Literary and Debating Society

Kingscote Literary Society.

The usual monthly meeting of the above was held on Tuesday evening last there being a good attendance. The President (Mr H. Flinders Mitchell presided. The programme of entertainment and instruction for the evening took the form of a Model Parliament, Mr Mitchell in charge, positions being allotted as follows : Speaker, Mr Mitchell, Government Bench— Mr R. L. Barrett (Premier and Minister of Works and Education), Mr G. A. Nicholls (Chief Secretary and Minister of Crown Lands), Mr V. H. F. Cook (Minister of Agriculture), Front Opposition Benches—Mr W. Cook (Leader), Mr E. F. Lockyer, Mr Meredyth-Wyly. The Government brought in a Bill called 'The Early Closing Bill,' which consisted of 13 clauses and, after passing through the first and second stages the House went into committee on the third reading. The Government, after much opposition, eventually carried the Bill through the House, subject to a few minor amendments. The proceedings occasioned a considerable amount of interest, inter-spersed with amusement when hon. members engaged in an occasional "passage of arm." At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Mitchell for the able manner in which he had conducted and worked up the programme. Mr Mitchell, in responding, thanked those who had assisted him, and proceedings terminated.

Kingscote Literary and Debating Society's Mock Banquet.

FINAL EVENING OF THE SESSION.

On Tuesday evening last an enjoyable social gathering took place in the Kingscote Council Hall, when members of the Literary and Debating Society and visitors assembled to take part in a mock banquet. Mr R. L. Barrett (the President) presided, having on his right hand Mr T. R. Caust (President of the Penneshaw Mutual Improvement Society) and on his left Mr Walker (a Vice-President of the Semaphore Literary and Debating Society). Ranged along the table, which was arrayed with a tasteful collection of good things kindly provided by the ladies, were two rows of people who appeared, judging by the expression of their faces, to have made up their minds that they intended having an enjoyable time. The loyal toast having been dealt with, the chairman remarked that he felt highly honored in presiding over such a happy gathering of people. This was the last evening that would be spent by the members of the Kingscote Literary and Debating Society, as they were about to go into recess for a term. He was pleased to be able to state that the members had attended well during the session ; no matter how wet the nights happened to be some of them were always on hand. In fact they had experienced a most enjoyable and successful time. He had to apologise for the unavoidable absence of Mr and Mrs Lockyer who were unavoidably precluded from attending. They had with them that night representatives of kindred societies who would probably be able to speak for themselves before the evening was over. In conclusion he heartily thanked the ladies of the Society for the interest they had shown through-out. Mr C. Main proposed the toast of " The Commonwealth." In doing so he expressed the pleasure he felt at being called upon to propose the toast of a country so full of glorious possibilities. The toast was heartily honored. Mr W. Cook responded. He felt it an honor to speak to the toast of "The Commonwealth of Australia"— the finest country in the world—a country where one had freedom of speech and action.

Mr H. W. L. Tucker proposed "The Army and Navy," in a characteristic speech. In doing so he deprecated the ridiculous idea which seemed to be prevalent in certain quarters that Australia could be, if so desired, independent of the Mother Country. (Hear, hear and Applause.) We would be in a very forlorn state if England were to leave us to shift for ourselves. There was no standing army on Kangaroo Island as yet, but there was a Rifle Club and that was a fine thing to start with. Mr Partridge, in responding to the toast, which was enthusiastically honored, expressed his belief that Australia was destined to play a very important part in the world's history. Song, Mr Nicholls. Mr J. Davidge proposed the toast of "The Kingscote Literary and Debating Society, Kindred Societies and Visitors." One of the most notable things about the society was the keen interest taken in it by the lady members, and he had been pleased to note the chairman's appreciative remarks in connection therewith. He touched on the subject of kindred societies remarking that there were two representatives present with them that evening. To the visitors he was safe in saying they all extended a most cordial welcome. Mr Waller (as Vice-President of the Semaphore Literary and Debating Society) responded, and expressed the pleasure he felt at being present. He was pleased to see so many young people interested in literary and debating matters, and as a veteran, he advised the young men not to lose any opportunity presented of learn-ing to speak with confidence in a public gathering.

Mr T. R. Caust, President of the Penneshaw Mutual Improvement Society, also spoke, and expressed his appreciation of the pleasant evening it was his privilege to spend. Literary and Debating and Mutual Improvement Societies were splendid institutions, and the meetings were well worth attending. He might say that, as evidencing the interest taken by the members of the Penneshaw Mutual Improvement Society, for the past eight months there had been an average attendance of 40. (Hear, hear, and Applause). Recitation, Miss Edwards. Mr V. H. F. Cook proposed "The Island" which, in his opinion, was the toast of the evening. Kangaroo Island was noted the wide world over, especially for its famous barley. It was also successful as an oat and wheat-growing island—and could also grow flowers, fruit and vegetables second to none. In fact, if he went any further on the subject of the resources of K.I. he would be talking all night, and as time was limited he would conclude with an expression of opinion that Kangaroo Island had a great future ahead of it. (Hear, hear, and Applause). Mr Gerald W. Davidge responded. He could endorse all Mr Cook's remarks, and would like to point out what fine views there were on the Island, and what a fine field there was for the artist or the man with the camera. There was also plenty of scope for the followers of Nimrod or the disciples of Walton. K.I. was favored in many respects and he believed that in time to come it would be the queen isle of the Southern Seas. Song, Miss Cook. Mr Emery proposed "The Ladies" in a few well-chosen remarks, and Miss Edwards responded. Vocal quartette, Miss Davidge, Mr Nicholls, and Messrs J. and Gerald W. Davidge. Pianoforte selection, Miss Lamprey. The toast of " The Press" (coupled with the name of the " K.I. Courier") was proposed by the chairman and heartily honored, the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" concluding a most enjoyable programme. Afterwards the hall was cleared and a short programme of dances was indulged in.

Kingscote Literary Society.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the above was held in the Council Hall on Tuesday evening last, the President (Mr R, L. Barrett) presiding over a good attendance. Two new members (Mr Geo. Keley and Miss F. Barnes) were proposed and admitted. Correspondence having been read and usual ordinary business dealt with the President announced that the programme of entertainment for the evening would be provided by Dr Stevenson. The doctor, who was warmly applauded on his first appearance before a Kingscote audience, gave a very interesting address on the Hare Spence system of voting. After his initial explanation he called for names of candidates and, these having been forthcoming, the speaker illustrated the working of the system per medium of chalk and blackboard. The working out of the figures placed Messrs Tucker, Thorpe, Davidge, Lockyer, Strawbridge and Nicholls, at the head of the mock Federal poll. The system was freely criticised by members present and, having answered the shower of questions which rained upon him, the doctor was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting address. Before the gathering dispersed, the President referred, in terms of regret, to the impending departure of Mr H. L. Tucker, who had been a most useful member of the Society since its birth. He wished him all success in his next sphere of action. Mr G. A. Nicholls moved that the keen regret felt by the members of the Society in connection with Mr Tucker's departure be placed on record. 'Mr Tucker had proved himself a public-spirited townsman in every sense of the word. Mr Leo Ayliffe, in seconding the motion, heartily endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. Mr V. H. T. Cook, in supporting, expressed the regret he felt at losing a promising Commissioner of Crown Lands who would have been a tower of strength in connection with an impending Mock Parliament. (Hear, hear.) Mr Tucker responded in a characteristic manner and wished all his friends all the good fortune they could possibly wish him. Proceedings then terminated.