EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 160, 4 December 1866, Page 3

EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS.

(To tho Editor of the Oamaku Times ) Sie, — Few and far between are the opportunities afforded to tho good citizens of Oamaru a.rd its vicinity, to partake in pure and healthful evening entortainments. Those offei^ed by professionals are very eeldom unobjectionable as regards morality and good i taste, and always absurdly highly charged. But tho r meeting of last Friday proves that tho inhabitants possess within themselves talent to produce rational amusement, and taste to appreciate it. Tho result also clearly shows that moderate prices are best. I wish that this principle wore better understood, and more generally acted upon in a general sense. It is to bo hoped that tho example of last Friday will not be lost sight of. I feel quite certain that similar entertainments, with variations, might be got up, particularly if under the direction of Mr Clapcott, whose histrionic and managerial talents are unquestionable ; and although tho thanks of the public were not formally tendered to him on the late occasion, their approbation was unequivocally manifested. It is believed that Father Williams, who is a host in himself, will give readings when he returns ; but it will bo odd if for the future there are not some in tho place who are ablo and willing to come forward and take part in such entertainments, to prevent the burden falling too heav/ on two or three. On such occasions, and also when public, political, or other meetings are held, it should bo niado generally known that Mr Baker has uniformly given tho uso of his room and providod lights, &c, free of charge. For his liberality in numerous instances of this kind, public thanks are owing to the present proprietor of 1 the Northern Hotel, and now is the time to notice the matter, since it is known that the hotel is about to change hands. Has Mr Bater not provided accommodation and lights gratis for the monthly meetings of the Building Society ? If so it would be but fair that some compensation wero tendered to him on that account. Yours, &c, Spectatoe.