TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 322, 2 August 1898, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU.

Mdtdal Improvement Societv. The opening entertainment in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society took place iu the Town Hall on Thursday evening last. Owing to the wretched state of the weather, the attendance was not very large. As several of those who promised their assistance failed to put in an appearance, the programme was considerably shortened. In spite of the wind and rain, the Rev. Dr. Hosking, of Hamilton, drove over especially to render all his assistance to the society. The Rev. Walter Smith was also present, it being his first public appearance since his late accident at Kihikihi. Mr Cottrell, president of the society, occupied the chair. If the supporters of the Mutual Improvement were discouraged by the small attendance, they must have felt encouraged in their efforts to form the society by the many expressions of cordial support. Miss Edith Archer kindly accompanied the various songs. The town band assisted during the evening ; but were unable to play in the open air at the opening. Mr E. J. King, of Rangiaohia, sang " The Monks of Old " in good style, and displayed his talents of oratory by reciting *' The Endless Universe." The Rev. Dr. Hosking delivered a very earnest and eloquent address, in which he congratulated the young men of Te Awamntu upon founding a Mutual Improvement Society. The doctor spoke of thb advantages of such a society to a community. It enables the young to acquire ideas. Any person might get quite as much good from a debate as from a sermon. In a sermon the preacher had all the say, whilst in a debate, the other Bide of the queseion was brought out. The rev. doctor also remarked upon the excellent syllabus of subjects provided for the coming session and gave those members present plenty of good advice, amongst other things not to have too much gas and to allow fair play to all combatants. As the doctor was suffering from a bad cold, he did not sing as was announced on the programme. Mr Sam Lewis recited in his amusing si yle an original poem, entitled " The Kihikihi Polo Club," and later in the evening gave " The Bush Christening." Mr Vause read "The Old Man's Trip tc Town," which was much appreciated. Mr Cavanagh was, perhaps}' the favourite of the evening in his songs " Har l bour Lights " and " The Star of Bethlehem," and in reply to an encore gave "The Arab's Farewell To His Steed." Mr H. Deaville sang " I'm Off To Philadelphia In The Morning " in his usual good style, and his song was much appreciated. Several organette selections under the direction of Mr G. Peckham sounded well in the large hall. The Town Band gave two new selections, aod the bandmaster (Mr Bain) is deserving of great credit for the progress our newlyformed band is making. The Rev. Walter Smith gave a very pleasing address, and those present; were glad to see him about again. Mr Smith also cougratulated the township upon the acqui aition of a Mutual Improvement Society, and was glad to see that it was not to be a one-sidod society—ladies were invited, and indeed several had already joined, and he believed their influence would be beneficial. He, however, preferred a kind of Mutual Admiration Society than one in which nothing but carping criticism was indulged. He believed these societies resulted in an improvement of the mind and a wider acquaintance with literature upon the part of the members. The Rev. J. Kayll wrote, regretting that his duties had taken him up to the King Country that evening, but promised his active support and earnest sympathy and congratulations to the members upon their praiseworthy effort. Mr Cottrell, in a few, well-chosen words, spoke of the pleasure it had given him to become the first President and to preside at the meetings, thanking the vice-presidents for coming forward with such kind pelvice and bespeaking a successful result to the society in every way. At the conclusion of the entertainment, Mr Culver (Secretary), on behalf of the society, thanked the President aud vicePresidents for their kind help and sympathy, and Miss Archer for her kindness as pianist, and also to the Town Band for their assistance. Dk. Pairman.— The many friends of Dr. Pairman will be pleased to hear that he has sufficiently recovered from his late accident in the King Country as to be able to leave his bed. Dr. Brewis, of Hamilton (who lias been in attendance), says that it will be some time before he can do much riding about.—(Own Correspondent.)