TEMUKA BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1405, 15 October 1885, Page 3

TEMUKA BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

A meeting of the subscribers to the above society was held in the Temuka Town Board’s Office last Tuesday evening to consider what steps should be taken with reference to the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Institutions Act passed last session. Mr Gray occupied the chair, and there were present the Revs. T. A. Hamilton and W. G. Thomas, and Messrs Dyson, Quinn, Rout, Miles, Morton, Metson, J. Brown and Twomey. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to consider what steps should be taken in reference to the new Act. it would require 100 subscribers to constitute a separate district, and if they could not get that number they would be virtually defunct. The meeting had been called to see whether they would constitute a separate district or wind up their affairs. It seemed to him that the Act was too cumbersome and its machinery too great for a small district te work. If a good deal in it was expunged it would be much more workable. He was afraid they were not in a position to work under it. They would have to pay annual subscriptions to it. In reply to the Rev. Mr Thomas, the Rev. Mr Hamilton said the amount they bad collected so far was £27 17s, The Chairman (hen read clause 38 of the Act as follows:—“At any time within four months after the passing of this Act, tha aforesaid Committee, or persons, or body, may petition the Governor praying that the institution under their control may bo incorporated as a separate institution under this Act, and phall annex to such petition a verified list of the names of not leas than 100 persons who shall have signified their intention to contribute, in yearly sums of not less than five shillings, an amount of not less than £IOO to such institution, and who shall have paid one year’s subscription in advanc o , or a donation in one sum of not less than £10,”

An argument arose as to the meaning of this clause. Several members held that it meant tliat 100 peisons or more should pay £IOO annually, before they could be constituted as a separate body, while Messrs J. Brown and Twomey held that it meant that ICO persons should guarantee £IOO, which won d be paid in annual subscriptions of 5s each. The great point in dispu'e was whether £IOO should be paid down at once, or whether only £25 should be paid down and a guarantee given that the £IOO would be paid in yearly subscriptions of 5s each subscriber. The point was argued at considerable length, and ultimately the Rev. Jlr Thomas said he had a great respect for minorities, and suggested that information on the point should be got. On the motion of Mr Rout, seconded by Mr Quinn, it was resolved —“That the Chairman wire to the Colonial Secretary asking if 100 subscribers at 5s per annum constituted a Board, and ask him to reply fully ; further, that the Chairman and the Revs. Hamilton and Th'-mas be appointed a sub-Cominittee to further act in this matter in any way necessary.” On the motion of Mr Quinn, the meeting was adjourned till the necessary information was received from Wellington. After talking over several matters connected with the subject, those present separated.