FRENCH CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 64, 13 September 1937, Page 4

FRENCH CLUB

At the last reunion of the Cercle Francais the Pioneer Club's reception room held a specially-interested audience, the programme being in the hands of Professor F. F. Miles, O.A. The entertainment was mainly of a literary character and Professor Miles gave extracts from the writings of those typically French authors, Montesquieu and Voltaire. When referring to the extracts he remarked that those authors (like Maupassant) rank as profound psychologists and marvellous stylists. He also observed that it is not necessary to approve the philosophy of Voltaire or Maupassant to admire their acuteness of observation and crystal clarity of style. As examples of Montesquieu's work his "Lettres Persanes" were drawn from and those dealing with "L'Espagne" and "La Mode" were read. From Voltaire's writings "Memnon ou La Sagesse Humaine" was chosen. Unfortunately "La Parure," that brilliant example of the short story, which Professor Miles had intended to use to illustrate Guy de* Maupassant's style, had to be omitted in consequence of the time-limit he had set himself. With these authors Professor Miles included Katherine Mansfield as wonderful psychologist and stylist, and he read "Le Vent Souffle" (translated by J. G. Delamain) in illustration thereof. This sketch left the-strong impression which the intangible charm of this authoress's V^ork generally imparts. During the evening Miss Ruth Reid (accompanied by Mrs. A. C. Keys) gave much pleasure by her violin music, and Mr. J. E. Butler contributed to this section of the programme with a short gramophone recital which included compositions by Haydn 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 and well-known to many interested in the recent competitions. These promising young performers aroused much interest. Apart from their work as dancers their striking Chinese costumes were admired. They did their turn in a Chinese garden setting which was very effective. Mrs. G. P. Aldridge accompanied them. In the absence of Mr. Balham, Professor Miles fulfilled the xluties of president. Madame Bendall conducted tha conversation circle. Miss Huntington supervised the serving of supper, and Miss Smythson received.