NELSON INSTITUTE

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 112, 16 November 1858, Page 2

NELSON INSTITUTE

Last night another meeting took phi'ce at the above Institute for the further consideration of matters connected with the new building in contemplation. .... Mr. Binclair having been placed iv the chair, that gentleman stated that the object, of the meeting Viis to dispose of the JE2OO granted by the Provincial.- Council for a : Museum: in addition to the Institute ; and it would be for tbe present meeting to decide upon the most judicious steps to be taken. ''" " ...'., '.'■. The letter from the Provincial Secretary, shewing the terms of the grant (which has appeared before) was then read, aud an expression of public opinion invited thereon. After some discussion it was moved hy Mr. Adams, and seconded by Mr. Wells," That the members of the present Nelson Literary and Scientific Institute having decided upon erecting new buildings in order to. extend the benefits of the Institution, in the opinion of this meetingit is desirable to organise it on-a more extended basis under the name of the Nelson Institute, and to establish a Museum in connexion therewith." Carried unanimously. ;,'■"■* Mr. -Bagshaw said he thought that they need not confine themselves-to the'idea that £200 wa3 ail that would be-granted. He thought that when it was ■* properly shewn bow small this amount was to meet their necessities, that Government-might-double or treble tlie amount. Mechanics' Institutes were notoriously failures. He thought the very title had a great deal to do with ifc; it tended to keep separate classes that never should be divided. The Institution was about to hand over property that was worth perhaps 500 Z., the lease of the land about 300Z;, andthe books 2001., but. he thought they would waut something not less than 1000 Z. to go to work with to erect rooms for the purposes required. He thought -here;was little truth in men's-say-ing they conic), not -afford to pay I_V per year subscription, and seemed to hold a conviction that the Institution could not thrive.at a 10s. subscription. y. ■ '[ y ' ; Mr. Percy supported the 10s. movement. The principal reason why this point had been so much agitated, was simply because the Institute was not worth 11. per annum .subscription with its present deficiencies. (Hear heiar.) , Mr. 0 Curtis moved— '■' That it is de.iiahle ihe sum of 200.. voted by the Provincial Council for a Museum and MechamcsV Institute should he placed at the disposal ofthe members of ihe new Institute when* it shall haye,been properly organised." ; ■'"', Seconded by the Rev. Mr. Bagshaw. J. P. Robinson, Esq., thought that the arguments he had heard used in favor.''of ll. subscriptions were fallacious;; according.to that the Institute should have beeni in a more flourishing state when it was a guinea entrance fee, besides subscription, than before or since. He did not like to hear of latent convictions that the 10s. rate agreed to'would after all have to return to one pound. He thought and trusted that the Institute would be, found to work well and; be productive of great good to society. Mr. J. L. Bailey proposed, seconded by Mr. Dodson, and carried, " That in case the members of the Institute should agree to the proposition, the members of that Institution, and such other person 3as shall send their names and pay the sum of- 10s. to the Provisional Commitee on or before the 15th day of December next, shall be deemed members of the new Institute; i.nd that it be suggested that the above-mentioned sum be the subscription for the ensuing year." Upon the resolution of Mr.'.Adams, it was proposed, " That the Provisional Committee do confer with the Committee of the Institution, and that the Provisional Committee, elected.by vote, be composed of the following gentlemen : —Messrs. Sharp, H. E. Curtis, M. Bury; J. R. Dodson, J. P. Blacky I. M. Hill, H. J. Goodman, J. L. Bailey,'and Rev. P. Calder." Mr. I. M. Hill wished to kuow if the old members could give a pledge to the new ones 1 that the 10s. subscription should continue. ■"Mr. Adamsexplained that that would depend upoii the Standing Committee afterwards' appointed, for which anyone who cameforward would be;eligible, consequently that old members had nothing to do. with suoh a promise. After a discussion, it was moved by Mr. Adams :;—^Thafc a general meeting of the members of the; new Institute shall take' place on the; 151 h December, .When rules shall be made for the management of the new Institution, and officers appointed for the ensuing year," Seconded by Mr.; J. Percy. Tbis closed the proceedings for the evening, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting dissolved.