WESTPORT ATHENÆUM.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 765, 19 January 1871, Page 2

WESTPORT ATHENÆUM.

The annual meeting of subscribers to this institution took place on Monday evening, at the Court House. Present—T) r Giles, I>r Thorpe, Mr Powell, and Mr Denniston.

Dr Giles moved that Dr Thorpe take the chair. Dr Thorpe moved that Dr Giles take the chair. A member moved that none of the outgoing committee take the chair. This proposition appeared to command very general assent, but on investigation it appeared that the whole meeting consisted of members of committee. It was ultimately arranged that Dr Giles should take the chair. The Chairman then addressed the meeting, and expressed bis satisfaction at meeting so large and influential a body of subscribers. Pie trusted that all present came under that category, since it was impossible for the chairman to discriminate subscribers from others in so numerous an assembly. lie would now call upon the Secretary to produce his financial statement. The Secretary then read the following balance sheet, which was adopted:

The affairs of the institution then underwent a rigorous and minute investigation at the hands of the meeting, which eventuated in the question being put by Dr Thorpe to the Chairman whether the institution could, at the present rate, go on paying expenses and continue the periodicals. The Chairman was of opinion that this was exceedingly questionable, bu thought it might depend a good dea\ on the amount of receipts during the year now current. The meeting then proceeded to the election of a new committee. The general opinion was that the great body of the subscribers had by their absence show n such perfect confidence in the managing body of the institute, that the meeting could in no better manner carry out their wishes than by requesting the out-going committee to come in again. This proposition was duly seconded and carried nem. con. The question then arose whether four members constituted a quorum at an annual general meeting. On examining the rules, it was found that no number was fixed for quorum, and it was unanimously held that an annual general meeting of subscribers might be constituted by three persons, one to take the chair and two to move and second resolutions. The objection was dismissed as purely technical and frivolous. It was then proposed to pass a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee for their able administration during the past year. The modesty of the meeting, however, prevented this resolution from taking form and substance, and it Was moved instead that the vote of thanks should bo given to the public for showing its confidence in the committee by staying away Doubts were, however, expressed hoff the public might take this, and atten>

! tion was jHwn to tho circumstance | that public feeling on tho West Coast sometimes runs very high. It was, therefore, thought prudent to abandon this resolution. A vote of thanks to the chair was then passed. The Chairman returned thanks, and regretted his inability to do justice to the subject, which arose partly from the fact that his feelings were too deep for words, and partly from the circumstance that there was no reporter present. The meeting then dispersed in the direction of the Post Office Hotel.

RECEIPTS. Balance, 19th Jan., 1870 Government subsidy ... Subscriptions EXPENDITURE. Books Librarian Newspapers, &c. Erecting fireplace Wood, lighting-, &c Printing and advertising Balance .. £73 11 ,. 30 0 37 4 8 0 6 £140 16 .. £39 6 .. 28 19 9 16 6 14 7 1 2 15 46 3 2 G 0 6 6 0 6 2 £140 16 2