WELLINGTON LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5329, 26 April 1878, Page 3

WELLINGTON LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

The usual weekly meeting of the Wellington Literary Association was held on Tuesday, the 20th March, when the following report was presented ; ... “The committee have much pleasure in presenting the third annual report of the Wellington Literary Association, and desire to express their gratification at the manifest progress that has distinguished the past year of the society’s existence. “In the important matters of membership and attendance a steady improvement has taken place, the roll-book at the close of last year showing 38 bond fide members, with an average attendance of 18, as compared with • the corresponding 27 and 11 of the year preceding. “ The financial position of the society is also satisfactory, as will he seen from the treasurer’s balance-sheet. The various entertainments held duriug the past year—and having for their object more the bringing of the society into notice than direct pecuniary profit—have likewise answered well, the exhibition conversazione, held last September, being especially noticeable for its success. " With regard to the actual business done by the society during the late session, it must be stated that the work has been very fairly shared by the members, and that in every department a signal advancement lias been made; a fact which well illustrates the importance and utility of the association. During the year 13 questions have been debated—4 being philosophical, 3 ethical, 3 political, 2 semi-political, and 1 scientific. Noteworthy among these was the debate upon the question ‘JOught New Zealand, in her present financial condition, borrow more money !’ and another discussion, which will not speedily be forgotten, was that upon the justifiability of a departure from the truth. The essays of the past session were numerous ami varied in subject, and iu the majority of instances evidenced careful preparation and considerable literary ability. The readings from Shakspere having been found comparatively uubeuelicial, were discontinued about the middle of the session, and the eveniugs which would have been assigned to them have since been devoted to the practice of general elocution. “ With much pleasure the committee have to report that the library of the association is in a highly satisfactory condition. It will be remembered that at the date of last annual report the number of volumes was a little over 30. The catalogue at present shows a total of 144—a1l ‘ healthy, high-class standard works. The librarian, Mr. W. Miller, states that the circulation is very considerable, thereby amply testifying to the appreciation in which the library is held by the members of the association. Before leaving this part of their subject, the committee have with regret to note that a few of the members have been in the habit of infringing the rules of the library by retaining books for a longer period than fourteen days, and that one or two, despite frequent requests for return on the part of the librarian, have kept hooks out for live or six months, to the no small annoyance and inconvenience of other members wishing to study the works so withheld. .The committee hope that the mere notice of this irregularity will have a salutary effect. “In accordance with rule 13, the present committee and officers of the society, having held office for a period of six months, retire tonight ; it will therefore he part of this evening’s business to elect others in their stead. “ In conclusion, the committee, while feeling thankful for the success which has attended the society in the past, with the commencement of a new year feel it their duty to again ask the members, one and all, to attend regularly and punctually the weekly meetings, to zealously endeavor to increase the number of members, and to conscientiously bear their share in the work of the society, for by these means only can the strength and value of the association as an educational agency be augmented or even maintained.”

After reading the above report the officers for the ensuing six months were elected, viz., Rev. C. S. Ogg, M.A., president ; vice-presi-dents, Rev. J. Paterson, Mr. R. Gardiner, and Mr, G. Macdonald ; committee : Messrs. Farmer, W. Waddell, G. Allport, 0. Baker, W. Hopkirk ; secretary, Mr. H. E. Nichols; librarian, Mr. W. Mills ; treasurer, Mr. Jas, Kirker.