ADVANCE WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1963, 31 October 1889, Page 2

ADVANCE WINCHESTER.

A public meeting was held in the Mechanics’ Institute, Winchester, on Monday, the 28th inct., to ascertain what support would be accorded towards the erection of a Sunday School Room and Recreation Hall, There was a crowded attendance.

The Rev. T. A, Hamilton presided, and explained the object of. the meeting. He stated that he had long seen and felt the need of a building which would supply a desideratum—viz.: a Sunday School Room and a place for holding gatherings of young people, and also a hall for holding public meetings, etc. The only building now available was not always obtainable, and even if used was found unsuitable owing to its peculiar construction. Therefore, in conjunction with Mr Robert Smith, ho had been quietly working to obtain a Sunday School Room, which should be always available. Estimates and plans had been prepared, which he laid on the table, showing that material for a school 48ft. x 24ft. would cost about £llO, or with an ante-room added about £l4O. Mr Smith and himself intended to labor themselves in the erection of the building. Mr Gimson had generously offered sufficient land for the building, and also to provide the “ lining,” in ihe shape of a tea, when the children took possession. Having seen in the columns of the Temuka Leadbh that Mr Oarston had announced his intention of erecting a public hall, the chairman stated that he had waited on Mr Oarston, who at once recognised the priority of in* rention, and had kindly delayed any further proceedings until this meeting. It was now for those present to say whether they would support the erection of a Sunday School, Mr Stewart objected to any building being erected on a denominational basis. He questioned very much whether the Church authorities would allow other religious bodies to use the school, or that it would be available on every occasion. Mr Harrison was also of the same opinion. He said that as long as Mr Hamilton was in charge of the pariah things might work well, as he was the “most liberal-minded Church of England minister he was acquainted with,” but he felt, with Mr Stewart, that another “ Fharoah might arise, who would not know Joseph,” and then the building might be closed to the public. At this stage the chairman read a letter from the Secretary of the Good Templar Lodge, decling to “ subscribe to the building of the proposed hall if Mr Deßenzy had anything to do with ihe letting or management.” The chairman commented upon the evident personal feeling of the letter, but he felt at a loss to quite understand the meaning of it.

Mr Deßenzy was not present, but Mr Ensor explained that Mr Deßenzy was chairman of the State school, and the good templars were aggrieved at not obtaining the use of the school at a recent social until they had taken out ah insurance policy for the night, but no doubt Mr Deßenzy would explain more f ully when he arrived. The matter then dropped fer the time being. After some considerable discussion, in which Mr R. Smith pleaded strongly in favor of tho proposed school, the following resolution was proposed by Mr Northam, and seconded by Mr Stewart—“ That Mr Oarston proceed with the erection of his hall.” To this an amendment was proposed by Mr R. Smith, and seconded, by Mr Gladstone—“ That a Sunday School Room be erected, and an agreement drawn up with the vestry that the schoolroom be available to all parties for all purposes at reasonable times,” The amendment was then put to the meeting and lost by eleven to six, more than half the meeting not voting. The resolution was then carried by ten to six. The chairman thanked the meeting for the orderly way in which the meeting had been conducted, and though he felt sorry that his scheme had proved abortive, yet a public hall would evidently satisfy those who desired to ]

be untrammelled by possible restrictions in a Sunday School building managed by church authorities. He wished Mr Carston every success and prosperity with his new venture, At the same time the want of a Sunday School Room would still be felt, as had been freely admitted during the meeting, and he therefore thought the district generally would credit Mr Smith and himself with having been working for months for the real good of the district, and with no idea that any denominational cry would be raised. Nothing of the kind had ever occurred in Winchester before, and all had worked side by aid® as on© family. He hoped that a hearty vote of thanks would b® accorded to Mr Smith.

At this stage Mr Gladstone rose and took the meeting by storm by generously offering to erect a Sunday School Room at his own cost. He felt impelled to do this, as he knew how urgently it was needed, and appreciated the labors of the Incumbent and the Superintendent of the Sunday School, The chairman said that this generous offer quite overcame him, The church was already under a deep sense of obligation to Mr Gladstone for his benefactions in connection with the Winchester Church, but he felt that all present would regard this gift as one which, when completed, would enhance the beauty of Winchester, and all their children would reap the benefit of this magnificent gift to the people. Mr Deßenzy moved, and Mr Ensor seconded a resolution—“ That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Gladstone for his gift.” This was carried amidst enthusiastic applause. Mr Gladstone briefly returned thanks, and said that it gave him the greatest pleasure to do anything for the public good. Mr Stewart moved—“ That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr and Mrs Robert Smith for their self-deny-ing labors m connection with the Sunday School.” This was seconded by Mr Harrison and carried unanimously. ; Mr Carston then cose, and said that before the masting dispersed he would like to square up some small matters, or, as the sailers would say,'“ clear up decks.” He then put a question to Mr Deßenzy as to why he had told the secretary to the Good Templars that he could have the State school for 10s, without informing him of the necessity of insuring until so late that the meeting was almost frustrated. Mr Deßenzy denied ever having seen the secretary on the matter. The caretaker (Mr Albert) came to him, and he saw no one else. He instructed Mr Albert not to give up the key until the insurance paper was forthcoming. In this he was simply doing his duty as instructed by the Board of Education, and he would disregard his plain duty for no man, The secretary, and also Mr Smith, in speaking on the matter were satisfied now that there had been a misunderstanding merely, and that Mr Deßenzy was not to blame. The matter was thus satisfactorily settled. The chairman congratulated the meeting on the results of the evening. Not only would two grand buildings be added to their rising township, and Winchester beautified, but they had also succeeded in clearing the “ moral atmosphere” so effectually that all would breathe freely once more, and might go home with easy consciences after “burying the hatchet.” The meeting had been conducted in such an admirable way that there was no room for self-reproach on the part of any present. A vote of thanks to the Incumbent for presiding terminated the meeting.