FRENCH CLUB REUNION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 299, 14 September 1937, Page 8

FRENCH CLUB REUNION

Works of Montesquieu and Voltaire Read Excerpts from the writings of Montesquieu and A oltuire were read by I rofessor F. F. Miles, 0.A., at the recent reunion of the Ccrcle Francois, Wellington. Professor Miles remarked that these authors, like de Maupassant, ranked as profound psychologists and brilliant stylists. It was not necessary to approve the philosophy of Voltaire or de Maupassant to admire their acuteness of observation and crystal clarity of style. As examples of Montesquieu's work his “Lettres Persaues” were drawn from and those dealing with and “La Mode" were read. From Voltaire's writings “Memnou on La Sagesse Homaine” was chosen. Unfortunately there was uot time to read “La I’arilre, ' that: brilliant example of the short, story, which Professor Miles had intended to use to illustrate Guy de Maupassant’s style. With these authors Professor Miles included Katherine Mansfield as a wonderful psychologist and stylist. He read “Le Vent Souffle” (translation by J. G. Delamain) in illustration. Miss Ruth Reid, accompanied by Mrs. A. C. Keys, gave pleasure by her violin music. Mr. J. E. Butler contributed a short gramophone, recital, which included compositions by ®llaydn and Debussy and recitations by Sacha Guitry. A charming diversion was “Danse Chinoise,” a dance duo by Phyllis Spierling and Ngaire Hare, pupils of Miss Nancy Rabe. Mrs. G. P. Aldridge accompanied them.