THE FEATHERSTON MEMORIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4812, 24 August 1876, Page 7

THE FEATHERSTON MEMORIAL.

A public meeting was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Wednesday, August 9th, for the purpose of considering the report of the committee appointed at a public meeting held in the Provincial Council Hall on the 24th July. There was but a small attendance. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and stated that after the meeting of 24th July, he had sent to Dr. Johnston the gist of the first two resolutions, requesting that he would communicate them to the late Dr. Feathcrston’s family. Dr. Johnston replied that he had complied with this request, so far as concerned the uitMihera of the family now in New Zealand,,anil would take the first opportunity of handing them to the Misses Featherston on their return, to Wellington, and that Mrs. Johnston desired to express her very great appreciation of the sympathy of her father’s friends, and that to her it would always be a source of pride and pleasure to know that the name of Isaac Earl Feathoreton would be ever hold in grateful memory by the settlers of Wellington. The committee had been appointed for a certain definite purpose, viz,, to consider the steps which should be taken to perpetuate, by a worthy memorial, the memory of the late Dr. Featherston. The, committee had prepared a report with this end in view, which the secretary (Mr. Duncan) would read. In conclusion, he would say that if they wished to succeed in their object, unanimity of opinion was absolutely necessary. Mr. Duncan then read the report of the committee, which was in effect that Colonel Gorton, the Hon. W. Gisborne, and Messrs. W. Beetham, O. O’Neill, O. R. Carter, W. W. Taylor, J. Knowles, T. McKenzie, J, H.

Wallace, B. Smith, C. Tringham, J. G. Holds-, worth, and IV- H- jHoorhouse bad been added to their number; that subscription lists should be opened, the funds to be devoted to procuring a marble bust of the late Dr. Featherston on a granite pedestal, any surplus to form the nucleus of a fund to be to the erection of a Featherston benevolent institution ; that in order to allow everyone to join, in the proposed memorial the subscription be limited to £1 Is. from each subscriber, and that Mr. C. R. Carter act as hon. treasurer, and Mr. E. J. Duncan as hon. secretary. Mr. Duncan stated that about £4O had been collected, and the report further stated that the committee had not felt it desirable to collect further subscriptions, or to place themselves in communication with other parts of the pro-, vince, until the result of their deliberations was submitted to and approved by the public meeting. Dr. Duller then moved the adoption of the report. Dr. Johnston, in seconding the resolution, expressed his regret at being unable to attend the first meeting owing to his professional duties. He was very glad to see that the report of the committee had taken its present shape, as he had been afraid that their enthusiasm might have outrun their judgment. He would be sorry to see the public being continually appealed to, in the name of the late Dr. Featherston, for the support of an institution for which sufficient funds would not be forthcoming. Mr. Powx.es regretted that there was such a small attendance, considering the of the meeting. There was a considerable feeling outside that the subscriptions should not be used for the purpose of erecting a bust or statue. Such an expenditure would be useless, and he felt it his duty to propose as an amendment—“ That the monies subscribed for a memorial to the late Dr. Featherston be devoted to the erection in Wellington of a home for the aged and infirm.” Such an institution was a pressing want, and would not he very expensive. If it accommodated half a dozen only it would be a far better way of expending the money than in the purchase of a bust or statue to be placed in the Museum amongst the casts of ancient Greeks. If erected close to the hospital, medicine and medical attendance could be easily and economically obtained. As showing the need of such an institution he would tell them that there were numbers of people in the hospital who required such a refuge, (Dr. Johnston • About thirty.) This would greatly relieve the hospital, and he was certain that the amount of the subscriptions would be sensibly affected for the better. If they could have consulted him whose memory they wished to perpetuate, he felt sure he would have declared against the proposition of the committee. Dr. Kemp, in seconding the amendment, referred to his experience in Nelson of a similar institution, which was worked economically and well.

Mr. B. Smith supported the amendment, and said that he had been added to the committee after the report had been agreed to. However, he was perfectly willing to submit to the will of the majority, and to work with them. He felt that it would have been far more acceptable to the late Dr. Featherston that the memorial should take the form proposed by the amendment, and he was sure that the money to maintain the institution could easily be obtained.

Mr. Seed quite sympathised with Mr. Powles, but did not think it necessary that they should appeal to the name of Dr. Featherston in order to support the sick and aged of Wellington. Wellington people would always see that this was done without such aa appeal. In the bust proposed they would have a resemblance of the man they delighted to honor, and if associated as Mr. Powles pointed out with those whom Greece delighted to honor, in his opinion nothing could be more appropriate. Mr. Hunter, M.H.8., said that the report was designed to carry out the wishes of all, so far as was practicable. The cost of the bust would be but a few hundred pounds, and if they got £3OOO all very well. The proposed institution could not even be thought of under less than half that sum, and the committee in their report had thought that a mark ■ of respect to the late Dr. Featherston was the first object to be considered. When they had achieved this, then they could consider if they had funds at their disposal, and the desirability of the proposed institution. The committee had adopted the wise and prudent course, and he trusted they would be unanimous in adopting the report. Mr. Knowles said he would have supported the amendment had he considered it practical. They had not only to provide the first cost, but also an endowment for this institution. In the future charitable institutions were to be supported by rates, and he should be very sorry to think that Dr., Featherston’s memory was perpetuated by payments in rates to support this institution. If they were unable to do what they wished, they must do what they were able ; and if they attempted to build and could not carry on, they would become the laughing stock of all Mr. Woodward said that at the meeting of the. committee he had expressed views similar those contained in the advertisement ; hut feeling that unanimity was a necessity, he had conceded points, and had received similar concessions. He felt that there were such good and cogent reasons for adopting the report that he felt bound to signify his acquiescence. Dr. Buller said that they were entirely in the dark as to the cost of this institution. His own feeling was that it would be difficult enough to raise some four or five hundred pounds to complete the bust. He trusted that Mr. Powles would withdraw his amendment, as, if they were not unanimous, the effect would he disastrous. Dr. JOHNSTONthen made a few remarks as to the great expense of maintaining a small institution of the kind proposed, with that incurred in managing larger institutions. Colonel Gorton expressed his intense interest in the proceedings, and his regret at being absent from the first meeting. If there was anything they ought to be unanimous about it was the subject before the meeting. In his experience he had met many brave men, but never a braver, personally and morally, than Dr. Featherston, and in Wanganui and Wairarapa and other places subscriptions would come in readily. He thought however that the outside districts would prefer to subscribe for a bust rather than for a building for the use of Wellington. Mr. O’Neill said that it was impossible ot carry out the amendment, on the grounds of expense. A perpetual recurrence to the public for subscriptions for the maintenance of the institution would be unpopular, and he quite concurred in the report of the committee. Mr. Duncan wished to see such an institution as that proposed erected in Wellington, but after hearing the arguments and expressions of feeling at the meeting, he would support the adoption of the report. Mr. Wallace said that by accepting the amendment they would give the memorial a local character, which was undesirable. The most appropriate course was to adopt the recommendation of the committee.

Mr. Fowler, in reply, regretted that his amendment had not received much support, but as his views were those of many who were not present, he felt it would be cowardly to withdraw his amendment. Mr. Carter again urged Mr. Powles to withdraw, and Mr. Smith spoke in support of the amendment.

Mr. Dbansfield said that he had great respect for the members of the Benevolent Institution, but was sorry that they had taken this opportunity of expressing their views. He was confident that they would not raise the funds which would be required if the amendment was carried, and he should accordingly support the motion. Mr. Allan supported the motion. On being put, the amendment was lost by a large majority, five only voting for it. Mr. Smith then moved an amendment that all words in the report as to the appropriation of the surplus should be omitted. Mr. Wallace seconded the amendment, and Dr. Bdlleb intimated his intention of supporting it. Mr. Hunter, said that if the report were not adopted it would have a most mischievous effect, and urged the meeting to reject the amendment.

■ The amendment was then put, and lost by a large majority, only six voting for it. ■ The original motion was then put and carried, with only two dissentients. . ; ■ .. - ■ It was then moved by Mr. Hunter, M.H.R., and seconded by Mr. - Duncan,-— r-That • the committee be re-appointed, with instructiohsto communicate with friends ; who may sympathise with the movement in various other parts of the province. - This motion was carried unanimously, and the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.

The following meetings of the committee have since been held ;

There was a meeting of the Featherston Memorial Committee at the Provincial Hall on July 31st, when there were present —His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), G. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R.; Hon. M. S. Grace, M.L.C.; Dr. Buffer, Messrs. W. .Seed, J. Dransfield, R. J. Duncan, George Allen, J. Woodward. The following gentlemen were added to the committee :—Colonel Gorton, Hon. W. Gisborne, Messrs. W. Beetham, 0. O’Neill, C. R Carter, W. Waring Taylor, John Knowles, T. McKenzie, B. Smith, J. H. Wallace, O. Tringham, J. G. Holdsworth, and W. S. Moorhouse. After some discussion, it was resolved that a resolution should be proposed at a public meeting to be held at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, on Monday, 7th August;— It was decided to request Mr. C. R. Carter to act as honorary treasurer, and Mr. R. J. Duncan kindly consented to act as hon. secretary until after the public meeting. The committee having decided that subscriptions should be devoted to procuring a marble bust of the late Dr. Featherston, on a granite pedestal, any surplus to form the nucleus of a fund to be appropriated to the erection of a Featherston Benevolent Institution, subscription lists were opened, and upwards of £4O was subscribed in the room. The committee decided, in order to enable everyone to join in the proposed testimonial, to recommend that the subscriptions be limited, for the present, to one guinea, -but it was understood that any person might subscribe a guinea for each member of his family if he chose. A meeting of the committee of the Featherston memorial fund was held in the sideroom of the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Monday night, 14th August, Mr. J. Woodward in the chair. The secretary (Mr. R. J. Duncan) reported the steps that had been taken since the public meeting for giving effect to the resolutions then adopted. The treasurer (Mr. Carter) said that without making any systematic effort he had applied to some of Dr. Featherston’s personal friends to add their names,' and he handed in a list showing (with former subscriptions) a sum of one hundred guineas. The committee then proceeded to carry out the instructions of the general meeting, by preparing a list of gentlemen in the country districts throughout the province, who should be communicated with personally, and requested to undertake the duty of canvassing the settlers in their neighborhood, so as to give all an opportunity of contributing to the ’ fund. A sub-committee, consisting of Colonel Gorton, Dr. Buffer, Mr. Woodward, and Mr. Duncan, was appointed, to whom all details of management would be referred. It was decided to subdivide the city into districts for the convenience of canvassing, and to assign these to various members in manner following: —The Terrace, Hon. W. Gisborne and Dr. Buffer ; Thorudou east, Messrs. Holdsworth and G. Allan ; Thorndon west, Colonel Gorton and Mr. W. H. Levin; Te Aro flat, Messrs. George Hunter, M.H.R., George Crawford, J. H. Wallace, and Dransfield ; the intermediate part of the city, Messrs. John Knowles and B. Smith. It was reported to the committee that Mr. Beetham had kindly offered to model the bust in clay, for the approval of subscribers, as a preliminary to ordering the sculpture from some competent artist at Home ; and it was explained that by doing this on the spot there would be a better chance of obtaining a correct likeness of Dr. Featherston. The secretary waS directed to convey the thanks of the committee to Mr. Beetham for his offer ; and Dr. Buffer and Mr. Seed were deputed to confer with Mr. Beetham on the subject, and to report the result at the next committee meeting, which was fixed for Tuesday evening, August 22. A meeting of the committee of the Featherston Memorial was held in the Provincial Library on Aug. 22, Mr. J. Woodward in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, after which Dr. Buffer and Mr. Seed, the sub-committee appointed to confer with Mr. Beetham, made their report, which received the approval of the general committee. Several of the gentlemen appointed to collect handed in their lists, showing an addition of £9O to the amount already reported. It was stated that no systematic effort at canvassing had yet been made either on the Terrace or at Te Aro, but that this would be undertaken during the coming week.. A letter was read from Mr. Duncan, expressing his regret that owing to a pressure. of business engagements he was unable to retain any longer the office of secretary, and at the request of the committee, Mr. C. R. Carter undertook that duty.. The committee will meet again on Tuesday, the 29th inst-