WESTPORT ATHENÆUM.
The annual meeting of members of the Athenaeum took place at the Institute on Thursday evening. There was a fair attendance of members ; among others Dr Giles, Dr Thorpe, Messrs Hughes, o'Conor, Powell, Whyte, Buchanan, Sutton, Eev. J. White, Bawling, Weston, aud MeLeod. Dr Giles was voted to the chair.
The following report of the retiring Committee was read by the Secretary:
In submitting an account of the condition and pi-ospects of the Westport Athenaeum for the past year, the Committee have very little to report for the information of the subscribers which is not sufficiently explained by the balance sheet. The principal point which has to be noticed in the conduct of the Institution during the year is the alteration in the building, by which the two rooms which formerly existed have been thrown into one, forming a convenient sized library and reading room, a very great improvement, and one by which the comfort and attractiveness of the institution have been much increased. This improvement was effected at an outlay of about £36. The efficiency of the Institution has been further augmented by the arrangements which have beon made for opening the reading room every evening in the week, except on Sunday, thus supplying a want which so long as it existed could not fail seriously to impede any attempt to increase the number of subscribers. The increased expenses incurrsd by these improve-
inents have prevented the Committee from making much addition to the lihrary, but an order has been sent to England for a supply of books to the amount of £SO, and arrangements have also been made for the futuro supply of periodicals direct from Eugland. The present number of subscribers is 57, showing by an increase of 24 that tho efforts of the Commitee to increase the attractions of the Institution have not- been altogether without success. It is to bo hoped that the town will speedily experience such an access of prosperity as will enable the next Committee not only to increase the library, bat also to take «omo steps for tbe addition of a room for public lectures and eutertain incuts, a great desideratum iu Westport, and which would supply the lustitutiou with tho means of materially augmenting its funds. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for tho year commencing 19th January, 1871, euding 19th January, 1872.
Mr O'Conor moved, Mr Eolliug seconded, and it was carried, that the report be adopted. A vote of thanks to the retiring Committee was proposed by the Kev J. White, seconded by Mr Weston, and carried. The meeting then proceeded to the election of a Committee for the current year. Mr O'Conor moved that Dr Gilef, Dr Thorpe, Messrs Hughes, Powell, White, Graves, and Sutton, members of the retiring Committee, be re-elected. Seconded by Mr Buchanan and carried. It was also proposed, seconded, and carried, that Messrs O'Conor and Buchanan be appointed members of the Committee.
The Eev J. White was also proposed, but declined with regret in consequence of the numerous demands upon his time.
Dr Thorpe moved, and it was seconded by Mr Buchanan, and. carried, that Mr Alexander, Postmaster, be communicated with in respect to-obtaining the use of a letter-bos for the Athenccum.
A vote of thanks was accorded to Dr Gilds, chairman, who, in returning thanks, mentioned that the retiring Committee had been anxious to enlarge the building for the purpose of lecture.?, readings, and entertainments ; and it had been suggested that they should endeavour to co-operate with the Masonic and Oddfellows' Friendly Societies with that object. A vote of thanks was then awarded to Mr H. G. Hughes for his very valuable services as secretary, and he was very highly complimented on his zeal and judicious management in connection with the Athenseum. The meeting then adjourned.
BECEIPTS Balance £46 3 2 Subscriptions 51 14 0 Proceeds concert 38 12 6 Gorci'nment Subsidy 60 0 0 8 .£196 9 EXPEXDITCEE. Librarian £10 5 0 Cash to E. Reid 0 10 0 Librarian ... .,. 10 15 0 M'Oarrell 1 0 0 Bull and Bond ... 35 18 6 Wcstport Times .7 10 0 Cash to Mr Nation (over charge) Mr .1 D oWcll 0 1 6 Mr Munson 8 13 0 Draft and exchange on London 51 11 3 Mr Hughes, Empire Hotel 3 5 0 Firewood 1 12 0 Librarian 13 0 0 Mr Lloyd 2 0 0 Westport Times 4 10 0 Dr Thorpe ... 1 17 6 Librarian ... ... 11 0 0 Balance 29 12 2 JB196 9 8
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Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 919, 27 January 1872, Page 2
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755WESTPORT ATHENÆUM. Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 919, 27 January 1872, Page 2
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