GISBORNE INSTITUTE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 76, 26 February 1884, Page 2

GISBORNE INSTITUTE.

A well-attended meeting, convened by Messrs. Pollen and Tucker, for the purpose of electing a geneial committee of management and transacting other business in connection with the formation of the Institute, was held in the public school-rooms last evening. The Ven. Archdeacon Williams was called to the chair, and explained the objects of the meeting by stating that it was a supplementary one to those previously held. The special business was to receive the report of the Committee which had been appointed, and to consider the suggestions therein contained. Although the Committee, in their report had put forward a number of suggestions, the present meeting was in no way wedded to them, and he hoped that any gentlemen present would freely give expression to their opinions shonld they differ from those contained in the report. The only object of the suggestions which had been made was with a view of helping to establish the institution, so that any further suggestions would be most thankfully received and carefully considered. Mr. DeLautour then read the following report:— report. Your Committee have to report:— They have held two meetings, which were fully attended, and they have given the matters referred to them the most careful consideration. They have also appointed a Sub-Committee to meet the Library Committee, and have had the advantage of considering the liberal proposals of that Committee: — We recommend that an association be at once formed, to be called “ The Gisborne Institute,” with a membership fee of 7s. 6d. per quarter. The Institute to be managed by a Committee of seven members, who shall be elected annually, such Committee to appoint its own Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer; the annual election of the first to be on or about the 31st day of March. The Institute to hold its meetings in the buildings built by the Library Committee, and, in buildings it itself is recommended to put up in connection with the public reading-room ; such additional building to be on the site reserved for a public library, and to be solely at the disposal of the Institute during its pleasure. It is suggested that one room, at least, costing not less than £5O, be built, to be a general club-room for members. All members of the Institute will be members with all right and privileges of the Public Library for one year without any further subscription than their own membership fee paid to the Institute, the Library having the advantage of the additional building on its grounds. This is coupled with the condition that the building to be put up is approved by the Library Committee and cost at least £5O.

Sessional classes are recommended, to be presided over by gentlemen who would give their services to such work for the winter months. The following subjects are suggested :—Freehand Mechanical Drawing, Law, (say contracts and real property), Maori, Physiology of Daily Life. Class fees, additional to membership, should be fixed, to be paid to the treasurer towards the general expenses of the Institute. Independently of the classes, debating should be encouraged. For this purpose debates might bo held at least once in each week, all members having a right, without fee, to take part in the discussions subject to the rules established. The Committee of Management should be appointed to-night with full power to mould the Institute as it sees fit. Mr. DeLautour explained the difficulties which the Committee had to contend with in respect to finding suitable premises with the limited means at the disposal of the Institution. It had been thought that, by a combination with the Library, the difficulty might be surmounted, and a building secured at a small cost. He thought it a pity that the present advantages of the Free Library rooms were not more generally known. He would now propose “ That an association be at once formed to be called ‘ The Gisborne Institute.” Mr. Quigley seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. Dr. Pollen next moved “ That the payment of a subscription of 7s. 6d. per quarter in advance shall entitle anyone to become a member of the Institute.” The Chairman called attention to the circumstance that no election or balloting for members would be required. This was an important question, and he would ask if there was any diversity of opinion on this point. There being no response, the motion was put and carried. Mr. Tucker next moved “ That the Institution shall be managed by a Committee of seven members, who shall be elected annually, such Committee to appoint it own Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, the annual election, after the first, to take place on or about the 31st of March.” Mr. Woon wished to know whether this Committee would be entirely distinct from the Library one. The Chairman said the two Committees would be entirely distinct and separate from each other, although the members of the new institution would be entitled to all the privileges of the Library. The building to be erected would belong entirely to the new institution, who would have the sole use of it as long as it was in existence; but, even should the present movement fail, it would not have existed for nothing, inasmuch as it would have materially assisted the Library. He hoped he had made all as plain as possible. The motion was then put and carried. Mr. Quigley moved, and Mr. Ingle seconded. “ That the institution shall hold its meetings in the buildings built by the Library Committee and in buildings which it may itself put up in connection with the public readingroom, it being understood that any building so erected shall be absolutely at the disposal of the Institute as long as it may exist as a separate association.” The Chairman said the interview with the Library Committee had been most satisfactory. They had met them in a most cordial spirit, and wished to do everything in their power, with a view of forwarding the present institution. In the natural course of events, the present movement should, no doubt, grow out of the Library; but, owing to circumstances, this was impossible, and, accordingly, they must work in unison with each other. After some questions had been put and answered, relating to the exact position of the present institution with the Library re the proposed new building, the motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr. O’Ryan next moved, and Mr. Ingle seconded, “ That on the conditions above specified, steps shall be taken by the Committee, with the concurrence of the Library Committee, to procure the erection, as soon as possible, of a suitable room, to be used for the purpose of a general club-room for the members of the Institute, and for any other ' purpose to which the Committee may apply The Chairman explained that the Library members would not have access to the room. This motion was also carried. Dr. Pollen next moved “ That arrangements shall be made by the Committee for the organisation of sessional classes on such subjects as the committee may think fit, and that any one taking advantage of such classes shall pay such fees as the Committee may fix for the same.” Carried. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE. On the question of electing a Committee, Mr. DeLautour said they were under the necessity of electing a Committee before the roll of members was formed. As a great deal of tho success of the institution depended upon the Committee, he had given the matter his serious consideration, and would submit the named of several gentlemen whom he had thought most suitable. After some discussion on this point the following gentlemen were nominated as a Committee :— Dr. H. Pollen J. Warren Chrisp, jun. Ingle Tucker Sharratt 11. McKay. Mr. Tucker then proposed a sincere vote of thanks to the Library Committee for the cordial manner in which they had rendered every assistance to the present movement.” Dr. Pollen next wished to propose a vote of thanks to the Press for the great assistance they had given in every possible way they could.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings, which had been most unanimous. COMMITTEE MEETING. After the termination of the above business the Committee held a meeting, when the following gentlemen were elected officers:— Dr. Pollen, Chairman ; Mr. J. Warren, Treasurer ; Mr. E. Chrisp, Secretary. It was resolved that the next meeting be held in the Library Rooms on Thursday evening next.