PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 252, 4 October 1884, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

There was not as large an attendance at the meeting called last evening to discuss the advisability of forming a Parliamentary Union in connection with the Gisborne Institute as was expected.

Mr. Warren occupied the chair and explained that he had been waited upon by Mr. DeLautour, who suggested that in order to give a stimulus to the Institute it might be advisable to establish something on the lines of the Auckland Parliamentary Union. He regretted Mr. DeLautour was not present, as he having seen the Auckland Union at work might have given much information as to the best mode of starting and carrying out the intentions of the meeting. Mr. James S. Browne thought the idea of forming a Union a very good one, as by its means a great amount of knowledge and amusement could be gathered, more especially in regard to the doings of Parliament. The only thing they wanted was one or two gentlemen having experience—such as exmembers and reporters. He would be most happy to become a member. Mr. Butt was of opinion that it was desirable to form the Union. He did not consider it absolutely necessary to have exmembers of Parliament. It would be all very well if they could get them, but if not they could make the best of others. Through the medium of the Union they could always gain a knowledge of the business of the country.

Mr. Townley asked if the institute had been a success, and whether the addition of the proposed Union would not be a benefit. Also whether there would be sufficient motive power to carry it on if the Union were made a separate body.

The Chairman said it would be very hard for him to say it had not been a success. He had at the outset looked forward to the time when they would have been able to build a room for themselves, establish educational classes, and also have a night for debates. He did not think either would be a success if split up into separate bodies. Those who look any interest in it at all had so many calls on their time that it was absolutely impossible for them to attend more than once a

week. Looking at it from the standard he had set up at the beginning the Institute had not been a success, but the Union would, he thong.it, be a help to it, and the footing the Institute had acquired would assist the proposed Union in a great measure. Mr. O’Ryan agreed with Mr. Warren. The open nights had been a great success; it was only private members’ nights that had in any way failed through lack of attendance. The good done by the lectures had been very great, and it would be a pity to let the Institute drop. Alternate nights could be devoted to purposes of the Union, and would fill up what had to some extent been a blank. Mr. Slack agreed that amalgamation was the best course, and spoke at length in favor of forming the Union. Mr. Townley did not think it advisable to form a separate body, as it would be found difficult to keep the steam up. Mr. W. Morgan asked if the Committee and members of the Institute were in favor of the Union. The Chairman thought he could safely say they were in favor of anything that would further the interests and provide amusement for the young people of the place. With the exception of the President (Dr. Pollen) and ’he lecturers, all the members of the Institute who had taken an active interest in its working were present. A question here arose as to whether a nonneinber of the Institute could propose a motion, and the Chaiiman ruled it was a 'lublic meeting. Mr. Brown moved : “ That the gentlemen present form themselves into a Pir.iamentary Union. Mr. Butt seconded. Mr. Slack moved the addition of fie words “ in connection with the Gisborne Institute.”

Mr. Townley seconded, Eight voted for the amendment, and seven for the motion. The Chairman declared the amendment carried. Mr. Townley moved “ That a subscription of one shilling per month entitle anyone to become a member of the Union, members of the Institute to be exempt from further subscriptions. Seconded by Mr. Butt and carried. Mr. Butt proposed “ That Mr. Warren be asked to accept the office of Speaker. Mr. Townley seconded. Carried. Mr. Warren consented and thanked the meeting for the honor conferred upon him. Mr. Akroyd suggested that the meeting should not be too hasty in rushing into details, but should give each matter due consideration. Mr. O’Ryan proposed, “That Messrs. Warren, Brown, Butt, Akroyd, and DeLautour be a committee to draw up rules to be submitted to a meeting on Friday next. The motion was carried. Mr. Butt proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair, and the meeting adjourned till Friday evening, at 7.30., when every one who desires to become a member is requested to attend.