Gisborne Mutual Improvement Society.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 511, 26 August 1902, Page 3

Gisborne Mutual Improvement Society.

ANNUAL CONVERSAZIONE,

Tho annual conversazione in connection with tho Mutual Improvement Society took place last evoning in tho Academy of Music, and was an unqualified success. Thero was a crowded attendance. The interior of tho hall was artistically decorated with flowers and foliage, and presented a bright and attractive appearanco. As on previous occasions, there wero a nurubor of tables containing tho latest periodicals magazines, and objects of interest to claim tho attention of the spectators, onabling them to fill in any fow spare moments that they might havo during tho evening. Not that there was any necessity for this, for the bright and happy gathering found endless diversion in conversation, and renewing of friendships. It was in every sense a jovial gathering, and everyone present did his or her best to promote the success of the function. The proceedings opened with a sparkling instrumental selection by the Mutual Improvement Society’s orchestra under the conductorship of Mr J. H. Gittos, who has recently kindly undertaken this task. The num- - ber was given in a most successful manner, and was received with loud applause. The plantation song and chorus “ Ding Dong Ding’’ was given by Mr P. Doyle, and other members of the Society, and was much appreciated, Mr Charles Ferris and Miss Gush* were most successful in their vocal selections, whilst tho duet given by Misses Davis and Golding proved a most acceptable numbor. Mr Barlow gave an excellent interpretation of “ Dear Heart,” for which ho was deservedly encored. Miss Langford sang “ Big Moon ” with good effect, tho audience insisting on the young lady’s roappearanco. Mr P. Doyle can sing a fine humorous song, and his rendering of that popular numbor, “ Tho Conversaziono,” was given in good stylo, and, of course, was encored. A cornot solo was given by Mr Aston in a masterly mannor, and Miss Golding created a favorablo impression by her rendering of “ Tho Millor and the Maid.” Tho plantation song, “ Our Dinah,” sung by Mr Wilkinson, was another excellent number, and evoked much applauso. At this stage, there was an interval for refreshments, which wero handod round by tho committee, and, neodloss to say, full justice was dono to tho good things provided. The Comedietta, “ Funnibono’s Fix,” played by Misses Birrell, Davies, Messrs East, Sheridan, Ellerbeck, and Burrows, was without doubt tho best amateur dramatic performance given in tho town. So perfect were the different performers, both as regards dialoguo and goneral 11 biz,” that it was seen at a glance that nothing but tho most careful rehearsing could havo produced tho impression made on tho audience. The accompaniments during tho evening were played by Mrs Baty and Mr J. H. Gittos, and a special word of praise is duo to tho former for services rendered at tho rehearsals. Tho musical committee of tho Mutual, consisting of Messrs Armstrong, East, and Gittos, are to bo complimented upon tho success of the progrrmme given last evening. Tho gentlemen mentioned had tho assistance of a happy band of members, all of whom avorkod with a will. The Seerotary of tho Society, Mr S. R. East, discharged tho duties pertaining to that office in a proficient manner, and proved the right man in tho right placo. The goneral arrangements for the conversazione were supervised by tho President, Mr R. N. Jonos, who during the evening apologised for tho absenco of Miss Forris and Mr F. Teat, who wore unable to fulfil their engagements, owing to sickness. The meetings of tho Society will be continued each Monday evening until November, tho session closing with the annual picnic on tho 9th of that month.