THE COLONIST. NELSON, TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1862.

Colonist, Volume V, Issue 465, 8 April 1862, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1862.

At the request of some friends we give the following hints on the formation and management of mutual improvement societies, one of which has been some time in existence in Kelson, and which we think are likely to be of benefit in improving the one already established, and to be of assistance in the formation of others. They are principally gathered from the ' Controversialist.' As the country population is very much scattered in this province, we can hardly expect these societies to be very numerous at present. Yet we think that two could well be formed in the city, one at Motueka, Richmond, and Wakefield. At all these places there are pretty good libraries, and we have no doubt that the library committee would allow the members of a mutual improvement society the use of their room ; at all events, the schoolrooms would be open to them, and the schoolmasters would give, in most instances, most valuable assistance. Failing to establish societies of this kind at the above places, we would strongly recommend the young men who are compelled to come to town on business to join the society here, so that they may pass a pleasant and instructive evening, should they come on meeting night, and so take back the good they might receive here, and be the principal promoters of a similar society in their own district. All members of country societies might be constituted honorary members of the city ones.

The first matter which claims attention in framing a code of laws for a Society is the object at which it is to aim ; clear and definite ideas^ on this point are essential to the order and propriety of what is to follow. A consideration of the objects will suggest tlie name, which should always be short and expressive. Long names are objectionable, and high-sounding ones ridiculous. The next subject for consideration will be the means to be brought into operation for securing; the objects of the Society. These will, in some measure, depend upon its size and general character; but if it be established for mutual improvement, discussions, essays, and lectures should all be contemplated. The lectures, if of an interesting character, may be thrown open to the public on a small charge for admission. A library of standard works is very desirable, and in addition to this, or as a substitute for it, a reading club should be commenced for tho purchase and circulation among the members of new books and extensive periodicals, reviews, &c. With respect to the admission of members, few restrictions will be found necessary. A desire to join a society for the improvement of the mind is a strong testimony in favor of those who possess it; and if the applicants are known to the members, their general impression will be sufficient to enable them to come to a wise decision. The amount of the annual subscription required may easily be determined by calculating the probable expenses of the society, and the probable number of those who will have to bear them. While low rates of subscription are fashionable, it is important that a society should not be crippled in its resources.

The size and circumstances of a society should determine the number of its officers. If there be a man of influence connected with it, or even known to be friendly to its objects, he may be solicited to become its president. He should preside at the annual and some of the other more public meetings : his name will give the society local standing it otherwise would not possess. In such a case a vice-president will be needed for taking the chair when the president is absent. But if the society cannot find such a man for president as we have referred to, it should elect one of its own number to perform the duties under the more humble title of chairman. This should be an individual well acquainted with the order of business, and exhibiting suavetcr in modo and fertiter in re. A treasurer and secretary will be indispensable, and upon the latter much will depend. He should be a man known to have the interest of the society at heart, and possessed of general intelligence and the 'pen of a ready writer.' If there be a library, a librarian will of course be required. A society having less than twenty-five members, might manage its own affairs without a committee, or have a committee of three individuals, in addition to the officers; three to form a quorum. Large committees are not generally found to work well—the business is left to a few active men, who ought to have all the honor as they have all the labor. The frequency of the meetings must depend on the engagements of the members, and the time of opening and closing upon their convenience : only let what is fixed by law be strictly adhered to, except when otherwise determined by vote. Such societies should meet at least once a fortnight, and, where it is possible, once a week. Monthly meetings are very ineffective, and sometimes turn out great shams. In addition to the ordinary meetings, opportunities should be given at stated periods for friendly intercourse and enjoyment. The social element in human nature has been too much overlooked by the promoters of these societies; this is a main cause of their frequent dissolution and more frequent decline. To maintain societies in a healthy state it is essential that the members regularly attend the meetings; in order to secure this, fines have been enacted, but not often enforced. Where interest will not draw a person to a meeting, tlie fear of a fine will not drive him; but when members agree to enact fines, in every instance let them be enforced. Laws that are not maintained are powerless for good, and productive of evil. It is important for a society to know at any time who are bona fide members, and hence there should be a rule for dissolving the connection of those who have been absent for a given period without assigning a satisfactory reason. It may also be necessary in a society where discussions are cairicd on to have as a proviso a rule authorising tlie expulsion of any disorderly member, though we never remember an instance where this penalty was required to be inflicted. In conclusion, it is well to guard against change, and minister to stability, by adding a rule prohibiting the alteration of the preceding ones without due notice; or the dissolution of the society, except by general consent.

And here we may be permitted to make use of the observation of the learned Mr. Harris, who says that to be competently skilled in any learning is by no means a work of such insuperable pains. The very progress itself is attended with delights, and resembles a journey through some pleasant country, where every mile we advance new charms arise. It is certainly as easy to be a scholar as a gamester, or any other character equally illiterate and low. The same application, the same quantity of labor will fit for one as completely as for the other. And as to those who tell us, with an air of seeming wisdom, that it is men and not boohs we must study to become knowing, this I have always remarked from repeated experience to be the common consolation of dunces—They shelter their ignorance under a few bright examples, whose transcendent abilities, without the common helps, have been sufficient of

themselves to great and important ends. Each man's understanding, when ripened and mature, is a composite of natural capacity and of superinduced habit. Hence the greatest men will be necessarily 'those who possess the best capacities "cultivated with the best habits. Hence, also, moderate capacities, when adorned with valuable science, will far transcend others the most acute by nature, when either neglected or applied to low and base purposes.'