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

Otago Witness, Issue 3112, 5 November 1913, Page 70

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

Motto: “Union is Strength.”

The above club held its usual meeting in Dot s room, Lower High street, on October 28, at 8 p. m. Those present were; Francis (president), Oriel (secretary), Possum (C.M.R.), Chloe, Avice, Wild Will, Shepherdess’s Fairy, Dulcie, Hebs, Billy Buriow, Wai-No-Tee, Silverdale, and Elbon. The evening was devoted to open meeting. Papers were contributed by Princess Bess, “One Incident I Remember,’ read by Hebs; Silver Whip, “The Life of. General Monk,” read by Wai-No-Teo; Ripple, “Different Types of People One Meets on a Railway Train,” read by Wild Will; Ate, “Sister Dora,” read by Avice; Lavinia, “A General Chat on h Visit to Palmerston," read by Chloe; Shining Sunbeam, “Alexander MacKay,” read by Possum. At the conclusion of the readings, discussion took place regarding the social, which is to be held in the Waratah Tea Rooms. It was decided to extend the time of closing until 2 a.m. The price of admission will bo Is Gel. The following is the new syllabus, approved by last meeting. Cut it out, and use it for future reference; November 4.—Debate: “Is the Present Expenditure on the Defence of New Zealand Justified?” November 11. —“How I Spent Labour Day.” November 18. —"Is the Resurrection of the Invercargill Club Possible?” November 25. —Open meeting. December 2. —Debate: “Who Should Light the Fire—Husband or Wife?” December 9.—General election. December 1G. —Debate: “Which Wields the Greater Power as an Educational FactorTechnical or Correspondence Schools?” December 23.—Magazine night. December 30.—Open meeting. ORIEL, Secretary. C.M.R.’s REPORT. Dear Comrades, —The Labour Day picnic was a great success. The day proved fine, but windy, and ail succeeded in having a good time. Mount Stuart was looking its best, as also were tiro occupants of that delightful spot. The L.F. who met us at Milton and Mount Stuart were Elmo Athol, Valeillen, Detective, Western Bell, Beryl, Golden Locks, and Ida. Quite a number of friends interested in L.F. matters were with us, and added to our enjoyment. Special thanks are due to Mr Smith, who kindly supplied music, and to Mr Hibbs, for permission to use the grounds. Music, laughter, and eong were -the order of the day, while ample, justice wa-s done to the good things provided. Watch the secretary’s report for further information. The club met as usual in Dot’s room on Tuesday, 28th inst., when Francis presided over a very small meeting. The decrease in attendance was due, no doubt, to the holiday. The meeting was devoted to open

papers. Silver Whip contributed “The Life of General Monk.” Monk lived in the stirring times of the Civil war and the reign of Oliver Cromwell, and he was instrumental in the restoration of King Charles 11, and faithfully served his country till his death, in 1770. Many thanks, comrade, "for your interesting paper. We all enjoyed Wai-No-'i'ee’s rendering of it. Ate contributed a paper on “Sister Dora.” Dora was a member of a family of 12. They were noted for their kindness to the pool 1 and afflicted. Dora was very self-willed, and many pranks did she and her favourite sister play. Notwithstanding this, Dora’s wilfulness did a lot of good. She was in the village one day, during an outbreak of fever. She called on an old woman who was so stricken, and, in the absence of all others, tended her. Dora sent word home that she would continue to nurse the woman. The poor dame died, and Dora had to perform the last sad offices alone. Dora- spent some time at the seaside, as a precaution against spreading the disease. She tried, unsuccessfully, to induce her father to allow her to become a member of The Good Samaritans, a band of noble women, like our Sisters of Mercy. Years later she obtained her wish. In 1865 she gained her first knowledge of hospital management. Watch for continuation of this interesting story next open meeting. Avice kindly read this paper. Chios read a letter received from Lavinia, and some interesting verses. Lavinia wrote her usual interesting budget of news, which we were glad to receive. Hebs read “One Incident I Remember,” by Princess Bess. Throwing stones on the ije is not sport when , you have to taka them off again, is it, comrade? Wild Will read Ripple’s racy account of “Different People One Meets in a Train.” She described the confusion when the train first comes in; then went on to give her account, sometimes amusing, sometimes annoying. There is the defiant passenger, the showy girl, the men deficient of manliness, the cross customer. Again, the kindlier side of nature is revealed, but, as you all know Ripple’s admirable style, you can picture the scenes, and anyone who keeps their eyes open will be able to see the same as Ripple describes.

Shining Sunbeam sent in “The Life of Alex. MacKiay.” Mac Kay was born in October, 1849, and was very clever. Until he was 14 his father was his only teacher. In 1861 he was sent to a grammar school in Aberdeen, and carried all before him. rle associa'ted with some of the most eminent men of his day, and when about 30 he went to Germany, and did remarkably well. He received an offer as partner in a large engineering firm in Moscow', hut rejected it in order to become a missionary. In 1876 Mac Kay first saw Africa, w'here his life work was accomplished. He did bis duty faithfully, and on February 8, 1890, his soul was released, and he went to join his Maker., Mac Kay did much to further the cause of Christianity. Possum read this paper.

Billy Burlow read a piece entitled “The Bonded Chief.’’ This was a play, and so badly acted that the audience mistook melodrama for burlesque. Many thanks, comrades, for your kind support. Please let us hear from you, again. , November 11. — “Slow I Spent Labour Day.” Please, -all send in papers, to let us know how you enjoyed the holiday.

November 18.—“ Is the Resurrection of the Invercargill Club Probable?” As loyal L F., you can give us your views. We all want to see the club flourishing, so please send along suggestions. November 25.—Open meeting. This is y-our night, ao send in a good master of papers. All are welcome. Papers will be acknowledged in this column. November 19.—The social of the year. This is the wind-up of the social .year, so please roll up to the Waratah Tea Rooms on Wednesday, November 19, at 7.30 p.m. The social will bo kept going until 2 a.m., and the admission is la 6d. Silverdal© provides the music, and ample provision has been made for an enjoyable time. Country members wbo happen to be in towoi off that day wall receive a cordial welcome. A note to me will receive prompt attention. Please, don’t forget the date—November 19. Yours sincerely, ~ _ POSSUM, C.M.R.