DEBATING SOCIETY.

Te Aroha News, Volume 1, Issue 47, 26 April 1884, Page 7

DEBATING SOCIETY.

We are right glad t-o see the young men of Waioiongomai taking sucli active steps to establish an association of "o beneficial a character as above, and wish it every success. Healthy attraction.^ •pitch as these, Are- not only most bene•iicial to those taking an active pait in same, but are also a source of instruction ; and pleasure to the inhabitants in the ' : distnets in which they are established A meeting for the purpose of form inn the alcove was lieM in t"e schoolhoij^e, "Waiorongomai, last Monday evening, about 24 persons being present ; on th •motion of Mr Hawkins, Mr Purdie «tb voted to the cliair. The chairmm ni.i le •a few remarks, followed by Mi H iavUms, "explaining the manner in which tlu-sc •societies are usually conducted, and the benefit derived troia them. Mr Hawkins proceeded to explain the manner iii whicii j\[ut\ial Improvement ami Parliamentary Debating Societies were conducted, and was followed by the chairman as to the working of an ordinary Debating Class and Improvement Society. Mr Ciaig proposed the following resolution : That this society be called a Debating Class and Improvement Society ; adding that it would be very desirable, and be the means of much good being done. Mr Hawkins proposed that it should be -styled a Mutual Improvement and Parliamentary Debating Society. Proposed by Mr Hawkins, seconded by Mr Lovell, that Mr E. C. Purdie be appointed secretary and treasurer, carried. Moved, that .Mr Hawkins be appointed president, carried. Mr Hawkins proposed that Messrs Lovell and Ryan be appointed vice-presidents, carried. Messrs F. Soppett, Steele, and Munro were constituted a committee. Proposed by Mr Hawkins, seconded by Mr Steele, that an entrance fee of Is be charged, and that the quarterly subscription be Is, carried. About seventeen persons were enrolled the same evening. The first subject for debate was chosen by Mr Purdie, with Messrs Munro and Steele as his colleagues, viz., u Whether Oliver Cromwell is worthy of admiration/ The first general meeting to be held on Monday fortnight. It was decided to admit the public. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.