GORE LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

Mataura Ensign, Volume VI, Issue 256, 18 May 1883, Page 2

GORE LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

A largely attended and enthusiastic meeting was held at the Railway hotel on Wednesday evening to consider the question of forming a Literary and Debating Society for Gore. The Eev. J. N. Buttle was voted to the chair. The chairman briefly stated the object of the meeting. He was glad to see so large an attendance. . The establishment of the proposed Sooiety was a step in the right direction. Something of this nature was much required in Gore. It would provide recreation for at least one evening in the week, during the winter month*, stimulate reading and research, and would also help forward the cultivation of a healthy public spirit in the town. Mr Fletcher waß appointed hon. secretary pro. tern. Mr J. W, King thought the time had now come for the formation in Gore of a Society of the kind indicated by the chairman. If the Sooiety included in its programme the production of paptrs upon any given subject by members, discussion upon any question named at a previous meeting of the Society. Shakespearian readings and what was known as an open meeting occasionally, perhaps one meeting in three for readings, recitations and music, be thought it noull meet the wishes of nearly all present, They would not wish to make their meeting attractive only to themselvrs but also to the ladies of the place, the Society should therefore ba made to embrace almost everything. He had much pleasure in moving the first motion, viz., " That a Society of the nature indicated be formed in Gore." Seconded by Mr Oanning and carried. After a good deal of discussion as to the name of the Society (Gore, Longford, Gore and Gordoti^and Mataura were all suggested) it w ib Itimutely resolved upon the motion ef Mr Canning, seconded by Mr HoskiDg, u«' That the Society be called the Gore Literry and Deba tirg Society." Mr Mac Donald (Reaby) would like to see the Society affiliated with the Gore Athet seuin. The two bodies would have objects ia common and in his opinion would very much strengthen each other. Mr Bree thought Mr MacDonald'a suggestion an admirable one. For the present,

however, the matter alight very wall b 8 al lowed to stand over. When the Athenseam was up it would be time enough to talk about amalgamation ; some, practical benefit would accrue then — they would have a place to meet in and that was likely to be one of their mosi pressing wants. Mr Fletcher was very glad to see so large a meeting. It was an indication that the people were likely fco take an interest in the movement. He had seen an article in the lecal paper a few days ago urging the cultivation of flowers and planting of trees, and heartily approved of the proposal ; but what was the use of turning their attention to things of that kind if they neglected matters of inore'pressing need—the aultivation of their intellectual. gifts and the education of their children. He intended to take a hearty interest in the Society beoause he had for. many years belonged to such a Society in the Old Country and wae well aware of the advantages to be derived from a connection with Societies of the kind, especially by the younger members of vhe community. He had therefore come prepared with a draft of a Constitution of the Society which he wonld be very happy to submit for their consideration. After this had been read and commented upon Mr J. W. King moved the Constitution of the Gore Literary and Debating Society, as follows : 1. The Association is formed for the purpose of fostering free enquiry in matter of Art and subjects of Science, promoting the acquisition and diffusion of knowledge generally, cultivating literary taste?, and for social harmony and intercourse. 2. The members will consist of resident in Southland and Otago in the neighborhood of Gore and Gordon and shall hold meetings for written and oral exercises, readings, including Shakespearian, recitations, and music at such times and places in the district as the Committee of Management may from time to time determine3. The conduct, of business shall ba according to the rules, forms and usagea of Parliament mutatis mutandis ; the only other limit being those imposed by the unwritten law of good taste and common sense as interpreted by a majority of votes at any meeting for that sederunt only, 4. The management of the Association will be delegated to a Committee which Bhall consist of the President, two vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a quartette of pay* ing members— the Secretary to be convener | and . three a quorum ; the committee shall have full power to fix the fees of membership and to levy necessary subscriptions, and generally to regulate and bind the Association within the limits of this Constitution, and th" officers to be elected at the annual meeting of the Society. Seconded by Dr Donaldson and carried. The following officers were then elected f o the ensuing twelvemonths:— President: Rev. J. N. Buttle ; Vice-Presidents, Eev. J. Hobhs and Dr Donaldson ; Secretary, Mr J. W Kina ; Treasurer, Mr A. Symes. Committee : Rev. Father Fitzgerald, Messrs Fletcher, Dolamore and Martin, with the officers ex offieio. Moved by Mr Fletcher seconded by Mr W. Douglas f'That the interim subscription be fixed. at 5a." Carried. . Moved by Mr Douglas seconded by Dr Donaldson " That the session commence on the Ist April in each year and continue, tmtil the 30th September.'. Carried; • Moved by Mr Symes seoonded, by; Mr Fdamlifflg^Tfliai; : meefi : -'-.Wer^ :!: Wednesday night at T.SOjp.m. — Commencing on Wednesday, 30th May." Moved as au amendment by Dr Donald* son seconded by Mr Macdonald "That the Society meet every alternate Wednesday night, at 730 p m," v The motion was carried. The following names were then enrolled as members of the Society :~Revs. J. N Buttle, J. Hobbs, Father Fitzgerald, Dr Donaldson and Di Macaffer, Messrs A. Symes, J, W. King, A. Fletcher, A. Dola^ more, A. MartiD, R. Hosking, R. Bree, W. Douglas, B. Ford, A. Macdonald, F. S. Canning, R. B. Mathias, I. S. Siinson, J. Pratt, G. Bonsey, T. E, Donne— Birrell aud Ramage. Moved by Mr Canning seconded by Dr Donaldson. " That this meeting tender its hearty thanks to Mr Fletcher for his valuable assistance in drafting the Constitution of the Society." Carried. Moved by Mr Canning seconded by Mr Mathias, " That this meeting, accord a hearty vote of thanks, to the Chairman for the able manner in which he has conducted the proceedings. "—Carried. The Chairman briefly thanked the meeting for the honor conferred upsn. him by eleot* ing him to the office of President of the Society. He would do all he oould to make the thing a success. He hoped a spirit of unity and harmony would prevail, and if all worked heartily a successful sessiou was sure to ensue. It was understood that the President would deliver an inaugural address on the evening of 30th May of which notice will be given by advertisement. The proceedings then terminated.