MECHANICS' INSTITUTE MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 247, 16 May 1868, Page 2

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE MEETING.

A meeting called by advertisement was held last evening at the Empire Hotel, Gladstone-street, for the purpose of taking preliminary steps for tho formation of a Mechanics' Institute, or some other kindred institution in Westport. A large number of our most influential citizens attended, and a deep interest was evidently felt in the object for which the meeting had been called. Dr. Giles, R.M., was called to the chair, and introduced the business of the evening. Mr Whiteford was chosen hon. sec. pro tern. The chairman remarked that they were met together that evening for work and not for talk, therefore he would not detain them long. There was one point however, that might appear a trifling one, but which he thought was of some importance and that was the selection of a name. When Mechanics' Institutes were first originated in England, they were meant really for mechanics and artisans, but it was found that the higher classes were glad to avail themselves of the privileges afforded, to a far greater extent than the mechanics. In the colonies the case was different, and he thought that a name more in accordance with the intention of the Institute should be selected, as the old title was inappropriate and absurd here. Mr E. O'Connor said that he had recently came from Nelson, and when there he had placed a motion in Mr -T V Smith's hands, asking for £IOO to be placed on the supplementary estimates in aid of a Mechanics' Institute and Library in Westport. When there he also saw some twenty of the other members, and they all promised to assist to the best of their ability. He was afraid that if any change of name was made they might have some difficulty in getting the money.

A desultory discussion ensued, which was terminated by the Rev. —■ Harvey moving the following resolution—" That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to establish an institution in "Westport to be called the Westport Athemeuin." Mr Munro seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. _ Mr "Whitefoord said that he held in his hand the copy of a letter in reply to an application for a site for Mechanic's Institute in this town, in case of its being formed here. It contained the copy of a resolution of the Waste Lands Board, dated as far back as July 24, 1867, and stated that if it was the wish of the Westport public to establish a Mechanics' Institute, the Board were prepared to reserve land for such site as was deemed suitable. In applying for assistance, this resolution of the Waste Lands Board would be so much in their favor.

Another discussion ensued as to the appointment of a provisional committee and the fixing of a subscription fee, which resulted in it being determined that the subscription should be two guineas per annum, on the motion of Mr O'Connor, seconded by Mr Martin.

Mr Martin moved and Mr M'Dowell seconded, " That Dr. Giles, the Eev. W. Harvey, Messrs Whitefoord, O'Connor, and Kerr, be appointed a provisional committee to obtain the names of persons willing to subscribe to the "Westport Athenaeum, communicate with the Nelson Government with a view of obtaining a grant, and take such other steps as may be necessary to give effect to the objects of the present meeting." An amendment by Mr O'Connor, that the number be incraosed to seven, was lost and the original resolution carried.

Mr Kerr declined to act, and Mr Martin was chosen in his stead. On the motion of Mr Munro, it was resolved that the meeting be adjourned till called together by the committee. Votes of thanks to Dr Giles, proposed by Mr Martin, and also to Mr O'Connor for his exertions in the matter, proposed by Dr. Giles, wero carried unanimously, after which the meeting separated.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, WESTPORT. Ebiday, Mat 15. (Before J. Giles, Esq,, R.M.) DRUNK. John Whelan and Thomas Cruickshank, were respectively fined 10s, and 20s each, or the alternative of 24 and 48 hours imprisonment, BREACH OP THE LICENSING- ACT. H. Fry was summoned for refusing to open his licensed house when required to do so by the police. It appeared that the police hearing the screams of a female in defendant's house, went to the door and demanded admission, which defendant refused for some time saying he had lost the key. In defence it was stated that defendant and his wife " were having a few words." The magistrate fined the defendant £4 with a promise that if there were any more complaints, the license of the house would be cancelled. CIVIL CASES. Harris v. Stainer. —This was an action to recover £4 for work and labor done in connection with the ketch Young America. There was no dispute as to the work done, but a mere question of assessment as to its value. t The Magistrate remarked that the time of the Court was frequently taken up, and that people lost their own time constantly, through not making some definite arrangement before undertaking work. In this case he considered that the labor done was worth £2 10s, and a verdict was given for shat amount. Hamilton v. M'Galium. —A claim for £l3 10s money lent, board, and medicine. Mr Tyler for plaintiff 1 . Defendant admitted <£7, denied in toto that a portion of the money lent had been received, and put in a receipt for £2 paid to plaintiff's late partner. On the other hand plaintiff produced a book in which the amounts were entered and the dates of lending, and the Magistrate considering this corroborative evidence of the plaintiff's statement, gave a verdict for the full amount claimed and costs. Levy v. Spring. —No appearance of either party. Booke v. Mary Martin. —Verdict by 'default for £4 10s, and costs.