RIVERTON LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

Western Star, 27 May 1904, Page 2

RIVERTON LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

At the opening meeting of the Rivertoti ' Literary and Debating Society,' held in the courthouse on Monday- ■• evening, - a large number were present.-. Dr Trotter, was voted to the chair, arid in introduc-f ing the subject of debate, said that the'-? Society formed would be hailed by many with delight, being more for mental than bodily exercise. The colony at present suffered from over-athleticism which did not tend to improve the mind. He mentioned that there were very few men, find still fewer women able to express " their views clearly at any public, although (jocularly) the were" very clear and concise on 4hein i own homes. It was for .the purpose of . exchanging ideas and bringing out speak- '' ers that the present Society was formed; r jfc For the. subject of debate "should bachelors be taxed," Mi- Cavell gave' an interesting.address, and quoted figures to show that the married man is much more handicapped than his bachelor friend, and to remedy the evil advocated that bachelors having an income of £IOO should pay income tax. Mr Armstead took the negative and gave a humorous defence for the bachelors. On a show of hands being taken, the affirmative had a majority of 10 votes. Tno election of office-bearers than took place and resulted as follows :—President, Dr Trotter. Vice-Presidents, Messrs A..C. Cavell nnd E. C. Hewat. Editor of Magazine, Mr Stone. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Armstead. ' Comnritte—Mesdamcs Stone. Plulp, Miss Hamilton, Messrs Scobie and Twemlow. It was resolved that the meeting be held in the courthouse on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 10 o'clock, and it will be decided at a future date whether it be held weekly or fortnightly. The subscription was fixed at Is for ladies - and 2s Cd for gentlemen. A vote of t - thanks to the'ehair terminated the-meet.'. - ing. • ?r-: -.