Leeds Mercury (07/Jan/1843) - Huddersfield: Young Men's Mental Improvement Society

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors. If the article was published prior to 1 June 1957, then the text is likely in the Public Domain.

HUDDERSFIELD.

Young Men's Mental Improvement Society.

The annual meeting of the "Huddersfield Young Men's Mental Improvement Society" was held on Friday evening the 30th of December, at the British School; F. Schwann, Esq., President, in the chair. The Secretary, Mr. George Beaumont, read the report, from which it appeared that the various classes of arithmetic, grammar, geography, French, drawing, and vocal music, had been numerously attended during the last half year, and that upwards of 40 new members had been added to the Society. The library had also been increased by donations of books from the Rev. Mr. Milne, Rev. J. Glendenning, and other gentlemen, and the sum of £5 had been promised from the President to be spent in rewards and prizes amongst the members who might make most proficiency in the ensuing year. Several of the classes were examined by Mr. Briggs, and acquitted themselves in the most satisfactory manner. In moving the various resolutions connected with the business of the Society, many of the young men spoke strongly of the benefits they had personally received from the opportunities of instruction presented to them. The Rev. Edward Kell, A.M., for the other visitors and himself, expressed the gratification it had afforded to all present to witness the beneficial working of this highly useful institution, and their hopes for its future prosperity. Between the delivery of the various addresses, some appropriate pieces of sacred music were performed by the musical class connected with the society. We may add that this society now centrists of 140 members, chiefly composed of young men, clerks, warehousemen, shopmen, mechanics, apprentices, &c. between the ages of 15 and 30, who, after being employed during the day in their respective callings, avail themselves of this admirable method of increasing their knowledge, and supplying the want of early education. The whole management of the society is in the hands of the young men themselves, and is attended with very moderate charges.