PENNY READINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 1009, 24 August 1868, Page 2

PENNY READINGS.

(l! 0 tfHB fiDtTOlt OF IMB BbUTHLAICD TllCkS j ' Sib, — There are several points to which I should very much like to direct public attention, connected with the popular entertainments of " The Penny Headings Society." It is, I am sure, difficult to select short and pithy readings, but I notice with grief, that an Invercargili audienc9 are too much inclined for a preponderance of the "gay," and will not listen to the "grave Viand'.instractivei if even slightly stretched beyond; tea minutes. Would not ; the Committee b« justified. in popping the curtain for the, evening if any further ititerUptions take, place ? Again, would not the Conidiittea be supported if they raised the price to one part of the House? I noticed, and i regretted last evening, ladies subjected to annoyance and obliged to leave, and I am sure it is desirable in so small a community T as this that all classes should enjoy these '_'. social meetings, and I may state that in ! Melbourne sixpence is the lowest charge j made at similar entertainments. These ! are rilatters that should Teceive attention, for the public should bear in mind-that- ! in many cases it is with great reluctance that ladies and '_ gentlemen by itheif . services support the Society, .that a good I deal of their time is taken up in prac-; i tising, &c, and it makes a vast difference i reading, playing, or singing- at their j own fireside, or appearing before a vast j concourse, who, forgetful of the side on, | which the obligation lies, express a criti* ! cism in the shape of interruption. "\ What, suits one may not another, and -I think the catering has been of a nature to evince a wish to please all. I am* &c., A Constant Attenbinx. Invercargili, 22nd August, 1868. ■,-.:■.- -r— — ♦ ■. " ••'- ; : ■ •.-■-■ J