AKAROA MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 75, 6 April 1877, Page 2

AKAROA MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the above association was held on Tuesday evening least, to bear paper by Mr. Richard Black, on the rather interesting subject of " Courtship and Marriage , " It had been arranged to invite the general public, especially the ladies, to. be present, but through a neglect, the advertisement extending the invitation was omitted to be inserted. We observed some ladies, who ventured as far as the outside of the school-house, but paused to enter. However, we trust on the occasion of the next meeting, they will be able to muster sufficient courage to be present, and we can assure them they will receive a respectful and cordial welcome. Mr. Black treated his subject in a brief, and yet judicious manner, showing good sense and proper feeling. His essay evidenced good powers of composition, and indicate high promise. All present took part in the discussion that followed, and many excellent and valuable suggestions were made, touching such things as woman's education, moral and intellectual —its importance to her future honour and happiness Novel-reading, balls, &c, were discussed in connection with female education, and other evil influences were strongly dwelt upon as the cause of much of the unhappiness of married life. We think it would be for the general good were these meetings more largely patronised. This was strikingly exemplified by the fact that every stranger who came to hear the paper and discussion afterwards became members, and expressed their intention of attending regularly. We feel satisfied that were more general interest taken in these meetings, they would prove a very agreeable and useful entertainment, and would keep not a few from degrading vices. It is therefore to be hoped that the intelligent public will countenance this association, and take an interest in it, as we don't know of anything more calculated to give a healthful stimulus to the mind,, and at the same time provide an agreeable pastime. The subject for next evening will be a debate on the comparative advantage of single and married life. Mr. Black to stand up for single, and Mr. Ivess for married blessedness. The former to be supported by Mr. J. Bruce and Mr. Hughes. The latter to be seconded by Mr. Nicholls and Mr. R. Noonan. The debate is expected to be a lively one, and we again remind the public that the next meeting will take place on Tuesday evening, April 16, and that all are cordially invited.