1897-B. 'rRANSACTlONS. 5 



On Nov. 8, 1847, the Mechanics' Institute rented " the 

 basement story of the Congregational Church on lot 28 on 

 Sparks street, near Sappers' Bridge," at twelve pounds ten 

 shillings per annum, for two nights in the week. (This is the 

 place where the Journal office now stands.) 



In the minutes of March 14, 1848 we read: It was re- 

 solved — That Messrs. Hervey, Main and Lett be a committee 

 to prepare a petition to the Provincial Parliament for aid to 

 the Institute, and that John Scott, Esq., M.P.P. for By- 

 town, be respectfully requested to present the same. It is also 

 recorded that " the secretary reported the receipt of a portrait 

 of the Queen, donated from Christopher Armstrong, Esq., 

 Judge of the Dalhousie District Court, which was ordered 

 to be framed with black walnut." 



This picture is still in possession of the Society. 



On the same date is entered : "It was resolved — That a 

 soiree in connection with the Institute be held on Wednesday 

 evening, 22nd inst. Admittance to be by ticket ; single tickets 

 two shillings and sixpence, double tickets, three shillings and 

 nine pence." 



For this social gathering under the auspices of the Insti- 

 tute Mr. Francis Thomson agreed to furnish "tea, coffee, 

 pastry and refreshments at one shilling nine pence each 

 ticket." 



" It was resolved — That tea be on the table ready to 

 commence at seven o'clock." As a soiree this first entertain- 

 ment may have been a success, but financially the secretary 

 reported a " deficiency of five pounds sixteen shillings, and 

 seven pence, for which J. B. Lewis, Esq., had undertaken to 

 make good such deficiency whenever called upon to do so." 



From the Treasurer's accounts it would appear that 

 tallow candles were used in the rooms of the Institute. 



There are no entries in the minute book after 1849, fron^ 

 which it appears that the first Mechanics' Institute became 

 defunct in that year. 



Bytowit niecbanks' Institute ana Jftbenaenm. 



In January, 1853, a public meeting was called "for the 

 purpose of taking measures to re-organize this highly impor- 

 tant Institution." At this meeting Judge Armstrong presid- 

 ed, Elkanah Billings acting as Secretary, and a provisional 



