MOSGIEL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 17

MOSGIEL.

April 25.— The Mosglel literary and Debating Society held their first meeting in the sahoolhouse oa Friday last, there being & very large attendance. The president (Mr M'Kerrow) occupied the chair, and after opening the meeting with prayer, introduced the speaker of the evening (Mr Smith, of North Dunedin), with a few suitable remarks. Mr Smith delivered an admirable address on the advantages of such societies, existing as they do with the object of improving the minds of all concerned by baring frequent* recourse to literature in general. He went on to say that some societies under the <ame name existed merely for the amusement of its members. Amusement might be all very well at times, but when a society existed for nothing else, he was inclined to think that it would not last long, nor would it do any permanent goqd for its members. He further stated that the success of such societies depended on whether or not the members succeeded in keeping the object of their society before them, which object he thought should be, " Not pleasure, nor profit, but truth. He also gave the members to understand pretty pointedly that it was no use to expect their society to progress unless they read and studied the coming events on the syllabus of their society. The lecture was very instructive, and well interspersed with sparks of humour, which took a very good effect on his listeners ; and though some of the members took exception to a few of his statements, on the whole everyone felt very much benefited by his useful suggestions and sound advice. A vote of thanks having been accorded Mr Smith, the business of appointing office-bearers was proceeded with, which resulted as follows :— President, Bey. Mr M'Kerrow ; vice-presidents, Mr Hodges and Mr Hicks ; eeoretary, Me R. Wilson; editor of journal, Mr O. Warden; committee— Messrs Charters, Miller, Warden, E. Allan, Chesnay, and Dickie.