NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 17, 25 August 1893, Page 20

NAPIER.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) August 9tb, 1893. The nsual weekly meeting of the Napier Catholic Literary aod Debating Society was held last evening, when there was a large attendance. The Very Rev Father Grogan presided. Father Smyth (of Hastings) and Father Kerrigan were also present. The secretary read a letter from the secretary of the Dunedin Society in reference to rules etc. Two pamphlets containing addresses delivered before theDantdin Catholic Literary Society by the Rev Father Lynch, were alto received. Father Kerrigan proposed and Mr London seconded, " That the secretary forward the thanks of this Society to the Dunedin secretary for the kind letter be had sent, and for information contained therein " — carried. After some further routine business had been transacted, the adjourned debate on Napoleon was taken. Three questions were submitted for argument, namely — Did Napoleon usurp the sovereignty of France ? Having attained supreme power, was be a tyrant ? Were the wars in which Napoleon was engaged caused by his ambition? Mr Beattie opened in the affirmative, and endeavoured to show that Napoleon did usurp the thront, that he was a tyrant, and also that he was the cause of moßt of che wars which took place in Europe about a oentury ago. Mr Owen Olarkin took the negative side, and made an able defence of the great warrior. Mr Jarman supported the affirmative side. The debate was eventually adjourned till next meeting night. Father Smyth said it afforded him great pleasure to be present that evening and listen to the able instruction he had received. The question had been debated in a most able manner. He had never heard bo much of the details of Napoleor'i life as he had that evening. H« was glad to see tuch a large number of boys present, because they cnuld always get adults to attend such societies, bnt it was a more difficult matter to attract boys. He advised them to follow the able remarks made in Father Lynch's pamphlet, and study the bints given on reading and punctuation. If they did bo they would profii very much by this association. A very successful concert was held at Taradale on Thursday night in aid of the Meanee convent school. A large number of Napier and Taradale amateurs took part. Miss O'Reilly acted as secretary and deserves credit for the way in which she carried out her duties.