TE AWAMVTU, ' Mutual Improvement Debating Society.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1263, 3 August 1880, Page 2

TE AWAMVTU, ' Mutual Improvement Debating Society.

Following closely in the wake of tke 'Waikato Borough, Te Awamutu has decided to establish a society, having for its object the mutual improvement of its members. In response to an advertisement appearing in the- Waikato Times a number of gentlemen assembled here on Saturday, the 31st ultimo, in the Public Hall. Mr J. Cunningham was elected to the chair. It was resolved — " That the creating of the society in question would greatly benefit the entire neighborhood." A committee of the following gentlemen waa then formed: — Messrs J. Cunningham, A. Bruce, W. Jones, Benge, Rev. E. J. Phillips, Wainwright, and R. Bosanko. Those present cumbered about 50, and a long list of names was submitted to the Chairman ot persons desirous to become members. The Key. Mr Phillips* stated that, in his opinion, religious topics should not be discussed by the Society. He had formerly been a member of debating societies established in connection with the Church of England, Mr Sloane pointed out that it would be extremely impolitic to attempt to connect the Society with any particular denomination whatever. This remark was received with general satisfaction. Mr Winston informed the meeting that he had had experience with debating societies in various parts of the world. He, too, thought that the discussion of religious subjects, as connected with any particular creed should be prohibited. From the hearty manner in which the institution of the society has been effected it ia to be hoped that the " Te Awamutu Mutual Imrovcment and Debating Society" will become the means of making tlje settlers better acquainted with one another. If this end be achieved, profit and pleasure will certainly be the result.