FRENCH CLUB

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 93, 18 October 1915, Page 3

FRENCH CLUB

EXAMINATIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. Th© French Club's annual examination for young people was held on Saturday in the Theosophical Society's Hall, Ballancestreet, the examiners being Madame de Cleene, Madame Declianet-M'lnto6h, and Mr C. J. Cooke, B.A. Miss Gibson acbed as supervisor. These examinations were inaugurated in 1912 at the instance of M. S. J Duflou, then resident in Wellington and president of the French Club. The object of the examinations has been to supplement the ordinary school examinations. With that end in view the candidates are tested as to their facility in French conversation, reading aloud, writing from dictation, recitation of a poem chosen by the candidate, and a short, composition on aeimpl© subject. The examination, while open to all young persons under 18 who have been under regular instruction in French, is attended chiefly by pupils of the various secondary and private schools of the city. That the examinations aro achieving the objects for which they were intended is shown by the increased proficiency in French, conversation, candidates to-day showing a more intelligent comprehension of what is sa-id to them, as well as more facility in replying. The number of the candidates has increased each year, till this time they numbered 39. Gold and silver medals are to, be presented to the best and second best candidates respectively. Certificates o! proficiency also will be awarded to all candidates whose work is sufficiently good. A lecture on the French author, La Bruyere, and his work, was given by Mrs. Bendall afc tho French Club meeting on Thursday night. This lady, who speaks excellent French, first dealt with the author's life. He was one of the great literary men for which the reign of Louis XIV. was distinguished. The lecturer referred to his introduction into the house of the Prince of Conde, and how from observing the doings of the courtiers of I the time, he was afterwards able to proi duce his great work, "Les Caracteres." I The second part of the lecture was interspersed with readings from that work, dealing with various characters the author had met, and whom he depicted with great fidelity. The lecturer was heartily applauded and a vote of thanks was accorded her.