PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1357, 25 June 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

A well-attended meeting was held last Tuesday evening in the Mechanics’ Institute, Temuka, to consider the advisability of forming a Parliamentary Union in Temuka.

Dr Hayes occupied the chair, and stated that at Mr Twomey’s request he had called the meeting. He would now call upon Mr Twomey to give his views on the subject. Mr Twomey said he had little to say on the matter. They all knew the object was to form a Parliamentary Union ; they knew the scope and functions of such associations, and that they were very successful in almost every town in New Zealand. So ns to put the meeting in order ho would move—“ That an Association to be called the Temuka Parliamentary Union be formed.”

Mr Joseph Harrop seconded the motion, but expressed regret at finding that Mr Twomey had come to the meeting unprepared as he bad. Several others having expressed a desire to know how such institutions were worked elsewhere, it was decided to send for a copy of the rules of other institutions.

A conversational discussion then took place as to whether persons who were not members of the Mechanics’ Institute would be admitted, and it was unanimously decided that no distinction should be made, but everyone, whether a member of the Institute or not, should bo allowed to join. On the motion of Mr Aspinall, seconded by Mr Coltman, it was resolved—“ That a subscription of 5s shall constitute membership, and that the same be paid to the Treasurer of the Mechanics’ Institute to dtfray the necessary expenses of the Union, and that if there be any surplus at the end of the session the same shall go to the funds of the Mechanics’ Institute.” A conversation ensued as to what the expenses would be, and it was estimated that they would be very small, and that in all probability there would be a surplus to go to the Mechanics’ Institute finds.

It was then decided that Mr A. M. Clark should be asked to act as Governor, and that Mr K. F. Gray be Speaker. It was next moved and seconded that Mr Twomey be Premier. Mr Twomey moved that Dr Hayes be Premier. Dr Hayes declined. Mr Twomey next proposed, and Mr Gaze seconded, that Mr Aspinall be Premier, Eventually it was decided that Mr Twomey be the first Premier, and form a Ministry. A list of membership was then handed in as followsDr Hayes (Geraldine), Messrs J. M, Twomey (Gladstone), W. H. Hargreaves (Rodney), J. Harrop (Timaru), W. Coltman (Oamaru), L. E. Haines (Kaiapoi), G. Bolton (Dunedin East), A. W. Gaze (Auckland City East), E. Lee (Mount Egmont), G. Smith (Ileathcote), R. P. Aspinall (Wakatipu), W. Ashwell (Invercargill), N. 6. Aspinall (Akaroa). The latest rumor is that the following will constitute the Ministry, viz., Mejsrs J. M. Twomey, Premier and Colonial Treasurer ; W. G. Aspinall, AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice ; A. W. Gaze, colonial Secretary ; John Bambridge Postmaster General; George Bolton, Native Minister. The other portfolios will be distributed in the course of the week. Great interest is manifested in the movement, and most of the town people have promised to join. An Opposition is being formed to turn the Ministry out at once.