Debating Society.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1776, 19 June 1896, Page 4

Debating Society.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Alexandra Literary aud Debating Society was h«ld in the publio library, Alexandra, on Thursday, the 11th inst., when there was a crowded meeting, the president ocoupylng the chair. After the minutes had been confirmed, the president intimated that copies of the syllabus were on the table, and those wishing to enroll as members of the society would each receive one as a card of mem* beiship from the secretary. The president then called upon Messrs McMecking and Jiwn Rivera, who were to introduce the subjects for discussion that evening, viz.— 1 Favourite authors,' those chosen being < Scott' by the former, and ■ Dickeni' by the latter.

Mr McMecking read an interesting paper, giving a biographical sketch of the ' Gieat Wiaard of the North'—theimmort%lauthor of the Waverly novels, and enumerated his eading works. His poetical works, though some of them were very good, were eclipsed by those of Byron, who appeared on the scene at that same time also. Scott was a remarkable and true writer of fiction, and hj« was also the first to Introduce the • historical novel, and he created a living interest in history that wan taken up by others afterwards. There is also a pure and lofty chivalrous tone in his works which has a noble influence. He was also a very prolific writer, and poured forth his novels by the barrowful. Mr McMecking said that by some * Ivanhoe' was the ; preatest novel in literature, and 'Vanity i Fair,' by Thackeray, came next. Un» doubtedly Scott was one of the greatest novelists, and his fame rested upon that wonderful series of works which he pro*. duced. Mr John Elvers then introduced Dickens, giving an interesting sketch of his early career, bis hardships, and hiß perseverance* Dickens, he said, owed not a little of his future literary fame to his training as a reporter, and the habita of keen observation of human nature among all sorts and conditions of men. Mr Rivers then .gave a graphic epitome of most of the leading works of the great novelist, and also re* ferred frequently to the many and life»hke characters created by Dickens, and con* tained in these works. Commencing with one of his earliest works,' Sketches by Boa,* . he referred to the scenes in London lifethere depicted, sneh as ' Greenwich Fair,* and many others, and then passed on in \ succession to"mention 'Piokwick,' 'OliverTwist,' 'Old Curiosity Shop,' * David Copperfield,' ' Dombey and Sons,' and many other well*known works. In his re-, marks, Mr Riveis showed an appreciative and extensive acquaintance with the works of his favourite author, and the many characters pourtrayed throughout these,_ works. - , *: In illustration of Dickon's works, -two> . very excellent pieces of musio were exceedingly well rendered— * The Death of Little Nell,' a voeal solo sung by Mr 5...,. Lothian, with Miss Beany as accompanist $ and the well-known duet, 'What are the* Wild Waves Baying,* by Mrs S. Simmonds ..; and Mr White, Mrs Lothian playing; •«#•;; . accompaniment, .' •2a--In illustration of Scott there was a read* , ing from« Marmion,* a scene from Flofldett Field, given by Mr Walker ; Mr Jr Tfc , . Thomson sang with good expression thtf,,. boat song from the ' Lady of the Lake, ;; ' Hail to the Chief ' ; whilst MrsThomSofr ;£. followed with a very nice rendering Of Scott's well-known ballad, J Jock o Hazel* ; dean.' The programme was brought close with the beautiful song ""! Chanty, • very well sung by Mrs McLaren, whos* first appearance as a singer it wss»aiaa has a nice voice. ' ._' ."-. .'.'..'"':■"'. Mr Closs proposed—That a hearty vote- - of thanks be nccorded to Messrs McMecking " and Riverß for their excellent remarks "in* v ** troducing two suoh well-known authors as ;•»•-;; Scott and Dickens. Mr Rivers showed- •*< that he was not only a reader of Dickens,«-' -• but also a student and disciple of his. Fo*' *£ B: his own part, he preferred Scott fc* n» J—chivalry, and for hiß grand and trtte^escr^ v i: * tionß of nature and human nature, ' •-:.•■ / Mr Robt. Gilkison seconded the- mbwm*'''-,* He did not agree with Mr McMecking that » • Ivanhoe* was the greatest nbtel in ttev---'.; JEnglibh snd thought be weuM-*' sa modify 1 hat claim. He thought i very •■v.; highly of DickeUß,and there wereasfiwwtor- rn& greater works among his than amongst'tiiqse. of Scott. He thought Mr Rivers';remark*.^vr were good, and showed that he had/given mhit-■■: great deal of consideration to his" subject*-;: w Referring to a remark made about, ©iofeens; fM father (who is generally supposed ssl pourtrayed in the character of Mieawber)! ■.-?:, that there were two wayß in which *J»'9-e» * was dealt with by his creditors in, ihoSfcfl days imprisonment or speaker said in our day there was a way, vii.—after.plunging s very deeply MfiMsi* debt and speculations a man could-thenges, '■■ some of hia debts written off, or give, bognsy, : bills for them, and then get some friendatfl. _-, v buy over the remainder of bis;; debta.7^ ■,■,,■ _i(Laughter.y .-...:. --v The motion was carried, and the presW , .-,.■ dent conveyed;the hearty thanks of the =, ; r society to Messrs Rivers and McMecking ■ tor their interesting -remarks in introduoing, - these favourite authors. .;,;u. : .;.. It was intimated that there would be an ...-* interesting debate next evening (June 23rd> v on Dr Janaieson's raid, and that contribu* , tions to the journal would be read by the editor (Mr Grimstone); and that also therewould be a good social, programme. . ■< *-. ■ The meeting closed with a vote of thanksto those who had assisted in the programme ... and to the chairman.,.