A DEBATING SOCIETY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 646, 10 March 1879, Page 2

A DEBATING SOCIETY.

[To the Editor of the Evening Herald.]

Sib, — I would ask your kind assistance on behalf of the young men of this town, by ? the advocacy m your journal of the formation of a Debating or Mutual Improvement Society. We have the winter months now close upon us, and there is but little choice of spending our evenings m a public-house or billiard room. The dingy-looking place that is designated a reading-room m our midst is quite a disgrace to the town and offers anything but comfort or attractions to those of a reading turn of mind. To a great many, quiet and orderliness are essential for reading, but m our Athetußum these rules are quite disregarded and set at nought by the garrulousness and desire for argument on the part of two or three of ■ the habitues of the room. In addition to this, there is generally the warbling of one of the cheerful spirits who haunts the building. 1 think, sir, that it is quite time that Gisborne should have something better than is now provided for the reading portion of her population ; and I trust the matter will not be allowed to rest till we have our Athenaeum thoroughly re-con-structed, with its lectures, readings, and entertainments.

I would suggest that one of our clergymen take the initiative m the formation of a Mutual Improvement Society, for the purpose of discussions, essays, and lectures. I am sure they would be amply rewarded by the thanks of those who experience the want of such an institution. We have able and learned men dwelling with us, who would, no doubt, by lectures on social and scientific topics, and materially aid the formation of anything having for its object the good and advancement of knowledge. — lam, &c, MICAWBEB.

Gisborne, March 7th.