Young Men’s Club.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43100, 4 June 1907, Page 2

Young Men’s Club.

A meeting of those interested m the formation of a youngmen’s club was held in Mclndoe and Hill’s meeting-room last night, there being a good attendance of young men. . , ~ Mr J. Wild explained the aims of the conveners, and said there was a young, men’s club in Paeroa with a membership of about 60, and he thought they should be able to raise that number here. . Mr Spooner was voted to the chair, and outlined the advantages to be gained by such a club. He suggested that a club be formed and committee elected to see if it would be possible to amalgamate with the gymnastic club. The Rev Cowie wished to know it w wts to be a debating society or a club that would be open every night. Mr Meyers said they intended to improve themselves generally and to make themselves fit to go out into the world. The Rev Robertson said the question was whether it should be an improvement society or a club, The club could include gymnastics and a debating society. He thought they were hardly ready for aclub, though it would ba much better for young men to be able to take their friends . o a club. He suggested a literary and debating society. He was not in favour of amalgamating with the gymnastic club this season, and he moved that they form into aTe Aroha Literary and Debating Society. ■ i\ : The Rev Cowie seconded the motion. Mr J. Wild was appointed secretary, pro. tem. _ Mr F. Harris said there were a number of young men who had a prejudice | j- gainst a debating society— they thought it would be too dry. The Rev Dukes said they ought to keep the words debating society, for there was nothing so interesting to an Englishman as a fight (laughter), and what was a debate but a wordy fight. He was not in favour of a club at present. Mr Burton also spoke to the motion. He though it should take in something more than literary improvement. It ' would be a good plan to have a room where members could play cards and different games, so as to keep them off the street He advised them to go slowly, and tackle something, they could accomplish. He did not think debates would keep the young men away. They ought to consider whether the society should be limited to men only, as he. thought the admission of ladies would materially help to enliven the meetings. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Wild sai i he thought it would not he advisable for ladies to attend the first year, as it would be difficult to get tbe men to join in the debates if ladies were present. . . Mr F. Harris was of the same opinion. As far as a debate goes, you cannot get a woman to argua (Laughter). . Mr Bruce also spoke against the admission of ladies, and stated his experience of one society that had admitted ladies to their meetings. .... On the motion of Mr Burton, it.was decided to appoint a committee to draft rules and report that night week The following committee was appointed : Messrs Burton, Robertson.. Meyers, Spooner and the secretary, Mr Burton to be convener of meetings. The meeting adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chaiJ.