The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1866-10-30 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

TH E first of a series of Penny Readings and Music
in connection with the Working Mens Club, which
took place on Monday evening last was a decided
macess, the Corn-exchange being crowded in every
part, and it was coniputecl that between 1500 and 600
persons were pre.,•nt. The Rev. J. R. Quirk, who
presided, expressed his great satisfaction in seeing so
many present, which he considered was • convincing
proof that the penny readings during the last season
were appreciated by them. He was the more pleased
because the committee of the club intended to pre-
sent the proceeds to • lady present, who both in bee
public capacity as organist, and her cheerful es-
eintanoe on such occasions, was justly entitled to their
warmest thanks—(loud cheers.) He trusted they
would show their appreciation of such kindness, both
on her part and the Glee Union, as well as that of
the gentlemen, who were about to read to them by
being as quiet and orderly as possible, so that a
comfortable, and happy evening might be spent by aIL
The entertainment commenced with Weber Gipsy
Chorus " Preemie", by the Glee Union. Mr. F. T.
Johns, then read a selection from I ngoldaSy's Legends
"The Bala of `,it. Michael's Tower," • glee by
Knyvett followed, and was well sung. Mr. W. E.
Groves then wad Tennyson's "Enoch Arden" with
good taste and in a pleasing easy style. Master
Bkivineon, of whom singing we have on several
manakins had the pleasure of speaking in
terms of the warmest prates, favoured the com-
pany with llobson'a song, "Come, sang to
me again," the chorus being very ably song
by the Glee Union; loud calls for an encore
proved how highly the company appreciated
talent of the singer. Tbe concluding reading
was by Mr. E. Fisher, who favoured the audience
with three selections from Tom Hood's writings,
and was loudly applauded. Mr. Fisher has a strong
musical voles, and reads exceedingly well, making
every point tell. We hope soon to hear him again.
Tbe remaining pieces, sang by the Glee Union, were
.` Tim Fisherman," a glee by Compere ; "The
march of the men of Harlech." partisong by Hatton
Mr. Skirington Nang "The Man-of-war," by
Hatton, and was well rewired, as was
ale, Mr. Lance, who sang "Paddy's Echo,"
which called forth an encore, and was
capitally sung, the echo being given in first•rate
style.—At the conclusoo, the chairman, after ex•
pressing his satisfaction with the excellent order of
' the young people present, said it was his earnest
desire, if possible, to have provided for a certain class
who did not avail themselves of the advantages of
j the Working Men's club, of a room where they
might meet together of an evening, instead of idling
their time away, standing at the corners of the
streets, or in worse places. He thought if they had
something in the town, like that provided by Mrs.
Bingham at Dorchester for the militia, it would be a
great blessing, and be had the pleasure of stating
that could such a place he obtained, that lady has
kindly offered to come and open it. —(cheers.)
What he proposed was this, that • room should be
engaged at which such parties could meet, and have
• game of draughts or dominoee, or any other simple
game and he would go further and say where they
cold; enjoy their pipe; for it was hard to break off
at first the social customs to which men bad been
addicted. At such meetings he would also have
some one to read out of a useful and entertaining
book, and thus make the evening pleasant and
profitable. He trusted that some present would
cotaider the matter and if a suitable room could be
found he would have great pleasure in paying the
rent.—The Rey. Chairman concluded by proposing,
in the name of the audience, votes of thank• to the
readers, and to Mrs. Edwards and the Glee Union—
(loud cheers.)—The National Anthem was then sung,
and the company separated.