PUBLIC OPINION.

Patea Mail, 21 June 1882, Page 3

PUBLIC OPINION.

Contributions, Letters, Inquiries and Answees thereto, are invited on Farming. Commerce, Politics, and matters of interest to the Patea district. Names of writers need not be Printed.

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

From the apparent apathy displayed by the young men of Patea with regard to the formation of a society for recreation and mutual improvement, the inference might be drawn that we are so well informed and our education so complete that there is no necessity for any slight improvement a weekly or*fortnightly literary class or society could offer or afford ; or that business, absorbs and makes such heavy demands on time that there is positively none to spare for local recreation and the mutual pursuit of knowledge. ' And indeed with respect to a local institution for mutual recreation and advancement; Waverley, a town of, not near the population of Patea puts us in the shade ; and at Hawera a society has recently been formed, having for its object the mutual improvement of its members, besides going in for amusement combined with instruction in the shape of “ spelling bees.” To come nearer home, the settlers in and around the township of Kakaramea contrive to enliven and employ the dull hours of evening in an entertaining and amusing manner, much more frequently than the denizens of Patea ; and although perhaps amatuers should come before the public but seldom, and previously prepared by careful practice and rehearsal, yet there can be no reasonable objection to a society or class meeting for mutual entertainment as often as they think fit. Surely Patea has talent that would compare favorably with places that some Pateaites have been wont to consider as second rate in comparison to the town of Patea. It is certainly not the lack of ability, but rather perhaps that we as townspeople have got into certain grooves, and would be content to remain so, probably satisfied with the sublime philosophy of “ whatever is, is right.” I should be glad if some local resident more capable would take the matter up, as it cannot be denied that debating societies and organisations for literary objects are calculated to tend towards both recreation and instruction.—l am, &c., Nemo.