ATHENAEUM READINGS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 237, 15 August 1872, Page 7

ATHENAEUM READINGS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — In a recent number of your journal I noticed two letters commenting upon the manner in which the Athenaeum readings were conducted by the Committee of Management of that Institution. At the time I read these letters I was not in a position to judge how far the censures contained therein were merited ; but after their ignominions failure on Friday night last, I feel perfectly convinced they were nothing more than just. I may state, sir, that I was asked by one of the members of the Athenaeum Committee to give a reading on Friday night last, which I promised to do ; and, in accordance with that promise, I prepared a reading ; but judge of my astonishment when on, the night in question, I found the hall dark, and a crowd of people anxiously waiting for admission. On making enquiry, the Secretary informed that the readings were postponed ! I could not for the life of ma understand why they had been postponed — the night was fine, and, i belie-?©, a very good programme had been prepared. Why, therefore, had they been postponed 1 I would beg to remind the gentlemen composing the Committee that the public are not to be played fast and loos© with in that manner. It is a standing disgrace the manner in which these readings have been conducted lately, and indeed, if I am correctly informed, the affairs of the Institution generally ; and I think it a great pity that such a valuable Institution should be under the control of the present Committee. If you enquire why this or that improvement has not been effected, or why they do not get more new books, you will be told that the Committee are in a chronic state of impecuniosity. Well, I don't wonder at it if they neglect so valuable a source of revenue as the readings. — I am. &c. R

.EADEtt.

Sib, — Is it true that the cause of the Readings not coming off at the Athenaeum on Thursday evening last, was, as is currently reported, a petty dispute about the key of the piano. If such is really the case, it Bays very little for the managerial ability of the Committee, and very little also for the party who had possession of the key. I understand that a good programme had been arranged, and know that there would have been a good attendance. Is it not disgusting that a number of people should be disappointed on aocount of such a trival dispute as the possession of the key of a piano. — Yours, Ac. Horribly D

•ISGUSTED.

[We believe that the reason given for the Readings not taken place, is as stated. —Ed.]