Young Men's Mutual Improvement Class.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 27, 30 June 1885, Page 3

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Class.

In the Woslayan Hall last evening a I very successful gathering took place m connection with the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society. The public respnled heartily to the invitation previously given, the hall being well tillled. After .-onvi opening- rein irks from the President (tho liev. It. S. Bunn), and the s : ".^in»- of ;i hymn, the Rev. A. M. •ViigiK ruad an original essay on the life of Dv Johnston. The essay gave a cimprehensiva sketch of the life anil work of this* taost einiuent mm, was interesting and deservedly listoned to with tlte utmost attention and appreciation. The paper was- followed by a hearty vote of thanks to the essayist, moved and seconded by Messrs Dillon and Leary and carried by acclamation. Miss Neiken then sang the sweet little hymn, "He wipes the tear from every eye," accompanying herself on the harp. This Mid the solo jfollowing by Mrs Bunn with .harp accompaniment by Miss Neilsea, were greeted with prolonged applause! Mr Grace then opened the debatt of the evening on the question "Ought the Gladstone Government to have declared war against Russia ?" He gave a Bketch of the double-dealing of Russia during the past few years with respect to Ceif tral Asia, and said that the same policy is to be looked for m the futnre unless Russia is repressed with a strong hand. Witn such a nation Jorce is the only available argument, the only one capable of settling th» boundary dispute. Mr Stnbbs fol- r lowed, also m favor of war. He thought that not only should England have declared war by reason of her treaty with the Afghans, but for the protection of her ovrn Indian possessions ; and he drew a vivid picture of the disastrous effect of Russia's triumph ;in that region, upon the politics, commerce, and religion of the world. Pastor Neilson then sang a hymn, accompanying liiinpolf on the guitar, ainl m response to an encore treated his audience to another hymn. Mr R. Leary was then called on to speak on the question of the debate. He thought that the Gladstone Ministry had adopted a wise and statesmanlike method m dealing with the Afghan difficulty. They had no good ground for war because the frontier question was not determined, therefore there could be no clear case of aggression against Russia. He thought England's present attitude would prevent Russia from going further, but if Russia did persist m her aggressive policy after the present negotiations, then would be the time for Eugland to declare war. Messrs J. Dillon and J. Stubbs moved a vote of thanks to those who took part m the debate, After which the president delivered a short address, having a special bearing upon the use of imorovemenfc societies. A hymn was then sung and the benediction pronounced. Miss Mowlam accompanied the hymns ou the organ, other than Scandinavian, that were sung throughout the evening. At tho close of the meeting a number of gentlemen present guvo m their names as members of the society.