FRENCH CLUB

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12194, 20 July 1925, Page 5

FRENCH CLUB

JULY FOURTEENTH CELEBRATION.

The Fete Nationale was celebrated by the. Cercle Francaise at their usual fortnightly reunion, when the Pioneer Club hall was filled to overflowing. The gathering was a cheerful one, as members.had made'a special effort to attend. Some who had been prevented from assisting at earlier reunions were present, and one country member had come from as far away ns Featherston in order to attend. The room had been strikingly decorated with flags (some of Historic interest) and flowers, under the supervision of Madame Bendall (vice-president). ' A successful concert programme arranged by the president (Professor E. J. Boyd-Wilson) was presented. It opened with a piano number by Miss Margaret Ward, whose performance was much appreciated. Mrs G. Ginn sang (and it was encored), and Miss Joan Beere danced, she also being called upon for a repeat item. Miss M. Grey accompanied, and was the recipient of one of three charming bouquets decorated with the tricolour. Mrs O. H. Benge recited, and as usual was obliged to respond to an encore. Mr Leo. Dovine sang, giving so much pleasure, despite the effects of a severo cold, that he had to produce a second song. Mr Frank Bown also sang with conspicuous success, responding to a double encore. Mr Brown is a former j member of the club, who left for a couple of years in London, from which headquarters he did some interesting journeying; his return gives great Satisfaction. Mr W. C. Balliam, the talented monologuist, was an outstanding feature of the programme. Interesting speeches were made by Mr John Hutcheson (patron) and Professor E. J. Boyd-Wilson. Supper was served, during the evening under the direction of Mrs C. H. Seville. Tho hostesses appointed were Mesdames Bendall, Seville, and Dechanet McIntosh, Mile. d f Ery, and the Misses Smythson.