Foxton Mjutual Improvement Society.

Manawatu Herald, 14 July 1898, Page 2

Foxton Mjutual Improvement Society.

On Tuesday night the above Sqciety held a gentleman's surprise night, and as might be expected, the attendance was the largest of any meeting this season, there being over ioo present. The Rev. Mr Woollass took the chair, and the usual business was conducted with despatch. Several new members were elected, and then amusements were entered upon, which consisted principally of recitations and readings. The programme consisted of a piano ' selection by Mr H. Baker, which was applauded ; recitation by Mr T. Westwood, entitled " Yawcob Strauss," which was heartily applauded ; an amusing recitation by If r A. Saunders entitled "A Donkey's Adventure," followed ; Messrs M. Walker, G. Stiles, and T. Dunckley gave readings, Mr Walker's being especially appropriate to the occasion ; Mr C. Baker also gave two short surprises. Then the debate "Should Bicycles and Perambulators be allowed on the -Footpaths," Mr Simpson urged- the claim, and Mr Osborne spoke in the contrary strain. Other members took part, including some of the lady members, the subject being of too much moment to them to keep silence. The result, however, proved a victory for the ladies, as it was decided that perambulators should be allowed to run on the paths, but bicycles were to be relegated to the roads. Mr G. Simpson, the local phrenologist, then invited several ladies to come upon the stage to permit him to give delineations of their characters. Several ladies responded, and an amusing twenty minutes was passed. The finish came in witn the supper provided by the gentlemen, and served by them. It took the shape of coffee and cakes and other dainties, which we understand were supplied by Mr J. Walls, and gave every satisfaction to the guests. The gentlemen, it is known, have a very strong antipathy to washing up, and with a guile known so well to them they hastily moved a resolution that ladies, several of whose names were mentioned, should attend the following morning and wash up the crockery. A resolution is one thing, getting it performed is another, and on the following morning the movers of the re. lution found that if the crockery was to be washed they had to do it themselves, which, they did. Hearty votes of thanks to the gentlemen were voted by the ladies, and responded to by the President.