CHRISTCHURCH SECULAR DEBATING SOCIETY,

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 2, 1 November 1883, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH SECULAR DEBATING SOCIETY,

The following items, kindly forwarded by the Secretary of the Christchurch Secular Debating Society, will be found interesting : Christchurch, 14th October, 1883. Sir, —As most of us are subscribers to your valuable paper, and interested in the doings of like institutions, I take it that otheis are interested in us, and forward some particulars of last meeting on Friday evening. It was well attended, 73 being present, and opened for half an hour with recitations ; after which, and until 9.30 o'clock, the resolution of the Church Synod (which is now sitting here) was ably discussed,and a resolution passed unanimously"condemning the action taken by the Church Synod in trying to establish separate schools, thereby tending to weaken the present Education Act, and pledged itself to oppose any action that will tend to disturb the present grand system of education." It was also agreed to continue the meetings another three months, the past having been so successful, with good attendance of members. The Friday evening previous was passed most pleasantly with a ball, the first here under the auspices of Freethought; members, with " their sisters, their cousins, and their aunts," being present. A capital band, combined with a plentiful supply of refreshments, caused some 50 couple to thoroughly enjoy the evening until 12.30. — hope your second number will have the doings of all other similar Societies in this and adjoining colonies, and trust others will forward particulars of their progress. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, Alf, H. Maclean, Secretary.