ALEXANDRA.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2712, 27 March 1866, Page 5

ALEXANDRA.

The first meeting of the Alexandra Literary Association was held in the Eastern Redoubt on the 12th instant. The President, J. D. Hill, Esq., delivered the followingaddress : — " Mr. yice-President and Gentlemen: It is with considerable diffidence that I rise on the present occasion to open the proceedings of the Alexandra Literary Association, which has for its object the social, moral, and intellectual advancement of the people of this community. "The association will meet once a week for the purpose of holding debates, and for the reading of original essays on social, scientific, and political questions. It has been determined, and I think wisely, that theological topics shall not enter into the debates. " You are all aware how much good has been effected in England by the establishment of Mechanics' Institutes and kindred societies, in disseminating useful knowledge amongst the working classes, particularly in the populous

manufacturing districts. Tke present generation is largely indebted to the arduous and untiring efforts of Brougham, Carlyle, and the late Lord Lyndhurst, in the cause of popular education. v "I think Manchester claims the honour of founding the first Mechanics' Institute in England about thirty-five years ago. The progress of these institutions has contributed largely to the elevation of the masses, and has given a stimulus to the rapid strides made by civilization and science during the last quarter of a century. "Many a young man, of humble origin and narrow means, but now far on the road to fame, has commenced his career as orator or author in preparing for the debating class, or burning the midnight oil over his first essay. "One of the]objects we should keep in view is to acquire, in some degree, the art of public speaking ; the ability to express one's thoughts clearly and intelligibly is no common gift, and can only be acquired by confideiTce, practice, and study. " One of the most eminent authors and orators of- the day (I refer to Bulwer Lytton) says that earnestness is the grand quality required to achieve success in public speaking. He further remarks, in his experience of the House of Commons, that if a speaker be only in earnest, be his abilities ever so humble, he will gain the ear and command the attention of the most accomplished, the most fastidious, and, take it altogether, the noblest assembly of freemen in the world. " Perhaps it may not be generally known that the maiden effort in Parliament of the brilliant leader of thejDonservative party was a wretched failure; he was hissed and hooted from all sides of the House. After the storm had subsided, Benjamin Disraeli rose and said, ' I have tried a great many things in my life, and after many failures have achieved success, and the time will come when you shall hear me.' I need not say how triumphantly his prediction, has been verified. "We cannot always command success, but we can act so as to deserve it, and have the approval of our own conscience — an approval the want of which is poorly compensated by the plaudits of the multitude. I hope, gentlemen, that this association will go on and prosper, and that the end we have in view will be achieved. Each in his own peculiar sphere can exercise an influence for good, and it is the duty and the privilege of every one of us, as far as in him lies, to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the people of this district. " In conclusion, gentlemen, I trust that the blessing of G-od may rest upon our labours and deliberations." The President then introduced the Rev. Mr. Hamer to the meeting, who delivered a very interesting and eloquent speech on his experience of the working of similar institutions in the mother country. After passing a cordial vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr. Hamer, the meeting separated.