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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 115, 17 May 1876, Page 2

A Special Meeting op the Town BoAiid will l>o held to-morrow evening, in order to clear off all the business brought before the present Board, ’ that has , not been hitherto disposed of. This is necessary, owing to the fact that the annual general meeting of ratepayers to nominate, or elect members, to supply the vacancies occasioned by those retiring in rotation this year, is fixed by the Ordinance for the sth of June in each year, and, as it happens, that date on tin's occasion falls on a Monday. By the same Ordinance, the general meetings of the Board are to be held on the first Monday in every month, and this in next month is the sth. Consequently, on that day the retiring members arc out of office, as the new election then takes place, and a special meeting, to enable the present one to present a clean sheet to the Board about to be re-con-stracted, is necessary. There is we understand, some business of considerable local importance to be got through, and the sitting is likely to be a long one. Amongst other matters, we hear that a proposal will be made to present a gratuity to the Town Clerk for his assiduity and energy during the'difficult period of a Board’s existence, viz., its inauguration, and, should such

be the case, never was a recognition more thoroughly deserved. Mr Campbell has worked earlj r and late, has devoted time worth ten limes his paltry salary, in the interests of the Board, and has proved a valuable and excellent public Servant. It is true that he fixed his own salary, as it were, but when his services arc found to be so much in excess of his own estimate, due acknowledgment at the hands of a public body is only usual, and should be accorded in this instance. We hope the rumour is true, and what is more, that members will agree to any proposal of the kind. Wo arc quite certain that if they do, their action will meet with the cordial approval of nine-tenths of the ratepayers, and they will be merely doing a graceful act of justice to one who well deserves its exhibition. What the other business is we do not exactly know, but no doubt at the fag end of the year there are numberles large and little matters to be definitely disposed of. This will be the last meeting prior to the election of three new members or the re-election of those retiring.

An emergency meeting of the Patea Kilwinning Lodge, No. 536, S.C., will be held this evening, in the Town Hall, at half-past seven. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday last, an inebriate was fined 10s for being drunk and disorderly. There was no other business.

The sale of Mr Muir’s store, out-buildings’ stock-in-trade, &c., at II a were, takes place to-morrow, w'hen Mr Cowcrn will officiate as auctioneer. The store is situated in the best position in the township, and the stock is not only of the highest class, but is most extensive, in addition to which the whole will be sold without reserve. Such an opportunity for buyers to lay in stocks has not been given for many a day, and those wishing to invest in property in one of the most nourishing townships in the island have a chance of doing so, that they are not likely to have again. The sale Avill no doubt attract a large number of buyers, and one more genuinely attractive could not be. Particulars can be seen in our advertising columns. In common with other townsmen, wo sincerely sympathise with Mr T. Haywood of the Albion Hotel, in the loss of his two children within a week. One died about ten days ago, the other on Saturday evening last. The funeral of the latter took place on Monday last. During the present month the Inspector of Nuisances has served five residents with notice to abate or remove certain nuisances. Three of them have taken no notice of the warning, and two have complied with requirements, at least partially. It is probable that the recusants will be summoned within a day or two.

It is greatly to be regretted that some action, in reference to tlic establishment of a hospital here, has not yet been taken, everything being so favourable to the formation of such an institution. By applying to the Government wo are quite certain that the necessary buildings could bo granted, medical aid can be gratuitously obtained, and all the expense necessary would bo a wardsman or dispenser, who could combine both duties. It is strange that such almost inhuman apathy should exist, and that no good Samaritan can bid found to come forward and set the ball in i.notion. Should a public meeting be called .on the subject, we are sure that sufficient cb aritablc feeling would be at once evoked tc' bring matters to a prompt and successful issue, but no one seems disposed to taktf the lead, and though everyone confesses the necessity, no one seems disposed to be ioremost in so good a cause. The medical men of the district could tell how necessary such an institution is. Even in the summer time it is needed, and during the bleak winter months it is more than ever required. One gentleman told us some months ago, after some remarks on the same subject had appeared, that ho intended to get up a requisition 1 to the Chairman of the Town Board, to c;t>J a meeting on the matter, but, as such meeting lias not been called, we presume that the requisition was never prepared. It is a matter for the Town Board, in the absence of private exertion, to take up, and we hope that it will be one of the first subjects that will engage the attention of the Board, when re-constituted, for it is one involves all that pertains to common humanity.

A general meeting of the Patea Cricket Club was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening last, when the accounts for the past yeai were inspected, and the election of new office-bearers for next season proceeded with. A statement of the assets and liabilities showed the club in debt £0 some odd shillings, which sum, considering the heavy expenses, incurred in forming the new ground, was not thought alarming. Air Taplin was reelected secretary, and the following committee -were chosen :—Eev. A. Dascnt, Dr. Croft, E. Jacomb, B. Dasent, E. E, Mackay, and Do J. Fraser, Before the meeting separated, Mr Tennent explained what action had been taken by the sub-committcc with reference to the leasing of the now ground from the Town Board, but as this body had appointed a sub-committee to meet those gentlemen appointed by the club for the purpose of drawing up the conditions of lease, it was thought advisable to stay any action in the matter until the result of that meeting was known.

Tho first meeting of the Kakaramoa Musical Society was hold on Friday evening last, and was ■well attended. We shall no doubt soon have the pleasure of announcing their debut, and when that time does arrive, we hope they will receive the patronage such societies deserve. What are our townsmen about that they do not follow the example of the Kakaramoaitcs.

From a cursory glance at the respective averages of the members of the Patca Cricket Club, for the past season, we are inclined to think, that the schedule would compare favorably with any country district. We trust that all differences may bo smoothed over satisfactorily >yith reference to the leasing of the ground from the Town Board.

Wc understand that in future tho police intend to stringently carry out the subjoined provisions of the Municipal Police Ordinance 18G2, which have been recently proclaimed to take operation in this district. They are the first fifteen sections of the Ordinance, and provide penalties for firing scrub, grass, ice., within the limits of the township ; for any person lighting fires to endanger any building ; for neglecting to keep clean their chimneys ; for furious riding in the streets ; for allowing ferocious dogs to be at large without a muzzle ; for damage done by cattle driven through a public thoroughfare ; for persons wantonly hurting or harassing cattle ; for neglecting to cover wells or other openings substantially; for conveying night soil after 6 o’clock in the morning) and before 10 o’clock at night; for allowing offensive matter of any kind to flow into the roadway or into any stream ; for exposing diseased meat for sale ; for throwing glass, china, or earthenware on a public road ; for regulation of entires ; for writing or drawing any obscene word or representation within sight of any public* thoroughfare, and for indecency. The following clauses provide against offences against public convenience and decency, penalties for discharging firearms or keeping any pigs within the town, against poultry trespass, for neglecting to remove nuisances and make good dangerous chimneys—the lines in the latter cases being not less than £2 nor more than £lO. A fine of not loss than 5s or more than £2O may be inflicted for injuring public roads or buildings, and provision is also made for the protection of footpaths that have been proclaimed, tho penalties being as for damaging roads Our readers now know what lately pro' claimed clauses contain ; it is for them t 0 avoid coming within the clutches of the Jaw in connection with them.

The Gormans living in Wellington have paid £SOOO to the Union Bank for land and premises in Willis-stroet in that city. Part of the premises is to be used as a club.

At Dykcbead the other day some boys were playing on a bleaching green, and amongst other amusements it was proposed by one of their number to have a game at Wainwright, and forthwith they proceeded to erect a scatfold, which was done by piling some stones or bricks against a pole. Having done this the rope was attached to the top of the polo and fixed round a boy’s neck : then the stones were knocked from under his feet, and ho was left struggling. As soon as the boys discovered the state he was in they took' to their heels. Fortunately this novel game happened close to some dwelling-houses, whence timely aid was rendered, to the would-be Wainwright, who when taken down, was in a most exhausted condition. Mr Cuthbertson, lateM.H.R., lias written to one of the Southland papers a criticism on Mr Macandrew’s manifesto. Ho characterises the Superintendent’s letter as being “ neither more nor loss than an attempt to mislead the public by a series of misrepresentations of the effect of abolition.” At Waiinate (Canterbury) Judge Ward had to hold a sitting of the District Court in what lie was pleased to term a “hovel, ” a,ud he thus apologised for his appearance on the bench in unofficial costume: —“ As long as tiie Government deem it fitting that the clerk, the jury, suitors, witnesses, and the public generally be inserted into a wooden box, fifteen feet by twelve, we must endeavour to compress ourselves as closely as possible. If we assumed official costume here there would be but little room for our robes to rustle.” The Auckland Evening Star in a recent issue says ; —Our Legislature our Press —our public opinion—are all debased and corrupted.” The Star should know best, as it belongs to lbs middle category, and professes largely to influence the others. The Timam Herald of a late date says : About 1,000 bushels of threshed wheat were destroyed by fire at Messrs Quia Bros., Makikihi. The wheat was in bags, and covered with straw at the time of the fire. From enquiries made it appears that v carter named Jack Burne, while feeding 'his horses on the Great South Road, at a point about twenty-four chains from where the wheat was, saw a man light the straw that was covering the wheat, and make off. Every effort is being made to find out - the incendiary. .The wheat was uninsured. .

PATEA LITERARY INSTITUTE. The annual general meeting of the Patca Institute was held last evening, Major Turner, the President,, in the chair. The Chairman introduced the business by calling on the hon. secretary to read the report, as follows : REPORT. In presenting to this meeting the first annual report of the Patca Library and Institute, the committee think that there is great occasion for congratulation on the general success which has attended the movement. As the Institute has-recently become incorporated under thc“ Public Libraries Powers Act, 1875”—a matter which will be more fully referred to presently —and now starts as it were on a fresh but legal basis, the committee thought it well that this, the first annual report, should take the form of a brief resume of what has taken place since the formation of the society up to the present, and to this we append a balance-sheet for the year ended •list March, 187(1. also a supplementary statement, showing the present state of the banking account, and the probable state of the funds at the expiration of the current quarter. We have also added a few suggestions for your consideration, with a view to open discussion as to the most expedient means of erecting s suitable building. A meeting called by advertisement of those interested in the formation of a Literary Society at Carlyle, was held at the Albion Hotel on the evening of Saturday, the 24th April, 1875. This meeting was well attended. The following resolution was carried unanimously— il That in tho opinion of this meeting it is desirable to form an association in Carlyle to be called the Patca Library and Institute.” The subscription was then fixed at one pound per annum, and a sub-committee was appointed to consider matters in detail, and report progress at a future meeting. This second meeting was held on the Bth May. when several practical measures were carried; and at a further meeting held on the 16th of June, the secretary was enabled to report that the use of one of the barrack rooms had been obtained. That the room was opened on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. and was well supplied with files of the leading Colonial and English newspapers. That subscriptions to the amount of £l6 10s had been received, and that arrangements had been made by which the institute would be allowed the use of the, A.C. District Library. At the beginning of July the committee rented from Mr Furlong, at'the cost of ten shillings weekly, the premises which had been in the temporary occupation of the Bank of New South Wales, and the library before referred to, together with subscriptions from private sources, in all say 300 volumes was then put in circulation. It was found, however, that this arrangement was not in all points so convenient as it was anticipated it would be, and that the new premises could not be used to advantage until the services of a librarian were obtainable. It was at this juncture that Mr Sherwood kindly offered to the committee the gratuitous use of his office, and we were of opinion that this offer would afford to members advantages not otherwise attainable—namely, that the files of papers would be accessible for daily reference to members during business hours, and that the immunity from office rent would allow of the services of a librarian being procured. The committee therefore accepted this offer, and matters have gone on smoothly, and, we trust, satisfactorily, np to the present In the month of November, the committee took the initiative towards having the society brought under the “ Public Libraries Powers Act, 1875,” then just passed, but various obstacles retarded the completion of the necessary declaration. We have now, however, the pleasure to report that the institute has recently become duly incorporated. Wc will now quote clause 5 of the Act, which will explain our present status : '■ When the formalities aforesaid have been complied with, the persons who signed such declaration, or the directors, or the officebearers. and the committee for the time being of any such ihs'itution, and their successors, shall be a body corporate and politic, and shall have the powers, rights, and immun’ties vested in such bodies by law, with power to such corporation, in their corporate name, from time to time to acquire and hold to them and their successors, for the uses of such corporation, any messuages, lands, tenements, or hereditaments situate within (he Province.”

Amongst the formalities aforesaid it was necessary to file with the declaration a copy of the constitution and bye-laws of the institute. The committee therefore framed a constitution and code of bye-laws, based on those of the Taranaki Institute, but modified to meet local requirements, and this constitution and bye-laws, gentlemen, unless altered by resolution of this meeting, are binding by law on members of the institute. It would be tedious and probably unnecessary to submit them seriatim to the consideration of the meeting, and as the committee exercised its best judgment in their preparation, you are asked to accept them intact, and the defects in their working, if any, can be rectified at any future annual meeting. We now come to the subject of building,, and your attention is called to the following facts. Being now a body corporate, we have power under the fifth clause of the Act previously quoted to acquire and hold land and property, and the section reserved as a building site for the institute can now be purchased for a nominal sum. With this section as a if freehold, the money now in hand, and the aid expected from Government this year, together with local subscriptions, we will be in a position to erect a substantial and roomy building. Figures on this subject will not be wanting when the subject comes on for discussion. • 4> On the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Baggett, the report was received, and a vote of thanks tendered to the hon. secretary and auditors. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. . Dr. Croft moved that those officers who had so ably discharged the duties during the past year be re-elected. The hon. secretary explained that it would be necessary to elect two more members of committee, one, Mr Ivess, having. left, and the new. arrangement under the Public Libraries Act required five members of. committee. Mr W. Williams seconded Dr. Croft’s resolution. Mr Gibson moved as an amendment that a fresh election altogether be.-hold of All officers. Mr Iloltbam seconded the amendment. The amendment iv.qis carried This gave considerable offence to some of. the committee, who said that they regarded it as a vote of want of confidence. Both the movei and seconder denied any such intention, but explained that as the Institute now started on a fresh footing altogether, they thought that it was necessary to begin regularly. This explanation satisfied the objectors, and the election proceeded.

The following officers were then appointed Major Turner, President; Mr Hutton,' Secretary and T-easitrer j Messrs Gibson and Tennent, Auditors. > A ballot was taken for the committee, eight being proposed, which resulted in favour of Messrs Tennent, Sherwood, Adams, Gibson, and Dr Croft. On the motion of Mr Tennent, seconded by Dr Croft, it was resolved that the balance-sheet should be advertised once in the Patka Mail. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Sherwood, for so liberally granting the use of his office as a library for some months past. The Secretary entered into an explanation, whereby be showed that the Institute would have £SO at the end of Juno, and showed how, with Government aid that might reasonably be expected, it would be possible to put up the building during the year. A discussion on the building took place which resulted in a resolution being arrived at, to the effect that when the committee had any matured plans to submit, a special general meeting should be called It was resolved that Mr Gibson bo the member of committee, in addition, to the President and Secretary, in whom the property of the Institute should vest. After a vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting separated.