Mutual Improvement Society.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1570, 1 December 1885, Page 4

Mutual Improvement Society.

-.he closing of the spring session of lie above society took place at the Weaeyan Hall last evening, when a goodly lumber of members and their frier d-s vere present. Amongst the visitors wo vere pleased to notice our present worthy klaj'or, Jas. Linton, Esq., and the Mayor Jecfc, Mi* A. Ferguson, also Pastor Gausad, o$ the Lutheran Church, and a good nany members of' other local churches. The' President of the Society, the Rev. )£r Bunn, opened the proceedings with a yord of welcome to those present, and ihen called on the choir to render the *lee " Hail Smiling Mom," which was pleasingly sung. The President then requested the Secretary, Mr W. Kendall, -o read the following report which was recefved with much applause :— Ladies and Gentlemen — I have the honor to submit to you the report of tSis Society for the term now ending;, which I trnst you will find to be satisfactory. The Society has made good progress m the various pursuits under taken by the members, and on the whole its proceedings may be regarded as of a more satisfactory character than those pf the preceding term The Society has suffered sopaeloss by the lapsing away of old members, but this loss has been fairly compensated by the enrolling of new ones. The officers which have served during the year are as follows : — President, Rev. R. S. Bunn ; vice Presidents, Mr R. Leary and Rev. A. M. Wright ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr W. Kendall ; Librarian, Mr E. Dillon. The duration of the term now expiring has been six months, m the course of winch 26 weekly meetings have been held^ seven debates have taken place, to three of which the public were invited, the subjects of debate were as follows : — 1. Ought the Gladstone Government to have declaimed war against Russia ? ; 2. Are works of fiction morally injurious ? ; 3. Whether is a Free Trade or Protection Policy the more desirable for this Colony ? ; 4. Should capital punishment be abolished ? ; 5. Is it morally right for a civilized to annex the territory of an uncivilized people ? ; 6. It it a wise policy to grant Home Rule to Ireland ? ; 7. Whether are scientific or political questions the more profitable for discussion m this Society ? Seven original essays also have been read underjthe following title : — l. Ocean Currents ; 2. The Life and Character of Dr Johnson; 3. The Excitements of Life ; 4. India ; 5. The Lost House of Israel ;6. Light ; 7. Political Economy. These essays have each been followed by a free discussion on the part of the members. There has been also a fair amount of impromptu speaking, that is debates arising upon subjects other than prepared ones. In these latter the younger members havetaken a prominent part, and are indeed the authors of a number of papers of a less pretentious character thaa the essays above enumerated." The titles of these are as follows : — 1. The Soudan War ; 2. The Progress of the Nineteenth Gentry ; 3. Were the Americans rip-ht m Asserting their Inde pendence ; 4. The Foreign Policy of the late British Government ; 5. Ancient and Modern Geology ;G. The Suez Canal ; 7. Total Abstinence. In all seven sets debates and 14 essays may be claimed as the work of the Society during the term. • This compares favourably with the Tnrork of last term, which consisted of eight debates and ten essays, more especially when it is considered that the present is two months shorter m duration than the preceding term. The Society has fully maintained its character m the less important ; but by no means, unimportant practise of elocution, the burden of which has been well sustained by the younger members. The Society now numbers about 30 bona fide members, although the nnniber on the Toll is greater. During the session a resolution was passed admitting ladies to membership, but so far none have . availed themselves of the privilege. PerI haps this is the cause no efforts have been made to indncethem . The funds of the Society are m a faidy flourishing condition, but it should be understood that the Society does not aim so much at financial prosperity, as at a vigorous growth by the constant accession of new members, to this end the subscription has been made merely nominal, s^ine useful works of reference- of elocution have .been purchased which it is to be hoped will be at no distant date so mnltiplied as to be worthy of the designation of a library. The Society is greatly indebted to members of the choir and others for- kind assistance rendered at the Society's public debates and social gatherings.— W. H. Kendall, Secretary and Treasurer. Miss Parsons next contributed a ballad m which her rich contralto voice was heard to advantage. Mr R. Leary then moved the adoption of the report, and spoke a few words complimenting the members and officers on the Hmeeess they had attained. He mentioned that the Rev Mr Wright had b^en elected vice-President, "but they had only been favored onca with bis presence at their meetings, but hoped to see him ottener next session- ■ . ' The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr Grace, who referred m the course of his remarks to the success of the society, which he averred was mainly due to their Presidents enthusiastic and practical way of working. The report was then put to the meeting by the President and carried unanimously. : Mr R. Leary then gave an original recitation, beiner a diologne between a lover and batehelar. Tho composition is undoubtedly a literary triumph, and was received with hearty applause, we however fancy the true ideas "of the poem were not grasped by many of the audience. The duett "I Know a Bank," was next sung by Mrs Kibbliwliite and Miss G.iace. and was followed by an interesting• cHaloerde capitnlly rendered by Messrs H. Mowlem, E. Dillon, Erickson, and Stubbs, the l&ttei* acting as substitute. MrG.E. Hawkins next sang with effect and good expression the song " Every Bullett has its Billet." The President then addressed the meeting, and invited outsiders, especially young nion who fancied themselves "tail" to come and join them. Fie was glad to see so many distinguished visi- | tors amongst them "that evening, and hoped they wonld oftener be honored with th eir atten d ance. Mrs Carty next sang with her usual good ■taste and expression " Children's VoieM." ! Mr Stnbbs followed by\ m&ving a vote of thanks to the President, vicePresident, and other officers of the Society. This motion on being seconded by Mr Whitehead, was . earned nnanimonsly. The President here took occasion to thank the press for its attention to the meetings of the society. Refreshments consisting of coffee, fruit, pastry, &c, were then partaken of and appreciably enjoyed by thoße present. Following this a number of musical items were rendered by the members and other?, interpersed with humorous recitations. MissMowlem acted as accompnnyist during the evening with her customary good management and success, besides also contributing m the vocal pieces rendered. The entertainment was brought to a close about 10.T5., a most enjoyable and pleasant evening having been spent by all.