THE OXFORD NOTE BOOK.

Oxford Observer, Volume V, Issue V, 12 May 1894, Page 3

THE OXFORD NOTE BOOK.

Now that winter is coming on it is tinie that preparations were being made for meeticgß of recreation and improvement during the long evenings that will soon be experienced. Someone will suggest a debating " society, others a chess and draughts club ; still others a reading and elocution club. My suggestion is that all these be formed. It is always more easy to entertain a small company than a large one, and as m most societies for nautunl improvement the number of workers is comparatively small, it would not be an unwise thing to have a number of societies each embracing those persons of like affinities. There are sufficient halls, churches, and schools m the district to allow for a dozen societies even on the same evening. A number of societies would beget a spirit of emulation m their members, and old and young would do their utmost to make their meetings profitable. The Churches need not complain of of the larrikin element so long as obey do nothing to check it. Let them provide means of regular and rational amusement for the young people and the larrikin trouble, so far as it is experienced m this country will be reduced to a minimum. I will just here suggest several means of improvement that might be adopted to suit the different tastes of people, and also be appreciated. Every society should endeavour to have at least a monthly lecture. Abstruse and scientific subjects need not be selected, but old colonists could give reminiscences of the colony m the early days ; someone who has travelled could give an account of his travels, doctors, farmers and mechanics could be selectsd to talk on some subjects of which they are masters, and which would be of public interest. Essajs are useful for all, but especially for those who compose them. That there may be variety, no essay except m exceptional cases, should require more than ten minutes to read, aacl m the majority of cases, much less. In connection with these a "journal" might be kept which would include short essays, paragraphs, letters to the editor &c which would all benefit the writers, and interest the hearers.; i Then readings and recitations should not bo overlooked. I.^ould suggest tie formation of a reading club especially. This would be, if under an efficient leader, of special benefit to those who have n->t had a good education. The purpose of this would be to beget m the members a love for reading. Elecution might be taken as an appendage.

Of course those who like them find great pleasure and not a little profit m " debates." These give facility of speech, and remove nervousness m the 'speaker. There is one "faculty" which seems to be almost entirely neglected, and that is " story telling." -Comparatively few can relate a j story well, or riot many are good conversationalists. These are things that it would be well to cultivate, andj lam sure ciubV formed for that purpose

would be very enjoyable. There might be those who would, like to study abstruse questions, or political economy, or special literature within the range of the circulation of this paper there are sufficient for all I have stated ; sufficient who desire to unite for self improvement m the way indicated ; and sufficient who are able to act as guides and helpers to those m need of guidance or help. One thing should not be forgotten and that is. music. It is one thing to get together those who have a knowledge of the rudiments of music, and have a " glee club " or " orchestral club," but it is a different and more Important thing to teach those who have not sufficient knowledge to fit them for membership ot the above clubs. I believe a harmonic society would be largely attended, and the results would be benefieialjo the whole district. I am rather surprised that the churches do so little m this respect. It is certain that if they did more to teach the ru'dirnants of music to those who come within their ministrations, the singing m the churches would be better, and the musical talent of the district would be considerably increased. Let there be no charge for admission to the membership of these meetings beyond what will defray actual expenses. People should forget the moneymaking propensity m these gatherings and work for the public good. The good results will be far-reaching, and never ending, the gratification of those who participate as helpers more than learners will be great, and the good to the people m general will be almost unlimited. I commend the above suggestions to all the readers of this paper, whether they are accepted or not, let it never be a reproach to the district that nothing has been done to provide rational recreation, amusement, and improvement for those desiring it during the winter months. Pennib."