PATEA DEBATING SOCIETY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 370, 2 November 1878, Page 2

PATEA DEBATING SOCIETY.

The close of the first session of the Fatea Improvement Society was celobr-ated on Thursday’’ evening, in the large room of the Council Buildings, Carlyle, by a literary and musical entertainment. About 150 persons were present, the room being comfortably well filled, without being overcrowded, and the proceedings were conducted with an orderliness seldom before witnessed. The audience was highly appreciative, and whilst evincing hearty approval, encores were called with good taste, and without the slightest indication of insincerity or rowdyism. From first to last the entertainment was a thorough success, and Oarlyde amateurs have not previously shown to such good advantage. The entertainment commenced with an overture by Mrs Hirst, the piano used being that belonging to the Carlyde Har'monte Society. Mr Taplin followed with a song “ Rock’d in the Cradle of the Deep.” Mr Tregear with a recitation. ; Mr W. Cowern, reading ; Mr Tennent, song, “ The Death of Nelson Mr Sherwood, a selection from “ The Man of the World Mr Horner, senior, a reading ; Messrs Hirst, Dixon, and Dr Warren, a trio, “ Glorious Apollo Mr G. Horner, song, “ The Skipper and his Boy," which concluded the first part. The second part commenced with a pianoforte overture by Mrs Hirst, followed by a song from Mr Hirst, “ The Old Sexton ;” Mr Tregear, a Recitation ; Mrs John Black, song “ Shells of the Ocean Mr Weiss, reading, “The Death of Montrose;” Messrs King and Wood, flute and violin duett ; Mrs Hirst, “ Blind Girl to her Harp ;” Dr Warren, a song ; Mr Sherwood a recitation, the “Charge of _ the Light Brigade ;” and Messrs Taplin and S. Dixon, duett, “The Larboard Watch;” The entertainment closing with the National Anthem by the audience, to the playing of Mrs Hirst on the piano. The performers each acquitted themselves so well, according to ability, and inlines which showed fitness for the respective tasks, that we scarcely need say more than “ Welt done 1” All are deserving of high praise for their performances, and for the willingness with which they responded to the invitation from the Debating Society to aid in the entertainment. Mr G. F. Sherwood brought down the house in his selections from the “ Man of the World,” whilst before delivering “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” he recounted in an interesting little speech, the chief events which lead up to the renowned “ charge.” So far as the arrangements for the entertainment are concerned, Mr John Black on whose shoulders fell nearly the whole of the responsibility, is entitled to high praise. He, indeed, has worked heartily and well from the commencement of the Society, and was first amongst the promoters. Before the meeting closed, Mr Sherwood, referring to the successful session, pointed out the benefits the young men would derive from taking active part in the debates, and trusted that during summer they would have regular meetings for practicing debate, so as to be able next winter to compete • with their seniors. Captain Wray also made a few remarks, and pointed out- the advantages such a

Society afforded. The number, of members on the roll is 54. The preliminary meeting was held on the 28th June, and the Society was formed and the first debate held on the Bth July. Since then, a number of most interesting debates have taken place, and alternate Thursday evenings have been devoted to chess playing and other games. Crowded audiences have attended the principal debates, which is sufficient proof of success —to which we may add that the Society is free from debt.