The subject wao "That a country life is prefer able to a town life, 1 ' The opener, Mr Kingsley, claimed that the advantage on the ecore of health and morality &c, was on fche Bide, of the country, The opposition was led by Dx, Oessey. After a lively and interesting debate, thß motion was carried in favor of the country by a majority of one. There was a good attendance in the auditorium, an evidence that this useful and valuable Society still retains its popularity. The Bubjeot for the next debafca is " That manhood suffrage is a mistake,"

Two football matches will bo played in the Park on Saturday. One ground will be occupied by the Albert I. and Nelson 1., and the other by the Albion 11. and Nelson 11. fifteens. The Albums will be represented by Messrs Burns (2), Harris, Percival, Whit well E., McConchie, Ingham, Blincoe (2), Lake, McArtney J,, Scott, Hogg, Avery. Gay, Taylor, Tibbie G,, and Lucre. Archbishop Redwood will arrive in Nel son r.ext Friday, and will stay in tie district for two or hree weeks, durini? whio'n timo he will visit W= imeaWesf, Motueka.Takak.v and Collingwood. He will afterwords go on to Westport to open a new chnrob. The Archbishop will ceUbrite early Mass in the church in Nelson on Sunday, and in the forenoon will confirm a irrge number of young ppoplp. A special meeting of tbe NgaHavti Sohool Committee was held in th- school room on Saturday evetii' g reap o'ing the new schoolroom. The following mrmbeiß wers present : — Messrs Myrra. Marshall (ol<ttirm«H), Heath, Dalr-ny, Whi'e, Gay, Liid Canton. On the mo ion of Mr White it waa rnsi'lvrd thot tho archi!ect, Mr S. Ellis, be requ sted to invite tenderß for building tfe n<"W Bohiolrooin aud allow the plaus aaa Specifications to bo left for inppectior for a restsonab'e time at the schoolhons ', N_-atimoU find afttrwurds af. tho &ro ! Mieot;'fl iffice, Nelson. The annual meeting of ratepayers was held at, T.akaka on tho 7th M->y, Mr Alex. R,obert?on tieing iv t'-ia chair. The Secretary iead che balance shoefc. — Mr Syniea thought fc'je bala'.co sheat should Bho\>v where the money had been expended, and on which ro-ris. — Mr Wm. Page wished to know how the Writopu wharf account stood. — Mr T. 