Thames Liberal Association.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3352, 19 September 1879, Page 3

Thames Liberal Association.

FIRST MEETING OF MEMBERS

The first meeting of members of the above Association was held at the Pacific Hotel last night; Before the general meeting, the Committee appointed at the public meeting, held some time ago in the Academy of Music, met and compared their lists of subscribers, and received the •übscriptiona of those desirous of joining. At the hour appointed for the commencement of tha proceedings there were about 50 persons present.

Mr W. J. Speight, M.H.It., was elected Chairman.

The Chairman, having read the advertiseraent calling the meeting, said he apprehended the fluly of the Committee appointed at the public meeting vrus to take of the names of those desirous of joining, and report to the present meeting. He called on the Committee to give their report. Mr Carpenter (who had acted as secretary) said that the Committee hud received 57 names of persons wishing to join the Association. The business of the meeting was to place the Association on a proper footing by deiiuing its position, and how it was to be governed. As he had expressed himself at the public meeting it was not his intention to endeavor to bind the Association to a set of cast iron rules, but preferred leaving the drawing up of the rules to the members of the Association themselves. He suggested the adoption of several simple rules. As to their platform, that would not require much discussion, as by resolution of the public meeting tlwy were confined to the policy enunciated in the Governor'i Speech. He moved the first rule " That the name of the Association be the Thames Liberal Association."

Mr Alexander and others wished to know what the Committee had done. Mr Horsbru^fc accused the Committee of holding a hole and corner meeting before the general meeting which he considered a very auspicious circumstance. After some further useless discussion, in which several members of the Commit* tee endeavored to convince Mr Horsbrugh that everything had been done on the square,. Mr Brown seconded Mr Carpenter's resolution, and in doing so, said personally he objected to the Association being made an engine to return any one man. If the Association was formed with that vi«w, he might say at once he would withdraw. Mr Horabragh expressed himself thoroughly in accordance with Mr Brown, and took advantage of the occasion to give the Committee another dressing down, for the hole and corner meeting.

Mr Brodie thought the Committee deserved the dressing down Mr Horaburgh bad given them. He did hot think the Association should be made a Committee to return any one individual. Each can* dictate might if he liked form a Committee to secure his return, and call it a Liberal Association.

Mr W. Brown hoped the Association would be Tery broadcast, and wonld alto take cognisance of the doings of local bodies, and hare things done a little cheaper. If they would not do that he begged to withdraw his shilling. Mr Denby replied to Mr Horsbrugh's attack on the Committee, denying that there had been any sinister proceedings. At this point Mr Comer proposed that the meeting adjourn, and tbe Committee appointed draw-up a code of rules. Mr Wilkinson seconded the amendment.

Mr McCullongh said that the Committee bad only been appointed to get names. He objected to their going outside the resolution of the public meeting. If they were there ,for any other purpose they were there under false pretences. After further dissuasion of a similar nature, the motion vu carried.

Mr Small then proposed i —" That this anoeiation. recognises Sir George Grey as the leader of the Liberal party, and binds itself to return a man that will B«ppcrt him." . Mr Gordon seconded.

Mr Carpenter moved the posfcponment of the resolution till after the passing of the rules. This was agreed to. Mr McGowan then said he would propose a resolution similar to Mr Small's but it would not go so far. He would more—" That this anociation recognise Sir George Grey a* the leader of the Liberal party." Mr Wood seconded. This resolution was also poitponed. Mr Carpenter then proceeded with the rules. He moved—" That a committee consisting of twelve members, regulate the affairs of the Association, with a President, "Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, to be elected by ballot." Carried. Mr Denby moyed..—" That the subscription of membership be Is per quar* ter.' Carried.

Mr Small moved—" That the Committee call meetings when necessary, and that meetings he held on requisition of ten members, with not less than twenty* four hours notice of such meeting." Carried.

Mr Carpenter mored—" That the object of the Association should be the promotion of measures based upon the principles of the Governor's speech of last session." Carried. Jlr Small mored—" That no candidate for legislative honours bo eligible as an office-bearer of this Association." •

An amendment to this was moved, but the resolution was carried.

Mr Small's resolution, postponed at an earlier stage of the proceedings, was then brought on. Mr Horsbragh seconded. Mr Wilkinson deprecated the Association supporting any candidate. It was then decided to divide the resotion into two parts, the first portion, re the leadership of the Liberal party, being carried.

Messrs Hammond and Deeble spoke in favor of picking out the best man aDd numing him. Messrs Leydon, J. Brown and E. Oomer expressed opposite views. A warm discussion followed, and finally it was decided to adjourn till Monday, as there was but little prospect of any practical work being done, the confusion being considerable. A vote ot thanks to the chair concluded the business of the meetiug.