H.A.C.B. SOCIETY, CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 469, 15 December 1875, Page 2

H.A.C.B. SOCIETY, CHRISTCHURCH.

To the Editor of the Globe

Sir, —In your issue of last night a letter signed Joseph B. Sheath appeared under the above heading. Why this gentleman should rush into print on this occasion I am at a loss to understand. One would expect better from any member of our Society, but especially of him. Supposing he had just cause to grumble (they say it's an Englishman's privilege) why didn't he wait till the next Lodge night, and then relieve himself of his burden.

I regret that short as his note is, he has shown a most deplorable ignorance of the rules.

First—He states " the presiding officers could be fined." Who ever heard of presiding officers at a meeting, of course he means the President or Chairman for the~ time being, for he and he only is held responsible for any informalities which may occur during the time of meeting. And in this case no rule was broken. A law states —That the president shall not put to the meeting for confirmation, <fcc, &c. But the President never put nominations to the meeting except on election night, which in this instance takes place only on the 23rd instant.

Secondly—lt is questionable if nominations on such occasions need seconders, as they differ slightly from ordinary propositions.

Thirdly Any financial member can nominate, and the president is not bound to ascertain whether or no the candidates consent has been ascertained, especially when there are more than one for the office, as was the case in this instance; neither is he answerable for blunders committed by those who think fit to supply locals to newspapers, for the local referred to by Mr J. B. Sheath is only partly correct. In conclusion, may I ask who those " Influential members " are who waited upon Mr Sheath ? In my opinion we, as members of the same society, have alike the same privileges. .Apologising for thus trespassing, yet trusting you will insert the above, I remain Yours, &c, AN UNINFLUENTIAL MEMBER.