MASTERTON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4995, 6 April 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

EIGHT ANNUAL REPORT, SESSION 1894.

At last night's meeting, Mr 0. Pragnell, Secretary, read tho following report:—" It again affords me much pleasure to report the work of session 1894. Success, however,was only partial, although the attendance was well maintained. Our manuscript Journal, through the ablo and individual efforts of the editor, still maintained its prestige. The debates—of which there were sixproved very interesting, and were among the best items of the session. Some of our lady members proved themselves speakers of no mean order in debate, It behoves our gentlemen members tolcok to their laurels.

Tlio younger members under the age of 21 undertook to carry out the programme for one evening, and right well did they do it, the entertainment given being well supported by a large audience. The ladies and gentlemen each had an evening to themselves and programmes of music and elocution were provided. A mock ttial and mock Parliamentary election were amongst the most successful items of the session. A new departure was an evening devoted to a Mock Parliament, and had the effect of showing the grasp of politics some of our members possess. Two lectures were given by Mr W. H. Jackson, and one each by Mr T. Hutchison, S.M,, Dr. Butement, and the Rev. S. H. D. Perryman. To these gentlemen the best thanks of the Society are due, and it is desired to place on record our appreciation of their services. During the session 58 meetings were held, of which 8 were open meetings, the average attendance of the latter being about 200. The average attendance of members and friends was 30, a decrease of three on the previous session, which may be accounted for by the removal to other places of some of our most regular attendants. In finance wc have just paid our way, but have had extreme difficulty in doing so. However, it is hoped thore will be an increase of members during the coming session, and thus obviate all financial difficulty. Altogether I think the Society is to be congratulted upon its position, which I trust it will continue to maintain, but the Society needs a long pull, a Btrong pull, and a pull altogether, for its better success during the coming session. Let it be given, and the Society will prove a boon to itself and all around. Its best wishers will then be proud and its officers rewarded. Let "success" ho our watchword, and thus maintain our usefulness during the session 1895—Orlando Pragnell, Hon, Sec,"

The following were elected officers for the ensuing session:—President, Rev. J. Dukes, vice-Presidents, Miss Williams, Messrs Hollings, Easthope, and L.Donald; Editor of Journal, Mr W. M, Easthope; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr 0. Pragnell. Tho Committee were instructed to prepare asyllubas for presentation to tho Society's next meeting on Friday, April 19th, Other business of an important character was dealt with, much onthusiasm being displayed. A successful session is anticipated.