent” Office forprinting catalogues roof of portico with lead— J. Wilson, lead .. 12 15 9 W.Norgrove, labor 3 0 0 „ Amount paid for books, in 15 15 9 terms of Government grant “ Standard Works ” 6 8 6 „ Amount paid for books (light literature) „ Insurance of £100 on build11 15 6 mg to Nov. 15, 1852 ,, Interest on debentures for 4 0 0 current year 6 7 9 „ Amount of one debenture paid off 5 0 0 „ Librarian’s salary, 26 weeks @ 10s. „ Collector’s poundage on sub13 o o scriptions „ Firewood, candles, stationery, and petty charges........ 2 3 0 10 3 10 „ Balance carried down .... 161 2 5 £314 19 4