The Southland Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 247, 27 April 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1866.

"We have pleasure in directing attention, to the meeting, to be held this evening, for the purpose of establishing a Literary •Society. The great work of a people's education has few more efficient agents than that of the lecture hall. Institutions for the study of science, history, or the higher branches of practical knowledge, exercise an influence for good which can scarcely be over-estimated. As a means of fostering an interest in the acquirements of an elevating and mind-expanding character among a class on whom our hopes for the future chiefly rest, and at the same time, preparing men for usefulness, in the service of their adopted country, there are but few appliances of greater value than perodic lectures v of an instructive and attractive character. It is a matter for congratulation that an effort to establish a literary institution is being made. Small as the beginning may be, we hope that an organization may be formed which will grow, expand, and, become of lasting value to the community. It is not to be expected that all that could be desired, can be at once, obtained; but there is reason to hope that the committee this evening to be appointed, will soon be in a position to employ all the machinery — a well-selected historical library, a supply of current literature, and weekly meetings for lecture and debate — that is best fitted to accomplish the high and desirable aims for which such an association should be established. It is to be hoped that men of matured minds will oive this movement their countenance and support — men of the right stamp, whose participation in the managemeni of the society will give it stability, and serve to create in the young a high spirit of emulation. To be a success, its constitution must be comprehensive, embracing lectures, debates, and scientific and classic instruction. It must be liberal in its range of debatable subjects, and so conducted that every class may participate in its benefits. , It is to such institutions as the one now proposed to be formed that the Province must look to supply the material for social and political progress. The rapid growth of colonial settlements, the legislative measures that will continually demand consideration, and the whole machinery of progress will require skillful hands to direct it. It is to literary and scientific institutions that the Press and the country must look for the aid necessary to educate the people in political, social, and . material science. Such organisations, properly directed, exercise an influence upon the future too large to be estimated. The project is entitled to the sympathy aud support of all who desire progress. Its aims are of a high and ennobling character: they tend to weld the highest precepts with the responsibilities of man in order to sustain the vigor and dignity of the Human mind ; to create an ambition to excel in mental progress j to foster aud consolidate elevating and substantial advancement. It is to be desired that the project should be warmly taken up, and earnestly worked to a satisfactory issue.