GYMNASIUM FOR WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5657, 17 May 1879, Page 3

GYMNASIUM FOR WELLINGTON.

A very large and influential meeting of gentlemen was held in the Athenaeum last night, for the purpose of forming a gymnasium. The Hon. Dr. Grace occupied the chair, and said: Gentlemen—l shall avail myself of the opportunity of saying a few words in support of the establishment of such an institution as is contemplated by the gentlemen present. In the first place I would point out that in this town particularly is a necessity for the establishment of a gymnasium as a means of amusement for the young men of the city during the winter months. The space for recreation pursuits of all kinds is very much restricted, and it is only due to the requirements of such a town that a gymnasium be established. During the summer months the only recreation ground we have is often so wet that it is absolutely unfit for use. If the youth of this city could get away into the country, and indulge in pastimes, such as shooting, hunting, fishing, &0., there might not probably be such an urgent desire for the formation of a gymnasium. There is another reason which should recommend the project to your favorable consideration. I refer to the groat la ole of all kinds of public amusements in Wellington, The hills which surround the city in a great measure account for this. Iu Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland there is plenty of level land. Strangers paying us a visit are disappointed, because they have not anywhere to go and amuse themselves. It is our duty as citizens to make the town acceptable to strangers. As a matter of physical health an institution of this kind is necessary, and deserves the support of the citizens in general. There is no doubt in Wellington the citizens are apt to treat matters of this kind too quietly. How was it the former gymnasium fell through 1 There was no regular system—no thoroughly instructed gymnast to direct the exercises in a proper manner. When we enter into exercises of this kind, wo should remember that it is necessary that people in different conditions of health require different treatment in the way of exeicise, and should be subjected to a proper and thorough mode of training. If those present are prepared to enter into the project in a business-like manner, there is no doubt it will be a great success and likewise a benefit to the city. I feel I have trespassed already too long on your patience, but I have been as it were invisibly led into it. I shall now call on some one present to submit the first resolution to you. I must again ask you to put all your energy and zeal into the carrying out of the project ; in other words, put your hands to the plough and don’t withdraw them until you get to the end of the furrow. \ Applause.) Mr, Maxwell moved, “That an institution be established called the Wellington Gymnasium.”

Mr. Berry seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Berry read the following report;—“At the public meeting held on the 13th April last a provisional committee, consisting of Messrs. Maxwell, Bate, Batkin, Lynch, Davy, Blackmore, and Berry, was instructed to wait oo the Mayor and leading citizens to request them to form a deputation to present an address to the Government, praying 'for tho use of a building site for erecting a public gymnasium upon. The following is a copy of the address :—‘At a public meeting called at ■Wellington on tho 18th April, 1870, for the consideration of the question of forming a gymnasium club, it was resolved that a petition be presented to tho Government to grant the use of a piece of land on the Thorndon reclamation for tho purpose of erecting a public gymnasium upon, and a provisional committee, consisting of the undersigned gentlemen, was appointed to carry this resolution into effect. In accordance with this resolution the committee now has the honor to request the favorable consideration by the Government of the following application:—That upon the formation of the club the Government would be pleased to grant permission to the club to make use of a site on the public reserve on the reclaimed land at Thorndon, 150 ft. x 100 ft., at a nominal rental, with permission to erect thereon a suitable building for a public gymnasium.’ The committee obtained the following signatures to the above address:—The Hon. Dr. Grace, the Hon. Randal Johnson, the Hon. John Johnston, the Rev. K. Thorpe, Messrs. Walter Johnston, Charles Johnston, W. H. Levin, H. D. Bell, IT. A. Krull, A. J. MoTavish, and Dr. Newman. And on Friday, the Bth May, a deputation, consisting of the Hon. Dr. Grace, Mr. Walter Johnston, Dr. Newman, and members of the provisional committee, waited on the Colonial Treasurer, who informed the deputation that upon the formation of a gymnasium tho Government would favorably consider the request for the use of a building site. The provisional committee has called this meeting for the purpose of forming the club, and has brought down certain proposals to be submitted to yon by the chairman this evening.” ELECTION OF OFFICERS. President, Hon. Dr. Grace ; secretary, Mr. J.Berry; treasurer,Mr.N.Barraud; committee, Dr. Newman, Messrs. Beauchamp, Bate, Davy, Maxwell, and MoTavish. The Chairman said he was glad to see so much interest taken in the appointment of the committee.

Mr. Maxwell said that out of the committee just elected it was necessary to appoint a president. He did not know a more suitable person, or one who had taken a mere lively interest in the formation of the gymnasium than thd Hon. Dr. Grace. At a previous public meeting a provisional committee was appointed. They canvassed the town, and called on a large number of persons, but they found no one who took such an interest iu the affair as Dr. Grace. Ho .would therefore propose Dr. Grace be president of the gymnasium. Mr. MoTavish seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Dr. Grace, in replying, thought that he did not deserveso much praise as had been given him. He referred to the grant of land given for recreation purposes at Dunedin. He thought tho citizens of Wellington were treated as well as they deserved : they had no spirit to demand what they wanted. He accepted the appointment with gratitude. Mr, Bate proposed, and Mr. Barraud seconded, —That the subscription be £1 annually.—Carried. The Secretary (Mr. Berry) observed that there were at present 200 names on the roll. They would require a drill instructor, which would necessitate an outlay of at least £l5O a year. There would also be other incidental expenses, such as gas, &c. He hoped before long to report fully 300 .names as members. ; A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business.