INVERCARGILL D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2804, 11 December 1907, Page 85

INVERCARGILL D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

Alotto: "Union is Strength." The ordinary weekly meeting of the Inverc?rgill D.L.F. Literary and Debating Society was held in the South. British Chambers on Wednesday, December 4, 1907. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The President, Hazel. wa9 in the chair, and of tli« committee Miss Bobbie.

Bewa, Fakeha, Shasta, Millicent, Deerfoot, and Lord Wolseley were present. Final ar» rangements were made concerning the mocft banquet, to be held on Wednesday, lift December. This meeting, being the first i.tl December, was Open Meeting, -and the following papers were contributed: — "White Clematis" (a. New Zealand fairy tale), by Shasta; "The Discoverer of Californian Gold," by Angharad; "Is Fiction Harmful or Beneficial to the Mind?" by Lady Esler; "Is the Beading of Fiction Beneficial or Harmful to the Mind?"' by Hoolikare; "Britain's Ideal," by Paparoa; "Can Animals Think?" by Lord Wofeeley; "Friends, and How to Choose Them," by Emerald; "Is Fiction Beneficial or Harmful?" by West Coaster; "Blind Words" and "Sympathy," by Anthea; "The Shining Countenance," by Zealia ; "Earthquakes,"' by Happy Wag; "Version cf a True Gentleman," by Jeanni© Deans ; "Constancy," by C nish ; and "Why I Prefer Britain," by Areta. Before I give a few extracts from some of these excellent papers I must thank those who contributed them, especially the country members, who contributed the largeT part of them. No fewer than 14 papers were read. There were some papers from which nothing could be extracted. Shasta's* was one of these, so I am sending it up to be published, because I think it is well worth it. The following are extracts from some of the papers: —

Moderation, decorum, end neatness distinguish the gentleman. He is at all times affable, diffident, and studious to please. Intelligent and pal it a, his behaviour is pleasant and graceful. When he enters the dwelling of an inferior he-endeavours to hide if possible the difference between their ranks in life; ever willing to assist those around him. he is neither unkind, haughty, nor overbearing. — Jeannie Deans.

Brighter thorr the most brilliant of gems, electrifying with a radiance that does not dazzle go much as it calls forth a reflection of its own brightness, is tße shining countenance. . . . You will smile; you will laugh with joy. because of life's posibilities. You have perhaps desired to reach greater heights of power; you will reach them more easily if you but smile as you go. — Zealia.

Sympathy is one of the fine arts. It should enrich, not impoverish; strengthen, not , weaken ; inspire while it comforts. — Anthea.

TO COUNTRY D.L.P. —The Mock Banquet.—

Would you like to hear the speeches and toasts and responses and recitations and musical items tnat our town members are going to give? Yes, of course! Then be sure and roll up at the room in J. E. Watson and Co.'s Building, in Bek street, at 8 o'clock sharp on show night. Don't forget! LOED WOLSELEY, Acting Secretary.