AUCKLAND FRENCH CLUB

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 5

AUCKLAND FRENCH CLUB

SUCCESSFUL OPENING That the entente cordiale between the British and French has not yet faded out was manifest last night at the opening for the winter season of the Auckland French Club. Faces of the Gallic type were seen among those'of the true descendants of John Bull, and the accents of “Gay Paree” were intermingled with the French that one hears in the classrooms of Grammar or King’s. The club is to be sincerely complimented on turning out a programme of such a varied and ambitious character as it did—two short plays in one evening, a number of French songs and a period of instructional conversation — this was a well-considered attempt to create the French atmosphere and cannot fail to promote interest in the most polished and delightful language in the world. Mr. P. S. Ardern, of the Auckland University College, president of the club, received the guests, while M. Paule Serre, president d’lionneur, conducted the conversation practice. The plays were "Un Mariage a Londres” and “Clematite.” The songs were charmingly sung by Miss Ina Thompson and Miss Lila Foley, while the parts in the first play were taken by Misses Lola Musseler, Elsie Jenings and W right, and Messrs. G. H. Bassant, W. Darby, and D. W. Fagan; those of the other play, a oneact comedy entitled “Clematite,” being taken by Mr. and Mrs. P. Hall.

Two pretty island songs, sung by Miss Jeanne Chauvel, in Tahitian costume, were very much enjoyed. A comprehensive programme has been arranged by the secretary, Mr. G. H. Bassant, for the season, which will be extended to the end of October, and promises to be one of the most successful in the history of tlie club.