MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2411, 8 December 1880, Page 2

MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

A well attended meeting of the subscribers of the above, took place last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall Barnard street, for the purpose of considering the character of the new Institute, which it is proposed to erect in place of the one recently destroyed by fire. Mr Jackson occupied the chair, and opened the proceedings by reading the requisition on which the meeting was convened. He then made a short speech referring to the subject they had assembled to discuss, and said he hoped the meeting would be an orderly one. In reply to a question, the Secretary stated that the available funds of the Institute amounted to £1361. Mr Gibson then addressed the meeting. He was of opinion that the question of site had been settled, and it would bo unnecessary to spend any mure time in discussing that matter. He might say that a sum of £2lO had been received from the Insurance Companies on hooks, and this money it was proposed to expend in the purchase of new works. (Hear, hear.) With respect to the new Institute building, lie was in favor of the erection of a suitable structure in brick or concrete, comprising library, reading-room, and chess-room, but did not advocate the building of a public hall at present. Ho would move — “ That the Managing Committee of the Mechanics’ Institute is hereby authorised to erect a suitable building of brick or concrete for the nse of the Institute upon the site in North street, in the place of the one burned on October 20, 1880. Second—That provision should be made in the new building for a library, reading-room, chess-room, and sufficient private accommodation for the use of the librarian ; and the plans shall be so arranged that a hall can be added at some future date if thought desirable. Third—That the Committee propose conditions and terms for the guidance of architects, and call for competitive plans in accordance therewith, each plan to be accompanied with an estimate of the cost of the proposed building. Fourth. —As a further suggestion, this meeting would recommend the Committee not to exceed their present available funds for building purposes without first complying with the provisions of Rule 17 of the General Buies of the Institute.” Mr Stone seconded the motion. Mr Bruce was in favour of a Public Hall being included, and at once, as the Institute could never be made self supporting without one. lie was of opinion that the public would contribute to the cost of this undertaking if the town were canvassed, and he would suggest that a gift auction or something of that kind should be got up for the purpose of raising some money. He would move the following amendment :

“That this meeting authorise the Committee of the Mechanics’ Institute to call for competitive designs for the necessary accommodation for readingroom, library, &c.,and a public hall, the total cost not to exceed £2OOO ; and that the successful architect receive a bonus of £3O, and carry out the work at a commission of five per cent. Mr Reilly seconded the amendment. Mr Webster thought a suitable Institute, including hall, could not be built for less than £3OOO. M. Duval endorsed the opinion of the last speaker. He would recommend the erection, in addition to other rooms, of a separate reading room for ladies and a kitchen. (Laughter.) Oh, they might laugh, but a kitchen would be fguild extremely useful in case of a banquet to the Governor or any similar occasion as it would obviate .the bringing of hot viands from a distance. If they had a kitchen the banquet could be prepared on the premises. He was sure that £3OOO would be required to erect a suitable building. Mr Gibson reiterated his objections to the erection of an Institute Hall at present. Mr Bruce thought that £2OOO would be ample to furnish them with a hall suitable to their requirements, in which public meetings, &c., could be held. They could not go in very heavily for ornament and that kind of thing, and must dispense with a stage, &c., but they could at least erect a plain hall ; indeed such a step was really necessary to keep the Institute a-going. Several of those present also expressed their views, and one or two amendments were proposed. The amendment proposed by Mr Bruce was put and lost. The original motion by Mr Gibson, was then put and carried amidst considerable applause by a large majority. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.