RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3497, 22 November 1894, Page 5

RAGLAN.

Mutoal Improvement Society. The fortnightly meeting of this Society was held in the school-room, Raglan, on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 14th. The interest in-the meeting was considerably increased from the fact th i a lady, for the first,time in the society's history was occupying the chair; however the lady, Miss Gilmer, who was called to fulfil that honour, did so in ,a most admirable manner. There was a good gathering of memberß and their friends, the ladies being well represented and this would in a measure be accounted for by its being a ladies' nighfc..,The following programme was then given Recitation, " Helps To Read," Miss ,Conradi; reading, " Lent To God." Miss 'Rendell; recitation, " The Boy's Death," Miss E. Hill ; 1 recitation, " Hospital Story," Miss Higgison ; reading, V Habit," Miss S. Hill; Dialogue, " Oysters," Miss E. Hill and Miss Conradi. At the conclusion of the programme the lady chairman, in her opening remarks, said, she trusted that criticism would take place, or else perhaps the ladies who had read and recited the various pieces might think themselves perfect. Mr La Trobe, in'addressing the meeting, caused considerable, amusement whilst stating that he : was in a difficulty as to how to address the of the chair, as he could hot say Mr Chairman, but perhaps after all be could fall back on "madame." He had no fault to find with the quality of the various items, but it was with the quantity that he had to complain'. He really thought that he would have to discontinue his attendance at these meetings, as it would soon be difficult to eat anything, and of course that would not do. At one of their last .neeting the use of tea and coffee had been condemned and now also oysters were stated to be not fit for food. Miss Rendell also took part in the discussion, Mr Heniy said he had great pleasure in being present, and in listening to the readingsand recitations,at the same time pointing out where the various faults were seen and giving praise where he thought it due, However, the praise far out-balanced the fault finding, and ns . Mr Henry is a very good reader himself, no doubt the ladies would take the hint given iu good part. Mr Henry also said that in the dialogue given, in which oysters were stated to be the scavengers of the sea, and. therefore not fit for food, we might also give up nearly every article of food; as the very vegetables were covered with bacteria, and all things teemed with life, Mr Pegler, fell; thankful that they had given them to-night, the opinion of a candid friend in Mr Henry, but it was strange now differently we come to conclusion upon things. The reciter whom that gentlemen pointed out as most in need of improvement, and of .reciting in a somewhat sing song style, he thought recited by far the best of all.

Rain.—On Friday afternoon rain began to fall here, and during the night a very heavy downfall took, place, it coming down in great quantities, and since then up to this (Monday) morning continued to fall, though more gently, The wind is getting round to the south so we may expect fine weather. Everything growing has, as it were, got a fresh start of life, and potatoes, oats, and all garden stuff are now looking grand, and truly the heart of the cultivator of the soil be he farmer or gardener will have been made glad.