Mutual Improvement Society.

Manawatu Herald, 20 July 1899, Page 2

Mutual Improvement Society.

There was a very good attendance last night at the above Society to hear the debate between the Foxton and Rongotea Societies on the subject of " Which exerts the greatest influence upon society — Money or Morals." The Rongotea Society took ' Money ' for their side, and Mr C. Anderson led off , in a, very able speech. He was sup- ' ported by Messrs Sanson, Ransom, and Penney, each gentleman giving a ! good account of himself, and showing • that money is a very great factor in all the affairs of this world, and extends , into all the ramifications of society and religion. The Rev. W. Woollass led off for Foxton on the subject of Mo- ! rality, and gave a clear account of the great influence of morality, pointing out that without it we should go back to barbarism and savagery, admitting " that money might look the largest and no doubt was the God of this world. I yet the men who had executed the ; greatest influence upon the world were men of high moral character, and had , very little money. His argument was , supported with able speeches given by Mr A. Saunders, Mr J. L. Johnstone 1 and Mr G. Simpson. Mr Woollass replied on behalf of Foxton, and Mr . Anderson for Rongotea, both gentlemen giving spirited replies, and elicit--1 ing considerable applause. Mr Bir- ' cham, of Halcombe, acted as judge for Rongotea. and Mr Chapman, town clerk, for Foxton, and these gentlemen after deliberation awarded the highest marks to Rongotea, giving them 56 marks and Foxton 52. Votes of thanks were passed to the visiting I team and the judges, and a very enf joyable evening brought to a close.