Y.M.C.A CONVERSAZIONE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 267, 12 November 1887, Page 5

V.M.C.A CONVERSAZIONE.

The sale of work and conversazione in con. nection with the V.M.C.A. has proved of a most satisfactory character, and has contilbuted a substantial sum in cash towards the funds of the institution. The concert last evening was under the management of Herr Carl. Schmitt, and, as might have been expected, was of a most pleasing description. The opening performance was a duet for piano and violin, " Orphtje," by Miss Buckland and Mr R. Clarke, which was very cleverly executed. Messrs W. Martin and Hookey followed with the vocal duet " The Moon has Raised her Lamp Above," which was rendered in a creditable manner, and Mr G. H. Mill gave an interesting recitation, entitled " The Uncle." Mr A. L. Edwards sang "The Last Watch" and "Alice, Where Art Thou," very nicely, although evidently not at his best, and the Misses Gome exhibited considerable proficiency in the pianoforte duet "Evening Dew." Miss Buckland appeared to advantage in the violin solo " Divertissement," and was rewarded with loud applause. Mr Hookey sang "To Anthea," and Mr A. Price recited "The Bashful Bachelor;" Miss Viole James and Master James played very cleverly the piano duet " Shepherd's Evening Song," and this brought the concert performance to an end. The accompaniments were played by Miss Harding. The audience, which was a large one, then scattered over various parts of the building, and occupied the time until 9.30 in various ways. The prizes won at the cookery competition were presented to the winners by Mr Hill. The gymnastic performance of the club attached to the Young Men's Association was one of the leading features of the conversazione. As the various evolutions are performed in strict time to piano music the effect is excellent, and the clinking of the dumb-bells to waltz music was very pleasino-. The leader of the club, Mr T. H. Acfanis, is an expert, and therefore his followers are well trained. This gymnasium is second to none in the colony, and it is a wonder that it is not even more largely patronised by the youth of the city. The fee of one guinea admits a member of the Association, and this gives the use of the reading room, a library of over 4,000 volumes,as well as the various classes and the use of the gymnastic apparatus. Five shillings per quarter is a very small sum. for sd many benefits, and it is only by a large number of the young men of the city taking advantage of the low rates charged that the subscription can be kept at sucn a low figure. It is therefore hoped that ou§ youths will join in good numbers and thus enjoy the advantages offered to them hf this association. The takings for the two days were as follows:—Thursday, at door: £17 ; Friday, at door, £16 ; Thursday, sale of work, £12 ; Friday, sale of work, £24; making a total of £69.