TAUKANGA.

Observer, Volume 5, Issue 114, 18 November 1882, Page 154

TAUKANGA.

At the Eclectic Society's meeting on Tuesday evening, Mr Benjamin Stott Corlett read a paper on the Obseeyeb's Tauranga Correspondent, his habits and frightful depravity, with a few side lights on the Bay of Plenty Times, Maori war canoes and whares. This he called " Polynesian arehselogy," though why he should class the ObBEBVEB as an antiquity surpasseth my comprehension. The paper opened with a lengthy dedication to your correspondent, and was enlivened at frequent intervals with volumes of vituperation poured upon his devoted head, while it closed with what its author probably calls a poem on the Bay of Plenty Times. Its originality was infinitely more pronounced than its merit. During the discourse he told us how they thatched the ridge-pole of the ancient Maori before the " tile " of modern civilization adorned his poll. But enough on this head. The Eclectic Society, if I remember aright, was instituted with the avowed object of elevating the public style and taste ; but if Mr Corlett's method of treating a subject is calculated to elevate our style, then our style must be very low indeed. Perhaps, however, Mr Corlett may, like the frightful example at a temperance lecture, become a living example to us what to avoid. Hia three most noticeable traits are : First, a morbid love of notoriety; second, want of knowledge of the English language, which he murders most diabolically ; and third, consummate cheek. After the first speaker had exhausted his stock of abuse, «*ad the lloor was strewn with slain " h's " and murdered English, the librarian of the Mechanics' Institute got on his feet, and with much volubility proceeded to acquaint his hearers with the fact that some member or members of the institute had abused his or their privileges by daring to criticise the Eclectic Society in the columns of the Oesertee and Bay of Plenty Times. He thought this very bad taste. The Society courted criticism, therefore he maintained it should not be criticised. The reading room was open to all under the Public Libraries Act, therefore nothing "R-bicli took place within its mystic portals should be mentioned outside. He was glad Mr Corlett had spoken of what he considered a real grievance. Then Oapt. Barclay arose and continued in the same strain. The Presa is safe. Mr Corlett say 3 it is not the Press itself which he wishes to squelch under his No. 13's, but the abuses which have crept into the Press.