INVERCARGILL D.L F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 85

INVERCARGILL D.L F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

, Motto: "Excelsior." The customary meeting of the above club wa* held in South British C'hambars. Esk street, on Wednesday, February 5. at 745 p.m. There vras not a very large attendance, due. no doubt, to ooui.ter-attractions. Shasta presided, and there were present also Vicepresidents Lola, Millicent, and Midgie, together with Boliva. Lend 1 Wolseley. Rciva, Pakeha, and Miss Bobbie, of the General Committee. Before proceeding with the business of the evening, Smoking Flax stated , that he wished to draw attention to the motto. Although "Excelsior" had been taken for the motto of our olub, he said that it did not appear at the he-d of the leport in tho Witness, and he moved : That the Secretary be instiueted to writ* and inquire the cause of this omission. The motion was carried, and the usual business was proc-eaded with. Being the first 'Wednesday in the month, it was Open Meeting, and the following contributed papers- Jessica, whose discourse on "bmiles ,and Smiling" mode us • feel as if she were again in our m.dst, with her ready wit and smiling face; Giulia, who contributed two papers entitled "Forgiveness" and "True Friendship." both of which were excellent and were much enjoyed , Violet , Rose, who in her paper entitled "What is | the Banshee?" succeeded in holding the uiterest of all present by her well-told legends, i and Luceda, who. after an absence of about I seven weeks, during which we found we could I not do without her, treated us to a few j "Specimens of Letter-writing." from her favourite scrawler. Mr Micawber, cut of i "David Copperfield.". Mid-^ie's reading, eni tit'ed. "For Peop'e Will Talk," was a decided change, and much enjoyed. Lola's contribution 1 leave until the last because I intend quoting part of it. if not the whole. It is not a paper, but just a few remarks about the club, which those who were; not present will do well to read: — "This is Open Meeting night, but I suppose you will not grudge me a few minuces to make a few remarks, which I intended to maie last evening, had there been time. I hope no one will take exception to the few words I intend addiesMiijj to you, but kindly bow to my age and discretion. Age has its privileges as well as youth, you know. I am so pleased with, the idea of country D.L.F. becoming honoi&ry members, as it is largely from the ooxuitrvy members we may hope to recruit our ranks. I was also glad you did not alter the term ot office from 12 to six months, as fiom, long experience I know it takes quite six months to get thoroughly into working order, and then during the next six months the whole of the officials work better together. I must ju«t say, in passing, that I was surprised at the amount of talent we> iiaye amongst us, aiid if we work the club on right lines we cannot dream of the he'ght vs maj yet reach. I know theie is a gTeat deal of honour siid. gratitude due. to those who for the last fiur years have carried on the club. They have come here night after'nignt and batted with many difficulties, the greatest being probably their want of experience in conducting a club of this kind. It /taxes one's powers to the utmost, as such, an amount of tact, determination, and patience is required, so we must not forget the debt we owe to the older club members and bj-gone officebearers; let us always admit their prior claims to the club, and try to submit tn their views and wishes as far as possible Ycu know very often the Iwst club raemjers 01 c those in the background, overshadowed by Ihe bolder or more popular members, or the one who brings forward the most motions. V."c sometimes find a quiet, silent memoer v.IjO is living up to the L.F. motto. " We -\ork 1 >r the benefit of others, not ourselves." doing most to promote the welfare of the club. Then I wrvjiH like to see our members moie punctual and the club craned shaip at 7.45. Never mind if just a few are here, let those few make a start, and clo^e about a quarter past 9, leaving 15 minutes fo"- a social chat. My 30 years' connection with the page has brought me many hidden pleasures and no painful mernoiies. 'l am pleased with your selection of President; I am sure no one takes a keener interest in the club than Shasta does, and I intend to do all I can to help her I quite endorse all her remarks about impiomptu c peaikin2; and discussions; it will do us all good. In conclusion. I hope I have not ruffled anyone's feeling bj these few remarks. I have been as iniwartial as I justly can." This is a brief account of Lola's remarks, and I thought it well, for the sake of the old members who are now scattered, to let them se& that their efforts- on behalf of the club mve not been forgotten, and also for those who weie not present on Wednesday n'ght. to :ake any hints they may find. 1 will now proceed with my report. After all lie papers had been read a question-box was inlulged in, and one auestion. "Couldn't we have ! l bicycle ricnic ?" brought forth the following esult. There are a large number of L.F. lown at Tisbury, and it was decided to go or an afternoon's outing to Tisbury, and so neet a few of our comrades. It was moved hat the matter be left in the hands of Shasta. Lola, aod Miss Bobbie to arrange, lie airangements to b^ announced next nieetng The outing will probably take place on Vedneaday -week. I have to announce that sola's lecture will take place the second Vednesday in Maich. and ber subject will >c "Shakespeare." The subject for next Vednesday is "Which is the happier— the larbaiion or civilised man?'' This ought to prove a very interesting subect, and I hope there will be a gocd atten3'ice I have to thank all these who connbutcd to the success of our Ooen Meeting, nd hope they will fpvour u« with many more iipers 01 such a high standaid a= the last. Le club reopens as usual on Wednesday Jth. at 715 p.m sharp j MISS BOBBIE. Sc-cretaiy j P.S — I forgot to mention that congiatu'a- j ions were rec°i\ed on the result of the Inter- ' !ub debate from Casino, who is at present p-cc-untiy. but hopes to be back in his mal place shortly. J

—An elephant vorks from the age of I to Ihe age of 80. He can haul 15 tons, ft half a ton, and arrv three tons on his wfct