DEBATING SOCIETY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 562, 26 April 1913, Page 5

DEBATING SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Te Kuiti Debating Society was held in the Municipal Chambers on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance, and Major Lusk was voted to the chair. The election of officers resulted as follows: President. Major Lusk; vice-presidents, Messrs H. Ellison, J. Boddie, E. H. Hardy, A. Julian, A. Scholes, D. J. Young and N. C. Matthew; secretary and treasurer, Mr E. Inder; committee, Messr? Martin, Howartb, Langston, J. B Young, and J. Steel; the president, committee and secretary to constitute the execuIt was resolved that May Bth be the opening night, and that the annual subscription be 2s 6d, the executive to have the right to raise a levy of 2s 6d should it ba necessary. It was decided that a iist of financial members be kept and that no unfinancial member be allowed to vote except at the invitation of the society. All new members are to be elected by the executive. It was resolved that debates and parliamentary unions be held every alternate week. The executive was empowered to draw up a syllabus, etc. It was decided that all ladies who take an interest in the society be appointed hon. members, and that a "ladies' night be held once a month, the subject for discussion to be selected by tine ladies. The following new members were elected:—Messrs D. Graham, Foster, Taylor, Julian, Inder, W. Johnson, and R. Battey. REPORTIt is with pleasure that the committee of the Te Kuiti Literary and Debating Society and Parliamentary "Un'on now presents the first anoual report. When the idea of a literary and debating society was first mooted in Te Kuiti, even the most sanguine were inclined to be somewhat pessimistic of the encouragement which would be forthcoming from the aver- I age public. With the enthusiasm and indefatigable efforts of some of the members, the attentive ear of the public was captured early m the proceedings of the society, and their interest was maintained with increaaA ine popularity right up to the conclusion of the session. Although the set debates proved generally to be educational and instructive in that matters of daily import, were freely and critically discussed, they did not attract the youthful public so strongly is the "Mock Parliament" meetings, where greater latitude in speaking was extended. It is considered that the Parliamentary Union brought to ijoht much latent oratorical talent in the community, which fact is well e worthy of congratulation. As the great object of this society is to assist and promote the younger generation in the reading and discussion of important matters affecting the social and political spheres of tae world of trc-day and in this lespect the society, while being successful last session, is deserving of the itmost support the public is able to extend during the forthcoming ses--r>n The committee states that the finances are in a satisfactory state, showing a credit balance of approzi£2. This ia encouraging n Jiew of the smallness of the sub' V 1 . which is far f rom llein ® SC nhibitive The committee has one eS to «P">» « hiS - W ,°' hj?« the Mayor, while' assuming th< Bh P «t«five of the Crown, saw fit t« create certain peers and baronets bu ♦ho letters patent were purposely des 1 Ll bv the rash Socialistic Govern 3 whichlot a short peri,d bad po» ■ nnf the reins of power. Gunse sessio knighthoods mu3t m q ha considered, and the gentle melTupon whom they were rightly con ferred must obtain no special signifi

canee or use the titles to any athatv tage. The committee earnestly trusts that the same support will be accorded thii year as in the past, and that the mutual encouragement will cotinue to draw out more latent ability.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr E. Martin for the services rendered by him to the society during his term of office as secretary and treasurer.