WANGANUI LIBRARY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 9284, 17 December 1880, Page 2

WANGANUI LIBRARY.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in arranging an Exhibition in aid of the funds of the Wanganui Library, was held in the Institute on Wednesday evening. The following gentlemen were present : — Messrs G. King (in the chair), Carson, Field, Notman, Hutchison, Cross, Allen, Culpan, Babbage, Sherriff, Oliver, L. Jones, Merrit, Smith, Anderson, Crawford, Nathan, Drew, Steedman, Horn, Ballance, and Dr Tripe. — The Chairman opened the meeting by stating that, in consequence of the withdrawal of the Government subsidy, it became necessary to adopt some means of raising funds for the institution. The best method which presented itself was the holding of an an Exhibition of articles of industry, science and art, similar to that which had been held with such success in 1877. This project, if carried out, would be of material benefit to the district from an educational point of view, as well as augment the funds of the Institute. — A letter was read from Mr A. Twogood, of Marton, expressing entire sympathy with this proposal. — Mr Ballance then proposed, That the members of the Directory and those present be a committee (with power to add to their number) for the purpose of promoting an Exhibition of art, science, and industry, to be held in Wanganui about April next. Seconded by Mr Field, and carried. — Mr J. T. Anderson asked if it was the intention of the promoters to make this Exhibition a local one, or ask for exhibits from all parts of the colony. If it were intended to make it a colonial affair he was afraid the results would not warrant the expenditure. — The Chairman replied that this was a matter which would come under the cognisance of the committee. It would no doubt be their object to make the Exhibition as large as possible with the least expense. — Mr Carson said he thought there was little doubt but that the Volunteers would grant the use of the Hall. — The meeting was then formed into a committee, for the purpose of giving effect to the resolution. — Mr Allen moved, That Mr King be permanent Chairman of the committee. Seconded by Mr Culpan, and carried. — Mr Carson moved, and Mr Ballance seconded, That Mr Allen be Secretary of the committee. Carried. — On the motion of Mr Ballance, seconded by Mr Hutchison, Mr Babbage was appointed Treasurer. — The Secretary was instructed to write to those gentlemen who were not present and who would be likely to assist, asking if they would be willing to give their services as committeemen. The meeting then resolved itself into a general committee, for the purpose of arranging sub-committees, and the following gentlemen were nominated to act on the committees :— Manufactures — Messrs Cornfoot, Dr Tripe, Horn, and Ballance. Produce and Raw Materials — Messrs J. Stevenson, C. S. Cross, F. R. Jackson, and Willis. Fine Arts — Messrs W. F. Russell, A. Tod, Robertson, Merrit, and L. Jones. Finance — Messrs Notman, Babbage, and Carson. Hall Committee — Messrs Hutchison, Smith, Allen, J. P. Watt, and Major Noake. Entertainment Committee — Messrs Culpan, Crawford, Gibbs, and Greenwood. — It was also resolved that Mr Duigan be requested to act as editor of the catalogue. — Mr Hutchison moved, with the object of testing the feeling of the meeting, That exhibits of manufactured articles from without the educational district of Wanganui be not admitted. — Seconded by Mr Carson pro forma. — MrSteedman moved as an amendment, That the discussion of the question be adjourned till next meeting. — The amendment was carried. — The meeting then adjourned till that night week, at 7.30 p.m.