MASTERTON INSTITUTE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2150, 20 November 1885, Page 2

MASTERTON INSTITUTE.

The regular monthly meeting of the Institute Committee was held last night.. Present.—Messrs Papworth (chairman), Berry, Smith, Mason, Redman, Wesfcin and Beard. .

An apology was tendered on behalf of the Mayor, who was attending a meeting of the Borough Council Gas Committee. The minutes of the provious meeting wero read and confirmed.

The Secretary reported the result of his special application to those who were indebted to the Committee for hire of room. It was resolved that the account against Mr Sellar, for the North Wairarapa Settlers Association, be struck out, tho room not being used on the night in question. Mr Papworth laid on the table specifications for .painting the Institute. The Chairman reported that a deputation had waited upon the Council as instructed at the last meeting, and the reply from the Town Clerk would be read later on.

In respect to the chairs and tables stated to have been borrowed by Mr Jago, the Secretary stated that Mr Jago acknowledged having had tho table, which lie tp return, but he denied having had any chairs. Mr Mason moved, and Mr Beard seconded, That the Secretary write to Mr Jago that unless the property be returned, proceedings would be taken for its recovery. —Carried.

Mr Beard moved, That the question of altering the hours of opening the library be held over sin die, Mr Mason seconded. Carried,' It was resolved that the covers of the catalogue be printed as amended, A discussion took place, as to whether a charge should be .made for the catalogues, Mr Beard and the chairman being in favor of their being free. Mr Berry moved,, That the price of the catalogues be sixpence. Mr Redman seconded the motion, which was carried,

The policy .of insurance on the books and furniture of the Institute was laid on the table.

Mr Beard, said the policy was made out in favor of the Mayor, Councillors and burgesses, and he was of opinion that in the event of a fire taking place (judging from the attitude of the Council iij the past) the Council might not be so ready to replace the books.

It was resolved that the policy be handed oyer to t]ie Town Clork for safe custody.

The Treasurer reported a credit balance of £3 0s lOd, and rates due £2B 15s.

It was resolved that the Borough rates claimed be paid, and the Secretary write for a refund of the amount, A letter was read from the Town Clerk in reference to the deputation that waited on the Council to ask for • assistance in getting the Institute painted, stating fet the Council wpuld advance fhe sum' of £2O out of the current library rates, ' The Chairman said he thought the •consideration anything but fayqrab]e. Mr Gapper, in hi? place in the Council said the Institute was mismanaged, Mr Gapper, as a member of the Library Committee, had ( never pointed out wheree retrenchment should come in, It was the duty of Mr Muir and Mr Gapper to point out what they panted. In the Council they had both said they were of

opinion that the management of the Institute aliould be placed in the hands of the Council. - They made wide statements, but did nofcpoint out nor suggest how the management could be improved. The Council might be a clever lot of roadmakers, but he did not think the -Committee should act on the hint given to resign, but should take the £2O, do the beat they could to the end of their term, and then the Council might manage it themselves, for he did riot think any body of men would come forward without funds.

Mr Mason said he hardly thought, the remarks of tho Chairman called for. Although he did not agree wity the decision arrived at, he certainly must say that the fault lay with the Chairman of the present meeting (Mr Papworth), who had come before the Council without any estimate of what lie waited.

Mr Westin. said that it was stated «t the last meeting that an estimate could not be given. Mr bapper was fully aware of that fact, he believe.d. , ' ■

The Chairman said Mr Gapper was the one who at the last meeting of the Library Committee said that it was impossible to get an estimate of the repairs required to the roof of the building. Mr Mason thought a professional man could give an estimate.

The Chairman said it resolved itself into the question of whether they could carry out the repairs to the roof. All the money that was coming to. them was £43. Mr Beard said they were in the position of the of old—expected" to make bricks without straw. The position ho took was that they should look after the internal airangements of the Institute, and leave tho outside building to tho Council, and lie should move that the. oiler of the Council be declined with thanks.

Mr Berry seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr.Beard further moved that no further monies bo expended on tho building, but that all monies available after necessary expenses were paid be expended on books and other literature.

Mr Redman seconded the motion, which was carried,

Mr Fitton wrote, asking for a rebate on the charge made for two meetings of the Masterfcon Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

The Secretary was instructed , to reply that the request could not be acceded to.

.An application was made by the Secretary of'the Masterton-Mangahao Special Settlement, Association for a rebate of the charge of three guineas made for three meetings in the upper room. ' Mr Papworth moved, and Mr Mason seconded pro forma, that no rebate be made, but that in future they be charged 10a Gd per meeting, Mr Beard moved as an amendment, that the latter part of the resolution reducing the charge to 10s 6d be struck out, aud the question of rent charges be referred to the House Committee, to report upon at the next meeting, Mr Westin seconded,

The amendment was negatived. Mr Beard moved, and Mr! Westin seconded, that the application of the special settlement Association be not aeceded to,—Carried,

Mr Beard moved that the question of revising the rent charges be reported on by the House Committee at the next meeting. Mr Westin seconded.—Carried,

Mr Beard moved, and Mr Berry seconded, that a filter be obtained at a cost not exceeding 30s.—Carried. _ It wss resolved that a deputation consisting of Messrs Beard, Papworth and Mason wait upon the Town Lands Trust, aiid ask for a grant of £SO for the purchase of new books,