LE CERCLE FRANCAIS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 53, 30 August 1913, Page 15

LE CERCLE FRANCAIS

A well-attended and enjoyable meeting of the French Club was held on Thursday. The proceedings were opened by a violin solo. Godard's "Berceuse de Jocelyn," played by Miss Coralie Smythson, the accompaniment being played by Miss Smythson. Rev. A. W. H. Compton, who delivered an interesting lecture entitled "La Baie dcs He's— -Berceau de la Civilisation dans la Nouvelle Zelande." After briefly traoing the earlier history of New Zealand generally, the speaker led on to a more detailed and instructive description of the settlement of the Bay of Islands district particularly, paying due tribute to the courage of those missionaries, notably Marsden, Selwyn, and Henry Williams, whose names are so closely associated with the story of our colonisation. Passing from the historical aspect Mr. Compton dwelt on the scenic beauty of the district, and concluded the address by a reading of the splendid "Extase" of Victor Hugo. ■ The lecture was illustrated by # lantern views of tho chief places mentioned, both of their early appearanoe and that of the present day, thus giving a further interest to the lecture. A bright dialogue, entitled "Ma Tante" followed. The title role was admirably taken by Mme. Dufibu, and Mr. 3. H. Chapman was equally delightful as M. Mayran, the nephewsuitor. During the evening the president took occasion to express the club's appreciation of the services rendered by Mme. Seville as secretary, and to wish her an enjoyable sojourn in Australia, where she proposes to spend a few weeks. A cordial vote ot thanks to Mr. Comptob and the other contributors to the evening's pleasure concluded the meeting. M. Duflou presided.

£687.500