CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 22, 21 September 1883, Page 5

CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

Christchurch, Sept. 14, 1883. At the usual weekly meeting of the Literary Society on Monday evening, Sept. 10, one candidate was balloted for and elected, and three others nominated for election at next meeting. A donation of one pound to the funds of the Society was announced from Mr. J. Barrett. The thirst for information seems to be very great among the members, if the number of queries placed in the correspondents' box be any criterion to go by. Their numbers, as well as the variety of the subjects, might very well appal that walking " Encyclopedia " who edits " Notes and Queries." One gentleman — perhaps a quondam shareholder in one of the late diamond bubbles, of sorrowful memory — wanted to be informed of the geological con? position of the boulders which our Corporation distributes with prodigal liberality in the suburbs of the city ; another, of a literary turn of mind, and very likely desirous of spending hiß declining years in the quiet and csilm repose of the editorial chair, wished to know the duties appertaining to that enviable position ; a third, very probably being deeply interested in the late inquiry concerning a Government deposit with the Bank New Zealand, was anxious about the finances of the Society ; a fourth was troubled about the Sallic Law and Pragmatic Sanction. One question elicited the gratifying fact that the average attendance for the current quarter was about 70 par cent, over previous one. The President answered the various questions, in his usual clear and concise style, to the great satisfaction of the querists and information of all the members. The programme for the evening, which consisted of songs, recitations, and readings, was next proceeded with. Mr. Geegan led the way with " Shamus O'Brien." As that gentleman recited Le Fanu's spirited piece before an enthusiastic audience in one of the public halls some time since, comment is unnecessary. Dr. Bakewell detracted nothing in his reading of the " Song of the Shirt," from the pathosof the story as told by the inimitable Hood, concerning the poor London seamstresses. Good things are always expected from Mr. Perceval, and the members were not disappointed, as his song, "The Midshipman," was up to his usual mark on this occasion. " Caversham Gas " was sung in capital style by Mr. O'Sullivan. This was followed by a very good recitation from Mr. Coplan, "On Linden's Plain when the Sun was Low." Mr. Maskell read two short pieces of a very interesting nature, written by a fiiind of his some years ago. Mr. Nolan recited " Beautiful Snow," but before doing so he gave a brief account of its author, Major Sigourney and his unfortunate wife. He also gave a humorous account of how himself being cast for the lover in a piece, at one time, went for a private rehearsal to a lonely road rather late at night, and iust as he was vehemently addressing the supposed fair one, a visitor jumped across the fence, at the same time exclaiming, "What the mischief are you after?" It is needless to say that the would-be actor vanished, and also his ambition. This was to be regretted, as the manner in which be handled his piece on this occasion showed he possesses dramatic talent. Mr. O'Connor's reading of the " Irishman " was heartily applauded. It is needless to say that Mr. Carroll's song, " Ever Thine," was executed in capital style. Mr. P. Barrett gave a careful reading, after which Mr. M'Gill recited " Eliza " in a very able manner. Mr. M'Donnell's song, " I'm not a Man you Meet every Day," was so suggestive that he had to respond to an encore. A firstclass reading by Mr. Dobbin, entitled " Fidelity," came next, after which a humorous song, " McCarthy's Mare," by Mr. Hislop. Mr. Miller then gave a good reading from Macaulay, descriptive of the Catholic Church. Mr. O'Sullivan, in the course of the evening-, impressed on the members the necessity for renewed energy on behalf of the concert to take place on the 27th inst. for the benefit of the Society. This entertainment, for variety and novelty, would sur- • pass any of its kind held here previously — this ought to ensure its success. But, apart from that, there was the praiseworthy motive of providing healthy entertainment, procuring good Catholic literature, and a place and means of enjoyment for our young men, which ought to recommend such an undertaking to every sincere well-wisher of Catholicity.