DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 30, 23 November 1883, Page 23

DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

O.HE usual fortnightly meeting of the above Society was held on Friday evening last, the 16th inst., at their ron*n S . "Rattray street. There was a large attendance of members, and theVice-Piesident, Mr. J. , B. Callan, occupied the chaix. After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed, Mr. K. A. Dunne came forward to deliver his paper Messrs. Hayes and Scanlan being appointed to criticise. In introducing bis paper, Mr. Dunne apologised for not being able to render the paper he had promised, pleading that he had been pressed with business ; but rather than disappoint the Society lie would read his essay on " The Causes that Led to the American Revolution." The essayist showed that he was by no means unacquainted with the subject be dealt with. Commencing with the earliest days of the American colonists, he proceeded to show their relation to Great Britain, «ow their laws were framed, and how they were governed ; he treated on the taxes imposed there by the British Governmuir, and how the colonists resisted the taxes; mentioned ia glowing terms how Burke and Chatham had used their burning eloquence in favour of the American cause in the House of Commons • gave a vivid account of the stern and decisive action of the Bostonians' when England attempted to force the tea trade upon them ; and finished his able and comprehensive essay, by asserting that the Americans were justified in the action they took in defending their rights and piivileges. Mr. Hayes said that it was his duty to criticise Mr. Dunne's paper, but really he thought there was little to criticise. The only iault, however, that he could find with the essay was, that it dealt rather tco much with detail, and that the essayist had not gone deeply enough into the principles on which the colonists asserted their independence. However, this was not much, and Mr. Dunne deserved great piaise for the industry shown in preparing such aa able, lusliuctive and interesting paper ; and he had great pleasure in rowing that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr. Dunne for his paper.— The vote wascarrricd with acclamation. Mr. Scanlan thought the essayist had not said much on the English side of the question, and that he had only mentioned two names in connection with tbe question ia England. He begged to assert that there was a large number in Great Britain who sym-

pathised with the American cause. However, he thought Mr. Dunne deserved great praise indeed for the amount of information he had laid before them that evening. Messrs. Haughton, Carlton, O'Neill, Hall and Bennett also gave their various opinions on this matter ; and the Chairman gave some valuable information as to the best mode to prepare any essay. Mr. Fitzpatrick came next with a recitation, which he delivered in a very brilliant and finished manner ; and showed, by his easy flow and style, that he not only possesses a good memory, but also a rich and commanding voice. Mr. Callan also read a selection from the " Lady of Lyons," in his usual style, and it is needless to mention that he held his audience enchanted, as his power as a reader is well known. It was decided, in consequence of the holiday — St. Andrew's Day— falling on the usual meeting night, to hold the next meeting of the Society on Friday next, 23rd inst., when an interesting debate, " Are the Chinese Desirable Colonists ? " will take place. Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. Drumm were appointed leaders on the affirmative, and Mr. Dalton and Mr. J. Dunne leaders on the negative. The meeting concluded with the usual vote of .thanks to the Chairman.