PENNY READINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 989, 20 July 1868, Page 2

PENNY READINGS.

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHLAND TIKES.) Sib, — " "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise," and yet I for one should be sorry that " Pro bono Publico " should remain longer in a state of darkness, I trust he may fail in his aim with the apple of discord, and that a discerning public will not endorse his lachrymose sentiments. In the first place I will advert to the prices of admission, and for the benefit of " Pro Bono Publico " state that in the " Old Country " where " Penny Eeadings " were inaugurated, as high a figure as four shillings has been charged for a certain part of the House. I believe that there are a large number of the Invercargill community who consider the cfrarge less than the entertaintainment deserves, and many who will not, by there presence, countenance our meetings while the prices are so low. The Committee, however, have been so anxious that the public should have no grounds for thinking it would break faith with them, that the compulsory price of 6d has been adhered to solely with a view of excluding those who, without any older relatives to control them, might, in the exubrance of their spirits, damage property which the Committee would have to make good. Now for the paid officer. If any " gentleman or man " will come forward and do the work required from the Secretary to the Executive gratuitously, I am sure the present officer would be glad to see him try the experiment. He must possess a good education and an immense amount of tact. He has a large number of kind volunteers to please — each want a particular place in a programme, and many have good and valid reasons for desiring such a place, and if he is not careful in his endeavors, as far as practicable, to meet their views, he might find on the Friday evenings that his published programme would be minus performers. Is '" Pro Bono Publico" sufficient of an "enthusiast" as a "gentleman or man," to tender his services ? I am sure the Executive will take it into their most serious consideration. I need only add that I believe the management are fully alive to the necessity existing for practising economy, that their desire is that a surplus should be obtained in hand for the purpose of bringing forward, when the Provincial Council meets, the subject of. an Athenaeum (or as my friend " Pro Bono Publico " calls it " Arcthenseum ") and Public Library, which should owe its origin to the Penny Readings Society. — I am, etc., Fidelis.