Foxton Literary and Debating Society.

Manawatu Herald, 4 October 1904, Page 2

Foxton Literary and Debating Society.

CLOSE OF THE SESSION. One of the most successful meeting* that the Debating Society has yet held took place last night, the last meeting of the session. Members rolled up in full force, and the attendance of the public, though not large, made up for its lack of numbers by manifesting a keen interest in the proceedings.. The meeting commenced at 7.30, and business in connection with the newly formed cricket club was first disposed of. The following officers were elected :—Messrs E. Spelman (Captain), W. E. Barnard (Vice-Captain), and G. Huse (Secretary). The secretary of the cricket Committee stated that the cricket material had arrived, and it was decided to commence practice forthwith. Cricket was then discarded, and the rest of the evening was spent in a discussion on, “Is it desirable that a reform should be made in the present system of English spelling ?” Mr Moore lead in the affirmative, and Mr Jenks replied in the negative. The subject, far from being dry,_ proved most interesting, and the way in which members acquitted themselves hr the argument convinced the audience ot the useful work of a Debating Society in improving the mid and stimulating public speaking. In addition to the members already mentioned, the following were present:—Messrs Hutchison (in the chair), Fife, Spring, Harris, and Wilson. On the customary vote being taken, the “ spelling reformers ” secured a majority of 6 votes. The Chairman then made a brief speech on the work of the Society during the past eight months, and the meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the chair and to the Secretary of the Society. It would not be amiss at this stage to say a word or two concerning the establishment and past history of the Debating Society. It was started at the close of January of this year by two or three zealous individuals, and from a handful of members it has developed into one of the institutions of our town. The meetings were for some time held in Mr Stewart’s residence, but in view of the increase in the numbers of the Society, a larger place became necessary, and the meetings were thereupon held in the Good Templars’ Hall. The Society has assembled together every week,’■.-and never once during the past eight months has a meeting lapsed for want of support. It is surprising, too, what an improvement has taken place in the speaking of some of the members. A* the beginning of the session, a member would rise to his feet, utter a 'few dis- v jointed sentences, and then take his seat in a state of painful confusion. But now all these initial difficulties have been overcome, and the majority of the members are able to deliver very creditable speeches. The value of the Society in this respect cannot be over-estimated, and it is a pity that a larger proportion of the young men of our town have not availed themselves of the golden opportunity of learning the art of public speaking /by joining the ranks of the Society. However, we hope that they will do so in the forthcoming session, which is to open about the beginning of April, 1905. It gives us great pleasure to record the prosperous career of the Society during the past season, and we hope that next season will be equally as prosperous as its predecessor, and even more so. A Literary Society is a necessary adjunct to every town, and is desarving of the loyal support and sympathy of all those who have the welfare of their town at heart.