Juvenile Naturalists’ and Scientific Society

This society made its debut in public on Wednesday evening. It was established not long ago, and consists, we are informed, of about twelve members.

Master Leonard H. Wright occupying the joint offices of president and secretary, and Master T, Murray the positions of curator and treasurer. In addition there is a small, and therefore useful committee, consisting of Masters Cecil Wright, Fred Walker, and Mandall Hartley. This much for the society’s personnel.

The first conversazione took place on Wednesday night, and was held in the large room of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Punctually at seven o’clock the room was thrown open, and the members were in readiness for the 70 visitors to whom invitations had been issued.

We were surprised to find such a large collection of articles representative of various branches of science and marvelled at the easy nonchalant air which the future generation discoursed about old coins, Indian and African curiosities, and specimens from the bowels of the earth or the bed of the sea.

With the aid of local scientists, such as Mr. M. H. Stiles, Mr. J. M. Kirk, Mr. Cowley, and others, the society had got together a large and interesting collection of articles. Mr. Kirk sent microscopical drawings, etc., Mr. Stiles, snakes and microscopical specimens, Mr. Patterson, a large number of books and cases of butterflies, etc., Mrs. R. Wilton, African curiosities, Mr. J. Howard, Deaf and Dumb Institute, stuffed birds, fossils, etc., Mr. W. Mawe, the old Corporation seal, Indian spears and club, Mr. Cowley, rock specimens, electrical apparatus, air pimp, etc.,  Miss Rhodes, New Zealand rugs and shawl, Misses Hawley, old coins found at Doncaster, Mr. Potts, a foreman at the Plant Works, case of birds, model vessel, etc., Mr. C. Cox, Roman Tiles, Mr. G. Laughton, Mr. S. H. Wright, and Mrs. Smith, Baxter Gate, a number of curious articles.

The members of the society contributed a large share of the exhibits, Master Leonard H. Wright having an interesting collection of curiosities, including a box carved out of a nut from Poat Said, and a peach stone necklet from Australia, both of which had arrived on the previous day.

Master Cecil B. Wright sent a collection of shells and several drawings, and Master R. M. Hartley a collection of geological specimens, etc., Master T. A. Murray sent several heads, a box of fossils, etc., and Master T. W. Plant a model engine. A model ship was shown my Master H. Fox. Mr. Jackson, photographer, had kindly lent an electric battery, which was a source of much amusement to the young people.

A stall with light refreshments stood in one corner, and the arrangements were very creditable to the management.

We are requested to state that the officers will be glad to receive the names of intending members, and would only add as a caution, that rule 6 provides “Qualified members must read a paper not less than once a month.”

[Doncaster Chronicle, 6 July 1883]