CERCLE FRANCAIS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 113, 9 November 1910, Page 3

CERCLE FRANCAIS.

« THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN NEW ZEALAND. The weekly meeting of the "Cercle Francais de Wellington," held last evening, was of more than usual interest Mme. Boeufve, wife of the French Consul in New Zealand, congratulated tho club upon its joining the Alliance Francaise — an institution doing a really great educational work in the world, forming a bond to draw nations closer together. She maintained that if nations gave more attention to the study of each other's language there would be a better understanding and less fear of war. Quoting a great Frenchman, she said, "Tout comprendre, e'est tout pardonner." After describing what was done in Auckland to promote the study ol the language and literature of France by the club (which had nearly three hundred members), the examination of school children, and the giving of certificates, prizes, and medals from the Alliance in Paris, Mme. Boeufve recommended the club to take up similar work in Wellington. When recently in Paris, Mme. Boeufvo continued, she was delighted to observe the sincere and intelligent interest taken in New Zealand by the president of the Alliance and his entourage. They were more than^ surprised and pleased to learn that in far-away Auckland young New Zealanders acted and read Moliere and other poets of France with perfect accent and intonation. The president (M. Duflou), in thanking Madame Boeufve for her address, saiu the Wellington Club had overlooked the possibilities of the examination of school children in this city. It had been found that there were in Wellington 400 students of French in the various schools and colleges and convents, and tho matter of examining them and awarding prizes was under consideration. The Wellington Club was doing a good work among members in maintaining an interest in French language and literature. He extended a most cordial welcome to Mme. Boeufve, and thanked her for her address, and promised valuable assistance to the club. Rev. Father Cognet, the venerable Roman Catholic missionary to the Maoris at Otaki, gave an interesting address upon the Maoris, referring to their race origin, as far as it was now known, their connection with the Hovas and Sakalavs of Madagascar; their migrai tions westward from the Islands of the Southern Pacific ; their mythology and their historical legends, especially those rotating to the Cosmos and the Maori accounts of the Creation, and their likeness to the Biblical narrative. Father Gognet also gave some examples of magnificent Maori oratory and chivalry, and showed, too, how witty the Maori could be. Those who took part in the discussion included Hon. John Rigg'and Mr. Hudson (secretary). Father Cognet waamost warmly thanked foi his address. The club proposes shortly to give a diamatic performance and concert in aut of a Frenchman (M. Marret), who has lost both his legs. It hopes to raise sufficient funds to assist in starting him in a small way of business.