BLUE SPUR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 70, 12 June 1869, Page 3

BLUE SPUR.

(From our Own Correspondent.)

On Monday evening last there was a meeting held in the school for the purpose of forming a Mutual Improvement Society. There was but a small attendance, owing to the state of the weather, which was such as to induce any except enthusiasts to remain at home. Indeed, to use the language of a well-known citizen of the Spur, we must have appeared to some to be a small band of "fanatics." However, after waiting some little time there were a sufficient number gathered together to warrant us in proceeding to business ; and at the unanimous request of the meeting, Mr. E. Manuel took the chair, and after explaining the object of the meeting, called upon Mr. M'Lelland, who recommended that they should organise the society upon the same basis and terms as the former one. He (Mr. M'Lelland) was of opinion that the mind should be considered as an estate given by G-od, and held in trust for the benefit of the world; and we were in duty bound to cultivate that estate so as to make it produce to the utmost extent. None could excuse themselves by saying that the ground was too poor for the growth of an idea ; ideas would grow amongst crags and heather ; and these societies were an excellent means for young men to cultivate the intellect. He proposed that the course j should embrace essays, debates, read- j ings, and recitations, and that they now form themselves into a society, to be called the Blue Spur Mutual Improvement Society. Seconded by Mr. John Cormack, and carried. Messrs. Matthews. Carey, Cormack, Morris, Barclay, and. Trayes spoke as to the mode in which the society should be conducted, and the subjects which would be most interesting to a community like theirs. After a little desultory conversation, it was moved by Mr. W. D. Morrison:— "That Mr. M'Lelland be president, Mr. Morris secretary, and Messrs. Morrison, Cormack, Manuel, Matthews, Carey, Barclay, and Trayes, members of committee."—Carried. Mr. M'Lelland proposed — " That 2s. 6d. fee constitute membership, and that non-members pay 6d. per night, ladies^to be admitted free ; the proceeds, after deducting expenses, to be handed over to the School Committee for the use of room, lights, &c" — Carried. It was agreed that they should meet every Monday evening, at seven o'clock, water time. Mr. M'Lelland is to bring forward the first essay on Monday evening • subject, " What's in a name ? " after which there will be a debate. Messrß. W. D. Morrison, J. Cormack, A. B. Matthews, E. Manuel, J. Carey, and T. F. Morris, each promised to give an essay during the course. Mr. John Cormack is to take the chair next evening of meeting. Vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the business of the meeting,