KIHIKIHI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1826, 20 March 1884, Page 2

KIHIKIHI.

MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Mutual Improvement Association was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, 18th inst. Seven gentlemen were balloted for and elected as members of the association, and five were nominated tor membership. A table for the use of the nxembors was presented by Messrs Berry and Neill, for which a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. The subject for .the evening's discussion — Arethe intellectual faculties of women equal to those of men ? — was then opened by Mr Rigg in the affirmative, who cited a number of instances in which women by force of intellect raised themselves to positions of fame and eminence, and also by their untiring energy and perseverance succeeded in considerably ameliorating the condition of many who are in situations of the direst poverty and distress. The speaker argued that woman not only possesses more refined sensibilities than man, but in order to attain those philanthropic ends, must have intellectual faculties of an order quite equal to those of man. Mr Teague, on the other hand, argued that in no single instance is it lecorded that woman has signalised herself by any great intellectual triumphs. It is not on record that there have been any great female engineers, mathematicians, or mechanics, nor have they signalised themselves in anything that required deep study, thought, brain power, or constructive ability. Nor have they distinguished themselves as philosophers or profound scholars, or, in short, distinguished themselves in any pursuits which required deep thought, study, intellectual power, or inventive genius. Tho majority of the members who took part in the discussion afterwards were on the negative side, adducing arguments in proof of their contention, so that the opinions of the majority were in favour of the negative. The subject for the next evening, the Ist April, will be an essay by Mr W. H. Grace on Maori language and traditions, and an essay by Mr Empson, subject to be selected.

CHURCH OP ENGLAND CONCERT. The concert on the 17th in aid of the Church of England was a success Mr Dyer took the chair. Several ladies and gentlemen sang. When the first part of the singing was over, Box and Cox was put on, which evidently did not give satisfaction, as the lairikin element — which was theie in foree — declined to allow an extravaganza to be played. After the second part of the singing they refused to listen to the voice of the charmer, who, in this instance^ was the chairir'an, and by their rowdyism made things uncomfortable for the respectable portion of the audience. One or two excitable " Italians" thought it incumbent upon them in honour of the day to " ax e'er a wan to thread an the tail ay me cote," but no one responded to the • polite invitation. One gentleman in hw e\cesfa of patriotic ardour swung a chair round in a most excitable manner, dealing t out his favours impartially, for he seemed 'indifferent as to whom he bestowed them on. He was at la&t soothed into temporary quietness by the promise of a fight in the morning. Financially, however, the concert was a success, as it realised £19. ROAD WORKS. Mr Sandes, the engineer to the board, was here a few days ago, and recommended a mixture of one part of the sand fiom the native leserve to two parts of river gravel as being more suited for the streets, and possessing better binding qualities. — (Own Cone&pondent).