CERCLE FRANCAIS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2151, 18 May 1914, Page 3

CERCLE FRANCAIS

It has been the experience of the. executive of the circle that there are some of its members who can read French well, and understand it when it is spoken, but who, for some reason —either because they are of a retiring disposition, or for fear of making mistakes—cannot be induced to speak the language. Having found by experience that it is hopeless to expect such members to take part in a set debate, or the criticism of A carefully-prepared lee-* tur-o, the executive considered that something in the nature of an innovation Was required te. encourage these members to take part in the proceedings of tho circle, and with this object in view they decided to include in this session's programme what they termed a "causerio geiierslo," choosing as'itsubJoct "La Ancieitno et jfodertie," Tho causerie- took place on Friday evening at tho TheosO-phieal Society's Hall. Baliance Street, and although there was a' small attendance ©f members, owing to the disagreeable weather, it was agreed that the experiment bad been justified hv its result?, and that a "eatiserio" should ,bo a permanent item on the programmes of the circle. A. really pleasant hour was spent discussing the. fashion in dress of both sexes, tho conversation for. the most part basing itself on a comparison between the dress of the directoire. ported and that of to-day. Later -in. tho evefc iiig tho eauserio led to a discussion or subjects not in any way connected with that sot down for discussion, and also to tho telling of anecdotes, one of which, the story of an interment in France, where- the husband of the deceased, in tho midst of tho • general mourning, appealed to tiiosn present to admit that lie had done his duty, because ho had provided a substantial -coffin for his late wife, was told in a manner that cnusf-d much amusement. The fesult of the cniserie was that several members addressed a meeting. h French for the first time.