The Atheneum
The competition – or opposition, as Mr W. Walter expressed it – which the Mechanics’ Institution had to contend with, was the Atheneum, which at that time had 213 members, and had spent during the quarter no less a sum than £66. Retrenchment appeared to be necessary, and to begin with, it was resolved at the quarterly meeting on May 9th, that the privilege to members of admitting each a lady free to lectures and entertainments be discontinued.
The Literary and Scientific Institution.
This society was also not in a satisfactory condition. The receipts were insufficient to meet the disbursements at the commencement of the year by 8/11. Two new members were, however, elected – namely F. Ticehurst, Esq. and S. Vores, Esq. The president, F. North, Esq., was re-elected, and the vice-presidents were Benj Smith, Esq. J. G. Shorter, Esq. Robt. Ranking, Esq. F. Smith, Esq. Robt Holland, Esq. Musgrave Brisco, Esq., M.P. & P. F. Robertson, Esq., M.P.
Board of Guardians
The Guardians elected were A. Harvey, S. Gutsell and W. Adams for All Saints; Richard Seldon, jun., for Ore, and S. Putland and David Tree for St. Mary Magdalen. The new Board of Guardians on the 21st of April voted against the admission of the reporters by a majority of one. The Ayes were Messrs. Womersley, Bromley, Ross, Gutsell, Putland, Smith, Tree, Adams and Beck. The noes were Messrs. J. Arkcoll, jun., Harvey, Skinner, Peerless, J. Smith, Wood, Polhill, Selden, J. Arkcoll and Clement. It was said that those who voted against the admission of the Press were very rarely present at other times.
St. Clements Organist.
The organist’s office of St. Clements having become vacant through the resignation of Mr. Elford, several applicants competed for it, the salary of which was £35. Mr. Giles played first, and was followed by Mr. Funnell of Wittersham; T. Elliott, of All Saints; Mr. Jacob, of St. Mary Magdalen; and Mr. Dawes, of Battle. The situation was obtained by Mr. Elliott.
New Dispensers.
On the 3rd of May, Mr. Hawkins having resigned as dispenser at the Dispensary, there were two candidates for the office, Mr. Isaac Smith and Mr. Francis. The former was elected, with 80 votes as against 46 for the latter. A dispenser for the Infirmary was also elected on the 9th of June. Mr. Ruffell was chosen by 157 votes over those for Mr. Staffell.
