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New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XVII, Issue 1724, 8 February 1862, Page 3

The Conversazione, as advertised by the Committee cf the Mechanics’ Institute, took place on the 17th January when the Hall of the Odd Fellows’ Society was densely crowded. The Hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion; a great many beautiful and rare articles, kindly lent by Mr. Mantel!. Major Dwyer, Mr. Barraud, Mr. Woodward, Mr. Plimmer, and. a number of our fellow citizens, adorned the walls and filled the tables. Music, alternately by Mr. Jones’ powerful organ and the Amateur Instrumental Band, enlivened the scene, and altogether the gathering was one of the b'est of the kind that has taken place in Wellington for a long time. The proceeds, we understand, amounting to some twenty pounds, after deducting expenses, will be handed over to the Committee of the Mechanics’ Institute for liquidating the debt incurred by the recent repairs of the Athentcum. At half-past eleven o'clock the Hall was cleared of its curiosities, when dancing was begun,-and kept up till dawn was breaking over the distant hills of Wairarapa.