ABSTRACT OF SALES BY AUCTION. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 684, 17 June 1867, Page 2

ABSTRACT OF SALES BY AUCTION. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1867.

i\.■- ■ , ■ \ Fob a time it "'was a matter ot comment and reproach that Invercargill was des-titute-of those- social- institutions -that preeminently distinguish other British communities. Frequent were_the_ 'remarks "of visitori" upon ffie absence of any organisation for the rational occupa? tion of the minds of the people after the toils and anxieties of the day were. past. To the thoughtful mind it was a subject for meditation and regret, that the hotelbar, the billiard-room, or the card-table, were the only places in which men could seek recreation after the labors and perplexities of business. That such a state of things duT' exist, is a fact, and has proved highly detrimental to social pro - gress. But the apparent disregard to all those elevating concomitants of civilisation has been more seeming than real. The absense of such institutions as a School of Arts, a Literary Society; a Young Men's Association, and other kindred organisations arose more from unfortunate, and, in a measure, unforseen,, circumstances. It would be folly now to enter, into .detail's as to the causes of the failures a few years ago, in the attempts made to plant in our midst the institutions of; which, we speak. Suffice it to say that the first effort to establish a Mechanic's -Institute . proved abortive, owing to the management being defective, and a large' proportion of the, members having left the Province just at the time when their presence was most needed to ensure success. Subsequent attempts were made to form a Literary Society— a public library and reading room— -but these fell to the ground from the want of unity of- sentiment, and consequently sluggish action, on the part of the promoters^ Thus for a time social progress was scarcely perceptible, still it was not destroyed, and during the last few months a social revival has been pleasingly observable. InvercargiU can now congratulate itself upon the formation of a Philharmonic and Musical Society, an Amateur Dramatic Association, and a Chess ;Club, all promising to become staple and lasting. It is gratifying to be able to state this, but we can only look upon it with pleasure as a beginning — the seed from which, if cultivated, will come forth abundant fruit. These societies have progressed well during the short time they have been in existence, and have reached a position of efficiency most creditable. The ques-tion-arises, however, is:; it not desirable that these isolated organisations Bhould unite to create o % ne great institution ? To our mind it is a consummation much to be desired. There is nothing that tends "more"- to 'the social advancement of the peoplethan the establishment of an Association of a higher and more comprehensive order than yet exists — a School of Arts — an institution that would embrace literature, science, and art. This could be accomplished if unity could be secured. An institution that would provide ample encouragement to men of every cast of intellect, offering a nightly varied. programme of recreation and instruction, could be established at a small cost. "We would emphatically urge upon all who desire to promote mental expansion and social progress, to unite in constructing an organisation that shall embrace all existing societies, and much more. What obstacles are there in the way to the union ? "We see none. There are many buildings obtainable, sufficiently large, for the purposes of a reading and a chess-room, a lecture or concert hall, and coffee room. The institution we desire to see established should comprise a reading-room and library open nightly, a Hall appropriated fairly to the use of the varied sections of its members ; say, one night in the week to the Dramatic class, another to a debating class, a third to the musical class, a fourth to lectures or readings, and the remaining two applied to such other purposes as circumstances might require; but every night should bring with it some attraction for the members. It may be asked— i ls it practicable to carry out such a scheme?, "We believe it is. Theread-wg-XQom, at feat, would, be but a trifling

[expense ; as a commencement we doigibt, I noVthat newspapers would be contributed by gentlemen who regularly receive them, and a large number of : the proprietors of journals., at a distance,' jupon^.applica-^ "tion, would supply papers fof year gratis. It may be asked-s^WTiere are tne lecturers to be &JM^.^J^l^?.™s*^SL tion resolve, to appropriate. a given night a week for this purpose, and there will notbe~found-much-difficultf-Hi-feidiag-gentlemen to either lecture, read a lecture;" or give select readings from standard authors. .. It is much to be hoped that the suggestions made will receive a fair^corisideration from those who desire to promote social progress and mental advancement. The energy, ability; and perseverance of the conductors of the Philharmonic Society have been amply evidenced by the marked success that has attended, their efforts. The same may be" said "of the members of the . Dramatic .. Association^. Both have, considering the short period they have been in' existence, attained a proficiency that-refleets the highest" credit upon allidentified with them. However gratifyifig~thia~may be, their isolated opera--tions cannot fill up the social gap that is so painfully f conspicuous: United operation is always powerful,:! and if the existing societies would combine with others to establish an Association such as we have indicated, we doubt not they would advance their own aimsy beßtowa boon on the whole community, and lay the foundation of an institution from which would emanate the seeds of wisdom, .science, and all the ennobling atributes of man-— a lasting r -monument verreratext-as a proof of the-progresstve-inetincts and energy of its founders.