WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4570, 12 November 1875, Page 2

WELLINGTON ATHENÆUM.

A meeting of the members of the Wellington Athenceum was held last night for the passing of rules. The attendance was not very numerous. On the motion of Mr. Stafford, seconded by Mr. Gisborne, Mr. Woodward was elected to the chair.

The Chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that the object of the meeting was to pass such rules as would enable the institute to be properly conducted until the meeting in May next. He then quoted the second section of the Incorporation Act passed last session. This Act having been in force since the 21st of September, there had been since that time really no committee, no officers, and no persons charged with the conduct and management of the association. But inasmuch as it was essential that there should be somebody representing the association, the old committee had consented to act, and had prepared the code of rules to be submitted to the meeting. It was suggested that the headings .of the different sections should be read, as the rules were of great length, and as, moreover, they did not substantially differ from the old rules. Mr. Houghton suggested that it might be advisable to defer the consideration of the rules, in order that the members might make themselves acquainted with their bearing. At present they had not had time to peruse them. The Chairman said it would be quite competent for them to adopt such a course ; but he thought it was desirable to pass such rules as would enable the committee to act in the meantime. Mr. Stafford suggested that they should pass the rules now, and appoint the meeting of May a special one for their consideration and possible alteration. The Chairman concurred in the remarks of the last speaker. The meeting then proceeded to the consideration of the rules, and the several sections were passed with trifling amendments. It was decided that the old committee should be deemed to have held office from the passing of the Act. On coming to section 4, which provides for general, special, and committee meetings, it was resolved, on the motion »f Mr. Stafford, that the meeting in May, 1676, should be deemed to be an annual_ meeting, and that such meeting be made special for the purpose of considering any alteration in the existing rules. Mr. Gisborne moved, and it was carried, that the rules as amended be agreed to. Mr. Gisborne, on the part of the committee, thauked-the meeting for the considerate manner in which they had regarded the work of the committee. Mr. Hodghton proposed a vote of thanks tothe Chairman, and through him to the committee, for having lost no time in taking advantage of the Act passed by the Assembly, and calling a meeting of members for a practical purpose, which he hoped and believed would be the beginning of a new Btate of things in connection with the Wellington Athenanim. He thought they had to thank the Chairman for a great deal in the way matters had been managed. Mr. Woodward replied inappropriate term?, and the meeting then dispersed.