The Reporter.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 739, 18 May 1894, Page 3

The Reporter.

Mutual Improvement Society. The third session of ‘ The Mutual ’ was opened on Tuesday evening-, when a thoroughly successful and decidedly sociable ‘ social ’ was held in the St Paul's (Presbyterian) Sunday School rooms. There was a large attendance, representative of the various sections of the community. All present appeared to enjoy themselves heartily, the members of the Society doing- their utmost to contribute to that end.

The chair was occupied by Mr Borthwick, President, who made a short introductory speech. Prefacing his remarks with the quotation that ‘Time and tide wait for no man,’ he said that it was about a year since they had met under similar circumstance tn mark the commencement of the second session of the Society. He regretted the absence of some valued friends, some of whom had left the district, but was pleased to see fresh faces. He referred to the objects of the society ; Mutual Improvement, both intellectually and morally, as well as entertainment. The work of the past session was of a promising and satisfactory nature. Leisure time, of which the majority had some, afforded opportunity for research regarding matters to be discussed at their fortnightly meetings. They had an excellent Public Library in their midst, one of the best to be found in the country districts of Canterbury, and Marlborough. There were, also, good libraries in connection with the Sunday Schools of the place. These, however, did not satisfy all their demands and requirements. Indiscriminate and wholesale reading without the assimilation of ideas, did not suffice. Hearing the views and opinions of others on a subject led one to place less value on one’s own ideas, as it taught one to see that most questions were many sided. This led to an expansion and broadening of one’s mental vision. He hoped that the Society would receive an accession to its ranks during the forthcoming session.

The programme prepared was then proceeded with, as follows : Miss Rowley—Piano selection : The Robin’s Return.

Mr L. Laugesen—Recitation (humorous) : Meeting on the Lawn. Miss M. Gibson—Song : Olivia. Mr F. Cox—Song : The Fire Brigade.

Misses Mary Davidson and Nellie Gray—Duet : When the Swallows Homeward Fly. Miss Davidson—Song : Remember Me No More ; encored.

Mr Boyens —Song : The Old Rustic Bridge. Miss M. McLauchlan—Song : At My Window. Mrs E. Morris—Song : Last Rose of Summer.

Miss M. Maxton—Song: The Old and New; encored. The Chairman presented, in an informal manner, a general report of the work of the past session. Ten meetings were held, and the membership totalled 55. The younger members had taken a more active part than during the previous session, chiefly by the contribution of papers to ‘ The Editor’s Box.’ Hopes were entertained that it presaged further oral participation in the doings of the Society. The balance sheet showed 17s 8d to credit, chiefly through the agency of an entertainment. Without (making invidious references, the Committee thought that Dr Gunn s admirably illustrated and very entertaining paper on ‘ The Suez Canal, and the Rev. ’ Mr Ensor’s exceedingly pleasing and instructive paper on ‘ Pottery ’ were deserving of special notice. They had now to elect their officers for the ensuing term. The Rev Mr McAra proposed that Mr Borthwick be reelected President, and eulogised his conduct of the

Society’s proceedings and bis fitness for the office.—The Rev Mr Ensor seconded it.

Mr Smart proposed, as an amendment, that Mrs Morris be President. Mrs Morris declined the honour, as also did Mr Smart and Mr Renner, and

Mr Borthwick was declared duly elected.

Dr Gunn proposed Mrs Flower as one of the Vice-Presidents, and the Rev Mr McAra proposed Mr Smart be reelected as the otber. The latter at first declined, but was prevailed upon to accept office. Agreeing, be and Mrs Flower were unanimously elected. Mr Mclver was reelected Secretary and Treasurer, and Dr Gunn and Messrs F. Cox and G. Garrett as the Committee.

A vote of thanks to the retiring management concluded the formal part of the proceedings. Refreshments were then handed round, and duly appreciated. ‘ Harmony ’ was subsequently resumed, the contributions being as follows : Mrs Gunn—Piano selection : The Wearing o’ the Green. Mrs Flower Song : The Holy City ; encored and responded to. Mr Renner—Reading (hnmorous) : A Terrible Experience with a Mustard Plaster,

Mr Smart—Song : The Parson and the Clerk.

Mrs Gunn and Mr WashingtonInstrumental Duet : Caller Herrin.

Mr D. Haswell—Song : I see you. Mr Mclnnes Recitation : A Vision.

‘ Good save the Queen ’ was heartily sung, concluding a very pleasant inaugural meeting.