District News

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 April 1914, Page 2

District News

EVENTS IN SHANNON

(By our Resident Representative)

debating society. The annual meeting _ of the . Shannon Debating Society was 1 held in the Mechanics' Institute on Tuesday evening. llfv. .T. A. McKenzie presided, and there was a good attendance of members

The annual report, read by the secretary (Mr Clayton) stated that the society had hold seventeen nuttings during the last session, and had held nine debates and three "socials," and had had one evening each of curio, poet, journal, parliamentary speeches, and Shakespearian evenings. The average attendance at the debates had been 32. Th highest, was 60. The journal evening had been disappointing as regards attendance, but the papers were the best that they had had. The president won the special prize for the best papers, with Mr C. H. Gardiner a good second. The society entered two teams for the local competitions, and Mr McTvenzio and Mr Hen sin an won against all comers, and received a medal each. The attendance during the Levin and Shannon competitions was small, but as there would be no competitions this year it was hoped that the membership would return to that of the third session, when there were over a hundred members. The treasurer's report disclosed a balance in hand of £3 is 3d. The president gave a short address, in which he reviewed the work of the past session, urging the members to take courage from their former success. He regretted that two members had been removed by death. He h oped the coming session would outshine aTI previous sessions. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season:President, A. MeKenzie; vice-president, Mr Hensman : secretary, Mr flayton : treasurer, Mr Selby: editor of journal, Mr J. J. Trainer: committee, Mrs Targher, Miss Wickliffe, Miss Laurvig, Messrs Sinclair, Fargher and fixall.

A letter was read from the Druids' Lodge, challenging the society io a competitive debate, details to be arranged at a confer•nce. Tt was resolved to accept the .•hnllenge. Tt was resolved that the society meet for debates (as formerly) ■very Tuesday evening, in the Druids' Hall.

Mr ftelby proposed that the session be the same length as last veav- viz, four months and that if" be opened with a "social" on May -sth.

Mr Trainer seconded the motion vhich was carried.

Tt was resolved that illo first debate Tie on the following subject: •'That the tactics of the militant Suffragettes are not in the best interests of the women's movement," Messrs Trainer aatd Sclby taking fhe leading parts. Tt was agreed that the ladies' ■veiling be held in the middle of ♦he session and the men's at the end.