CORRESPONDENCE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3746, 18 July 1883, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

HASTINGS ATHENiEUM CONCERT

ITo the Editor of the Daily. Telegraph. J Sir,—Seeing a letter iv your morning contemporary's columns from a member of the above institution, avlio eA'idently loves accuracy, but whose poAvers of exericising the same are strangely in opposition to his expressed feeling, I take this the earliest opportunity of critcising his vague and incorrect remarks. Firstly, the programme shoAved two pianoforte duets, one at the commencement of each part, which Avere performed by the Misses Kelly, and these, as stated in the report, received the applause they justly merited. Each piece on the programme Avas duly performed (though some of the positions Avere reversed to suit the voices of tho vocalists), Avith the exception of tAvo solos promised by Miss Hawkins, who was unavoidable absent, but whoso placo Avas kindly supplied'by Miss Kelly and Mr Gilpin. In excuse for the accurato "member" I can only suppose that he was aAvay for refreshment during the time the pieces wore being played. I think great credit is due to all the performers, considering the short time which intervened betAveen the announcement and the day of the concert. Further, for the information of the public, it may be stated that an annual charge of 10s 6d per annum will be made for the use of the library and reading-room, payable in advance, or 3s per quarter, or 1b per month, also prepaid. This further points out the excellent ability of the "member" to question a correspondent's presoision. In conclusion I take the opportunity of informing tho public that the Avhole of the cash taken for tho above amounted to £11 13s, and after defraying all expenses therewith we will have about £7 for the benefit of the Athcnieuni, not much, but better than nothing. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for reading purposes, and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for gJA-iug out books from the library. Ono day in the week the library Avill be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.ni. for the benefit of ladies. The room is well lighted and wanned, supplied with the leading colonial and some of tho English papers, also with draughts and chess. Trusting the public will not be misled by remarks such as those I correct. —I am, kc, 11. 0. Johnson, Hon. Sec. Napior, July 18, 1883.