WINCHESTER NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2426, 17 November 1892, Page 2

WINCHESTER NOTES.

The annual meeting of the members of the Mechanics’ Institute took place on Thursday evening, 10th inst. About fifteen members were present, and Mr Pepperell, chairman of last year’s committee, presided. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The annual report was read as follows :—The committee was elected on Nov. 3rd, 1891, when the following members were chosen : Messrs Pepperell, Klee, Greenall, Ellis, T. Hart, J. Opie, Nesbett, and Patrick. Mr Pepperell was elected chairman and Mr Opie secretary. During the year seven committee meetings were held, most of the members being present at each. One of the first steps taken by the committee was to ascertain the number of books belonging to the library. These had been numbered from 1 to 257. Of this number the committee secured 175, a deficiency of 82 books being unaccounted for. The committee used every endeavor to recover the missing books, but all to no purpose. The committee have added twice to the books of the library as funds allowed. First 39 books and recently 24, making a total new addition of 63 books. They have kept the expenses down to, the lowest limit in order to devote as much funds as possible to the purchasing of new books. They think the reasonable fee of 2s Gd a member per quarter, together with the good accomplished by the institution, should be a sufficient inducement to the public to support it. The committee have found it necessary to obtain some new furniture owing to the attendance lately, and should it still be ysod as much as of late they will be obliged to get more. The following gentlemen have generously given donations to the institution:—Mr Rhodes, M.H.R., £2, and copy of Christchurch Daily Press; Mr Pepperell, copy of Lyttelton Times; Mr J. M, Twomey, copy of Temuka Leader ; Mr Gladstone, tile of Illustrated London Papers; Mr H. E. Smith, one or two volumes; and Mr Harrison, Bankruptcy Gazette. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £3 8s XOd. A motion to the effect that the balance-sheet and report be adopted was carried, Mr Baillie proposed, and Mr Oarston seconded—“ That the committee receive the thanks of the meeting for past services, and that they be reelected in a body.”—Carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.