OUR CLUBS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 83

OUR CLUBS.

Dear Dot and Little Folk,— We regret very much to hear that the Dunedin Ciub has Leen obliged -to close lor some weeks through lack of interest in club affairs. All D.L.fc'. know that the clubs are not run for tne benefit of any two or three L.F., bu-t for the good of all. Is it right, then, thai, those Dunedin members who have worked so hard and striven so laithfully to keep their club going should be obliged to close "their doors through lack of support/ The clubs must stand or tall together, and if the indifference to club affairs which has caused the premier cub to close for a time continues, the sister club will inevitably have to close too. A clever writer say 3, "'When you have .n-ade your last effort, always make one more," and so club members intend to inakr a valiant stand, and, justifying their existence, make good their claims to the hearty support cf all true L.F. The ciuos do good work, for, without neglecting the social needs of members, they seek to promote a genuine interest m gocd literature. What ths page does in a large, impersonal way to create a feeling of goodfeliowship and fosier a desire for the best in life and literature the clubs seek to do in a smaller, but practical and personal, way. The Pubjects for discussion are chosen with a view to wider ing our outlook, and no one can write a debate paper without gaining in ideas and facility of expression by so doing; neither can anyone devote an hour to the study of some noble character without gaming by contact with a greater eoul. The open meeting, held once a month, prevents narrow choice of subjects, as the choice is free and wide as the world itself, and every individual L.F. is invited to hend in a paper; but instead oi being overwhelmed by an avalanche of papers floating in from eager, ambitious contributors, we sigh regretfully at the aH too easily-numbered papers sent in by the faithful few. Now, L.F., is that fair or just to those who are trying whole-hearted!) to keep the club flag's flying? Remember that every active or retired writer ha* the right and privilege of supporting the clubs, and with a email army of intelligent and possible writers the^actual working membership of each club <£^w» -»iot exceed — weli, you can jjuess how many by reading the club reports for a few weeks. It is quite easy to make a note of the secretaires' addresses, and Lot, who keenly desires th< success of the clul-p, would willingly repunt the addresses "in anfcwer to inquiries norn intending members and contributors, and all who contribute can relj on their paper* being gratefully and courteously received. The clubs <Jc no: shirk honest criticism, neither do they desire indiscrmun.i re praise, but they d^> mast heartily desire practical help m the substantial form of puwers. Debate papers special subjec* papers, and open meeting papers we must ha/« if our meet age ->re o be helpful, ins -motive, and Ufnul. Tha clubs have opportunities cf service and possibilities of usefulness a via im o ' development, and the L.F. have a choice to make, bhuli the clubs be allowed to fail through indiffjicnce ai.d link of support, or shall a little . rmy of etger and willing writers- rally round the stand&rd-i^<arers and keeo the club colours flying 9 The c!ubs jf properly supported, could triumph over difficulties and discouragements and become centres of useful activity worthy of their wise and ncblc founder and first leader. One can do little, you gay Xe\er mind, do that little Write your paper, ho»e\er short, attend the meetings, even if it be Co sit quietly in a corner for a fimo. You will soon be joining in the debates as eagerly .as anyone, and even if you are tco shy for that you can at least keep up the attendance. With kind wishes to all and grateful acknowledgments of the many kindnesses received from my friends und fellow-

woTrkeTS — the members of our clubs, — Your very sincerely, SHASTA.