The Middlesex Courier from London, Greater London, England • Page 4

4 THE UIDDEESEX January 25, 1895. Entertainments, i rlesden Constitutional Club HOUSE DINNER TUESDAY, Jin. 29. CHAIRMAN: IRWIN E. B.

COX, D.L., J.P. VICE-CHAIRMAN W. E. B. COPLAND-CRAWFORD, Esq.

SUPPORTED BY W. AMBROSE, Q.C., M.P., SIR RICHARD TEMPLE, M.P., And other prominent Conservatives and Liberal Unionists. DINNER 7.30 P.M. SHABF. MEMBERS CAN INVITE FRIENDS.

Tickets, THREE SHILLINGS each. AFTEE DINNER, Political Speeches WILL DE MADE BY SIR RICHARD TEMPLE. M.P., W. AMBROSE, M.P.. E.

B. COX, D.L., J.P.. AND OTHERS. In the Interval between the Speeches, SONGS AND MUSIC Will be given. Members requiring Tickets are requested to apply at once to Mr.

W. H. WATSON, Secretary. Hendon Public Elementary education Committee. THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING be held in the PUBLIC HALL, at 8.15 p.m., on Wednesday, 30th inst.

Chairman H. W. NELSON, J.P., Supported by ME. J. BAEBEE E.

BEVIB W. R. BOUSFIELD, Q.C., M.P. J. T.

BURDEN H. T. BUBDETT D. CANNON REV. G.

CARTER ME. G. CTJTCLIFFE, JUN. G. DEWDNEY A.

DUNLOP W. EVANS R. FAIREY W. B. FORDHAM E.

W. GARRETT, M.A., M.C.C. W. HANNAFORD, J. H.

HABTRIDGE REV. L. IGGULDEN, B.A. ME. S.

B. JACKSON W. H. KEEP COL. KING REV.

NEWTON MANT, M.A. (Vicar of Hendon) A. LE MARCHANT, B.A. MR. J.

O. MARSHALL L. MATHESON G. J. MORRIS A.

E. NELSON J. D. NEWTON C. H.

PAGE F. DE PAULA P. PRICE REV. U. B.

RANDALL, M.A. MR. J. H. RICHARDSON E.

T. RITCHIE J. H. SCAIFE, LL.B. REV.

W. H. SEDDON W. H. SIX AN, A.K.C.

ME. R. C. TOWNSHEND W. H.

TURNER REV. AND HON. L. TTRWHITT, M.A. ME.

USHER J. WARBURTON, J.P. Entertainments, All Ratepayers are invited, and lit la hoped that every Subscriber to the Voluntary Rate will endeavour to be present. The "White Hart" Cricket, Tennis, and Athletic Grounds. HESE Grounds, which are pleasantly situated at Church End, Willesden, and immediately opposite the "17711116 Hurt" Hotel, have been acquired for Cricket, Tennis, and Athletic pursuits, and are being prepared for that purpose.

The position of the Grounds is admirably suited to Clubs, the means of access being ample. They are 2 min. walk from Neasden (on the Metropolitan Railway), 10 min. from Stonebridge Park (Midland Railway), 15 min.from Willesden Junotion, and in addition to this an omnibus runs between the Lord Palmerston vid Brbndesbnry Stations (London and North-Western and Metropolitan Railways) and the grounds every half-hour. The Crioket Pitohes, and Tennis Courts will be kept in first-rate condition, and there is every accommodation on the ground at the Hotel For full particulars and terms, apply Wffl.

B. BKIDGLAND, The "White Hart" Hotel, Willesden. KILBURN TOWN HALL, DEI-SIZE ROAD, M.W. THE SKCOSD GB.AXD TTtr KIJS1 XJSTG- OOSTCCEUrfX', nu. SK SBOrssspas ixp rams or THE "RltBUWf CONSteRVATOIRE (Principal, Mlfis 0 AZULAY), On THURSDAY, JANUARY SttBt, 1895, at 7.30 pjn.

ARTISTES: Miss OLIVE HABCOUBT Cploratare Soprano (of the Berlin, Dresden, and tendon Concerto). This Artiste's Phenomenal Bange reaches high Cln Alt. Miss SIVIIXE HUGHES Contralto (tram St James's Hall and principal Concerts). ME DOCQUS POWKU, Baritone (from Albert Halt-Queen's Miss GEHTBODE AZULAV Violin: Mr. Louis D.

STEKUtSKiE. VIoIonceUoiMonaHEKBrDKEOCBItEand the Pupils of the Conservatoire. Accompanist: Mr. JOSEPH A. MYEB.

Numbered and Reserved Seats, Beserved Seats, as- Unreserved Seats, as. AoMiflon (at door only), is. Tioketa maybe had at the Kflbnm Omserratotavl High Boad, Pmnutps' Musio Boad! Kilburn, N.W.; at the Town Hall; and principal Music Warehouses In Kilbnm. HsiuMre GBASD PIANOS. COMSTITUTlOflAL HALL, St.

Mary's SoavL, Harlesden. HE ABOVE HALL, just reoently handsomely decorated, "possessing full Musio, Dancing, and Stage Play Licences, and capable of seating between 400 and 500, can be Engaged, on application to the Secretary, at the following Fees: HALL £3 3 HALL, INCLUDING Two ADDITIONAL ROOMS AT 4 Special Terms wiU be offered for taking the HaU for Two or more Evenings. Plans may be obtained at the Club, and the Hail may be inspected at any time. Educational. Walter Chapman.

B.A., Receives Pupils. Individual Attention. Moderate Terms. 23, STATION ROAD, WIZLESDEIT OTTSCXZOIT. ANTED, a Few Smart Energetio Men as Canvassing Collectors for the Royal London Friendly Society (Reserve Funds, Liberal terms, and guaranteed interest in business made.

Tradesmen and others can materially increase their incomes by taking up a spare-time agency in this old and wealthy particulars, apply personally or by letter to F. DE LA District Manager, 232, Great College Street, Camden Town, N.W., or (by letter only) Belle Vue, Greenhill Park, Harlesden, N.W. NOTICE I OUR HARLESDEN LIBRARY CATALOGUE The List of Books recently added to the Harlesden Library has been reprinted In a neat form, and copies may be had at our Office, at One Halfpenny each. LATE SEWS. DRAMATIC PERFORMANCES AT HARROW.

LAST evening, the, Harrow Amateur Dramatic Club played Robertson's excellent comedy, Society," in the Public Hall. Some of our readers may doubtless remember that this was played by the same Club about seven years ago, and those who can hark baok still further into antiquity may also re. member that the Club, in the very early days of its existence, somewhere baok in the sixties, then for the first time brought it before a Harrow audience. It may be also interesting to add that Mr. J.

L. Winkley has on each occasion appeared as Tom Stylus, but we speak of him later on. The plot of tiie comedy, which is in three acts and seven scenes, centres round the efforts of a a common old man, Chodd, and his son John, both immensely wealthy, to get, especially the younger, into' sooiety, and also that Chodd, should not only wed an aristoeratio lady, bnt also that he should be able to add the magic letters M.P. to his name. With this objeot in view, they start a new daily paper, The Horning Earthquake, and appoint Tom Stylus as editor, who introduces the Chodds to Sidney Daryl, a gentleman in every way, except in pooket.

The younger Chodd attempts to buy Daryl's influence to secure his desired ends, but meets with a contemptuous refusal. It is ascertained that Daryl is in love with Maud Hetherington, a niece of Lord and Lady Ptarmigant, into whose society the Chodds have got the entree, with the result that Lady Ptarmigant schemes to marry Chodd the younger to Maud, on account of his money, and spurns the affections of Daryl. Chodd, and Sidney meet at a ball, and in the card-room Daryl wins £1000 from him. A vacancy for the parliamentary representation of Springmead shortly after takes plaoe, which had been held by the Daryl family for years previously, and Sidney, with- the money thus won, oontests the election with young Chodd. Towards the end of the play it transpires that Lord and Lady Ptarmigant's son, who had years before been killed in the Crimea, had married clandestinely, that his wife was also dead, and that Sidney had brought up their little orphan girl Maud.

The knowledge of this foot secures him the good feeling of the Ptarmigants, and his path of true love is further smoothed by the news that through hiB brother's death, he is heir to the estate of the Daryls, and he is eventually accepted as Maud's future husband. The Choddian pretensions and antecedents are ridiouled by Lord'and Lady Ptarmigant, and by a scathing article written by Tom Stylus in their own paper at the time of the election, and their discomfiture is completed by their election committee going over to the side of Daryl, who therefore obtains the seat without a contost. Space will not permit us to give a detailed account of each Bcene, but that of the Owl RooBt," and the eleotion scene deserve speoial mention. The clnb were assisted by Mrs. Ernest Benton and Miss Helen Foley, both of whom are old favourites with Harrow audiences, and on the occasion under notice, the golden opinion which these two ladies have gained were even still further added to.

Mrs. Benton as Maud Hetherington played the part in an exceedingly able and (inarming manner, her love scenes with Sydney Daryl being oapitally portrayed, but at the same time she was all vivacity where the variations of the character demanded it. Miss Foley, as Lady Ptarmigant, was equally successful, her acting with the henpecked lord of that name, causing much amusement, the austerity of her glaring countenance seeming to be quite enough for him. Little Maud was prettily played by Miss Ivy Thurston. Mr.

C. Greenhill, as Lord Ptarmigant and O'Snllivan, was capital, his noting in the former charaoter being of the first water, while the character of Lord Cloudwrays, M.P., was in safe hands with Mr. E. A. A.

Cooke. The leading character, Sidney Daryl, was played by Mr. Harry Woodbridge. He has often been complimented by Harrow audiences and the local press on the histrionio qualification he possesses, but we doubt if he has ever shown more ability than he did in the part now under notice. The characters of Chodd senior and junior were well exemplified by Messrs.

Charles Tyler and John Smith respectively, the former made up SB a capital old man, and the latter (as the uppish young snob, who wished to utilise his purse to enter into Society) was, wittt his common old father, all that could! be desired. Of the Tom Stylus, of Mr. L. Winkley, we cannot speak toe highly. It was'our pleasure once before to see'that gentleman in the same charaoter, and while he then left little, if anything-, 1 to be desired, on the present occasion he really excelled anyting ho has.

ever done before, whioh is saying a great deal. The minor characters ated below were all well rendered by the. several gentlemen, and to speak of the performance generally, it must rank as one of the best the Club has ever given. The new Boenery was painted-by that old friend of the. olub, Mr, HaUiday, in.his well-known style, and the stage management was in the able hands of Mr.

Frank Greenhill. The incidental musio was supplied by the Koh-i-noor led by Mr. Wright Cooper; while the oostnmes and properties were by Mr. Fox, of Covent Garden. The comedy will be repeated to-night, when we hope a large audienoe will witness this really excellent performance.

The characters were as gant, Mr. C. Greenhill; Lord Cloudwrays, M.P., Mr. E. A.

A. Sidney Daryl (a Barrister), Mr. H.Woodbridge; Mr. John Chodd, Mr. C.

Tyler; Mr. John Chodd, Mr. J. Smith; Tom Stylus, Mr. J.

L. Winkley; O'Sullivan, Mr. C. Greenhill; MoUsquebagh, Mr. J.

H. Titchener; Dr.Makvicz, Mr. H. Kay; Bradley, Mr. Harold Senior; Soargil, Mr.

F. Charles; Sheridan Trodnon, Mr. F. Conway; Sam Stunner, P.R. (alias the Smifiel Lamb) Shamheatt Doddles, Mr.

H. G. Winkley; Mofees Aaron (a bailiff), Mr. F. Charles; Miss Helen Foley; Maud Benton; Little Maud, Miss Ivy Thurston r'Printor's Boy, Master Howard Thurston; and Page, Master A.

Thurston. SOCIALS AT KILBURN. LAST night, the Excelsior Orchestral and Choral Sooiety held a very successful first annual soiree in the Boys' Schoolroom, Kilburn Park Road. When first broached, a very moderate affair was thought of, but friends? ix- pressed their wish to participate, that between 200 and 800 would have attended. This number, however, would have been inconvenient, so.

tickets were issued for 100, and this number was somewhat exceeded. Danoing commenced abpnt eight o'olook, and with intervals lasted till abont two o'clock this morning, a good gramme being enjoyed to pianoforte musio by Mr. C. W. Dyer, assisted at times by members of the orohestra.

Between the dances, singing and instrumental musio, under the able direction of Mr. H. Smith, pleasantly filled up the time. Miss Inson Bang "Sunshine and Mr. G.

Woods gave 'ighe Longshoreman the comic element was supplied by Warr (encored); and Mr. W. R. Mott contributed his quota, singing Love's There were also plantation songs, flute playing (by Messrs. Boddimead and Overall), pieces by.the orchestra, and choruses, the ohoir Binging with spirit, "Behold the Twilight" (Marx), "Pale Autumn Flowers" (Smart), and Hunting we will Go." Hatton's sweet quartet, Summer was well rendered by Messrs.

Mott, Moses, Good- born, and Woods; Miss Dove was there with her mandolin, and Mr. Spratt (banjo), and Miss Mott (piano) contributed further variety- There was an abundant supply of refresh, ments, the tables being superintended by Mrs. Mott and Mrs. H. Smith.

Much of the success undoubtedly due to the attentions of Messrs. Mott (secretary) and H. Smith (conductor and acoom panist). On the previous evening the room occupied by the inmates, of Miss Cuffs Home for Young Women, a thoroughly social evening being spent in dances, musical ohairs, and other engagements. Miss Cuff and Miss Cayford superintended the proceedings, whioh were heartily enjoyed.

-n! Willesden Green Choral This, sooiety gave its first concert last night.at the Crioklewood High The programme consisted of Jensen's cantata, "The- Feast' of Adonis," followed by miscellaneous vocal and instrumental selections. With regard to the first part, tho "Feast, of Adonis" was, a rather unfortunate choice, for it is by no means a taking- piece of musio. As might be expected from Buoh a recently-formed choir, the rendering of ohoruses was at first a little shaky, but there was a distinct improvement later on when the Bingers got warmed to the work. The solos were taken by Miss Florence May and Mr. Gates.

We have no doubt that with mere practice and experience the society has a future before it, and trust that the conductor, Mr. W. A. Gardner be encouraged to persevere in the work he has undertaken. There is' certainly, room for it in this neighbourhood.

The second- part of the programme proved muoh more popular. It opened' with a part sotog, Softly fall the shades of evening" (Hatton) by the choir, whioh was undoubtedly their best effort, and for which they were well applauded. Mr. Maurice Aubrey followed with two solos, "Madrigal" (Chaminade) and Sigh no more, ladies (Stevens), which were well received. Miss Laura Proctor was very successful with her song, Golden Tears," and so was Miss Florence Hoare with Call me back;" bnt the most successful vocalist of the evening was undoubtedly Master Willie Copping, who sang" The Lost Chord" "magnificently.

Among the instrumentalists Mr. Cecil Hoare showed himself a thorough master of the violin, and was loudly and deservedly applauded for his performances. Mr. Henry Butcher's singing of "Blow, blow, thou winter wind," was also very fine, and showed off his fine basB to great advantage. We should mention that Miss Florence Hoare was the accompanist for the cantata, and that she and Mr.

Gardener both officiated daring the seoond part. The Willesden Plover At the final meeting of the Willesden Flower Show Committee, held on Wednesday evening, at the Spotted Dbg Hotel, Willesden, it was announoed that a balance of about £40 would be handed over to the Maintenance Fund of the Willesden Cottage Hospital. national Athletic and Cycling The third annual Bohemian Concert, carried out under the auspices of the above prosperous olnbf-tobb place last night at the Ladbrook Hall, Netting Hill; before a crowded assembly. Thie olub- started five years ago, has made wonderful strides' since its initiation, and now 80 aotive members are on the books. Their work during the past season, and the little accomplised BO far this season, has proved very successful, and the N.A.

and C.C. will, in a very Bhort time, rank as one of the leading clubs in the North.West and West of London. With the fine grounds of Kensnl Rise as training- quarters, the members are displaying very fine form, and so long as the present standard of quality is kept up, the olub cannot but prosper. Like all other ventures of the olub the concert was an immense success from every point of view, and if we mention such artistes as The Foxes (Mr. and Mrs.

T. Fawkes), Mr. Phillips Cook, Mr. Aleo Mede, Mr. Will Newman, Mr.

Albert Dunn, Mr. Rowland Henry, Mr.Will Edwards, Mr. F. Williams, and Mr. James Portland, it 'will be clearly seen what a splendid array of talent was secured.

We were glad to see that Mr. and Mrs. Fawkes, with their "Extempore Rehearsal," were the recipients of a splendid reception, and the pianoforte solos and accompaniments of Mr. Phillips Cook were indeed clever. Hendon Total Abstinence Hon-' day, a Bix days' temperance mission commenced in Hendon, under the auspices of the above Sooiety.

The committee have engaged the services of Mr. W. H. Whitehead, the well-known Northern temperance lecturer. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday meetings were held in the Public Hall, and were fairly well attended.

Lost night the meeting was held in the British Schools, Brent Street, when Mr. Whitehead took as his snbjeot of address, Keep the Gate Shut" Previous to this meeting a mass meeting of held, and an address on "The Child: What will he become?" was given. The speakers and chairmen during the week have been drawn from the ranks of the various religious and temperance societies in Hendon. The principal meeting takes place in the Public Hall to-night (Friday). Midland ATinnal The Annual Ball in aid of the Midland Railway Benevolent Institution was held in the Hendon Public Hall last night, and was, as usual, a great success, mainly owing to the efforts of the M.C.'s Messrs.

Beokerton and A. Donne, and Quartermaster-Sergeant T. Smith, and Colour Sergeant T. O'Connor. The stewards of the ball, Messrs.

Powell, Goodman, and Workman, must not be forgotten, for they did much to ensure the success of the evening. The HaU was very prettily decorated, with pot flowers and evergreens supplied by Mr. Brown, of Brent Street, while overhead flags from Derby, lent a very gay appearance to the HaU. To the strains of Mr. Peach's quadrille band some forty couples wiled away the hours to early morn with flying feet," In an adjoining room, refreshments, under the control of Mr.

T. G. Pemberton, of the Bell," were served. One of the most enjoyable of the Midland Railway Balls was brought to a olose about four o'clock this morning, Mr. Thompson, stationmaster, was at bis post in the hall, as secretary, and carried out his duties with his acouBtomed ability and suooess.

CHILD'S HILL. Oar national Church. Monday evening, Mr. H. Byron Reed, J.P., was advertised to lecture on Our National Church," but instead he replied toa criticism which appeared ia Beynolda newspaper, of his first lecture given at Child's Will a few weeks ago.

Mr. Reed also referred to two letters which appeared in a local paper. At the conclusion of his replies, several questions were asked, -The sohools were well filled, several ladies being present. The Rev. A.

E. Deacon presided. CMCKLEWOOD. St. Peter's Sunday School On Tuesday evening the annual prize-giving of the St.

Peter's Sunday sohool took place at the schools. Preceding the distribution a tea was provided for the scholars, and thoroughly enjoyed. The Institute. the usual fortnightly meeting of the Crioklewood Institute, the Rev. J.

M. Clibborn read a paper, entitled "The Reading of Newspapers." EDGWARE. Parish Lighting. annual meeting of the ratepayers of Edgware and Little Stanmore was held last night in the National School, Edgware, to consider the Lighting of the Parishes, under the Lighting Aot of 1833. Among those present: were Messrs.

Allpress (ohairman), Johnson, Garrett, R. Cardo, G. R. Mann, Mair, and Bollard, with Mr. F.

Tootell (olerk). Mr. Tootell reported that the business of the meeting was to elect inspectors for the ensuing year, and to pass the accounts and to decide as to the amount to be raised during the coming year. Messrs. Ingold, Allpress, Millard, Johnson, Peartnan, and Rush were unanimously re-elected inspectors.

The Clerk advised that, as under the Parish Councils Aot, the Parish Council, oould take over the duties of the Lighting Committee, it would be best to raise an amount sufficient to cover the expense due only up to May next. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Allpress thought that it would be improbable that the Parish Counbil would take over the duties, as the expense would absorb the whole of the 6d. rate allowed to the Parish Council.

The Clerk's advice was taken and an estimate of £30 (the half of the cost of last year) was agreed to, being the probable eest to May next. The acoounts for last year were passed. Items. concert was given in the Congregational Chapel last night by friends of the chapel from Finohley. There was a good audience, and an enjoyable evening was spent.

A Spelling Bee was held in the Chapel on Wednesday evening, when the first prize was won by Mr. Shadbrook, and the second prize by Miss Melson. Mr. Carter was the first winner, but handed over the prize. HARLESDEN.

CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB SMOKING CONCERT. A SMOKING concert was held on Saturday evening in the large hall attached to the Constitutional Club, St. Mary 's Road, Harlesden. The chairman on this occasion was Mr. T.

Parker (solicitor to the club), and the vice- chair was occupied by S. E. Lewis, while among those present immediately supporting the chairman and vice-chairman were Messrs. W. E.

B. Copland-Crawford (chairman of the olub), Thomas, King, Sohreiber, Wells, C. Hopwood, Coles, Day, Davidson, and Or. Oswin (treasurer). The concert, especially in the first portion, may be described as high-class, a programme of good music having been arranged, and the various items being rendered in a decidedly artistic manner.

The accompanist was Mr. W. T. Harris, who opened the concert with a brilliant pianoforte solo, which, unlike many pieces of the kind played at the commencement of entertainments, was not passed over in silence, but was loudly applauded. Mr.

W. Howe followed with a spirited rendering of "A Soldier's Song," and Mr. Fred. J. Rogers was equally successful with The Star of Bethlehem," while another beautiful song, "When bright eyes glance," was very successfully rendered by Mr.

P. J. Mr. Walter Norman was decidedly in the song "Wicked Mary," hiB make-up and personification of exaggerated grief causing much laughter. "My pretty Jane was sung by Mr.

H. Grant, and Mr. J. Henry U. Harris was encored for "The Bivouac," when he sang Never mind, boys." Mr.

Harry Briden gave the comic song Sometimes, not often." Two instrumental contributions to the first part were much appreciated, and these were a concertina solo, Fantasia, Faust," by Mr. C. Butterford, and solos on the Japanese fiddle by Mr. E. Smith.

The latter gentleman played Alice, where art thou and, as an encore, the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana," and it is not undue praise to say that he really charmed his audience. During the customary interval which occurred between the parts, some brief speeches were made. Mr. W. B.

B. Copland-Crawford said he had been asked to remind those present that it was proposed to hold the first club dinner on Tuesday evening, January 29. No doubt they would also expect that he would take that opportunity of expressing sorrow at the great loss the club had just recently sustained in the death of their old and respected friend, Mr. Rawle. They all knew the deep interest which for years past he had taken in the club, and that the influence which he brought there was always a kindly and a genial influence, and he (the speaker) was perfectly sure tbat he was expressing the feeling of every member of the club when he said that they mourned his loss intensely.

(Hear, hear.) He was quite sure that they would desire that there should be forwarded to those who survived Mr. Rawle an expression of their most sincere and their most profound sympathy in this the hour of trial. (Hear, hear.) Turning then, from that sorrowful subject, he had much pleasure in asking them to unite with him in drinking the health of the Chairman of that evening, Mr. Parker. He was a gentleman who had supported the institution from its very earliest stages, and he worked for the club before even the old premises were in existence; he had helped and he had been loyal to it throughout.

(Hear, hear.) He had seen the club from very small beginnings to become a thing of beauty, and he was sure that they hoped it might be a joy for ever. (Applause.) Mr. Parker, he might add, was a gentleman of varied accomplishments. He was a great assistance to the club at the Board meetings, and he was also of great assistance in the cricket in fact, he believed he had also established a certain, reputation upon the billiard table (laughter)' and further that he bad gained the unenviable notoriety of being the biggest stone-waller in the cricket field in connection with the club. He believed there was only one person who was capable of wrecking his wickets, and he hoped he was not exceeding the bounds of modesty when he said that the-individual was their humble servant who was then addressing them.

(Hear, hear, and laughter). In fact, he believed it was kept on record among the annals of the clnb that he had been known to bat for one hour at the wickets, without scoring a run, and that was an accomplishment of which any cricketer or any Constitutionalist might be justly proud. (Laughter.) He was sure that they would, with all kindly feeling and with all due appreciation of the services he had rendered, the club, drink the health of the Chairman, and wish him long life and prosperity. toast having been duly honoured, The Chairman, who was oheered on rising, said he was much obliged to those present for the kind way in which they had received the toast of his health. He could only say, speaking for himself and for others, that their labours in connection with that club were labours of love, and he did not know of any other institution where such labours had met with heartier appreciation than they had there.

(Hear, hear.) He could look back upon the evenings spent in connection with the initiation of that club with pleasure, and could assure them that it was still a labour of love with him to do anything for it. However, he knew there was one thing which they did not wish him to do on that occasion, and that was to make a long speech. He would, therefore, conclude by proposing the health of the Vice-chairman, Mr. Lewis. (Applause.) They all knew as a "stone-waller" in as a breaker- down of stone walls, for he had made a record in bowling during the year.

He was one of the cricketers they liked to see around them. He had the greatest pleasure in proposing the health of Mr. Lewis. The toast was honoured amid much applause, after which Mr. Lewis said he had to thank Mr.

Parker for the kind way in which he had proposed his health, and also the company for the cordial way in which they had received it. He would always be glad to do anything to keep alive the friendly feeling which existed among all members of the olub. He begged to thank them again for the kind reception which they had accorded him. After a brief interval the second part of the concert Mr. W.

Harris again commencing with a splendidly-played inoforte solo. Mr. Howe was encored for a rendering of The Toreador's Song," and Mr. Grant was much applauded for The Holy City." Mr. Norman gave "A laughing song" with bones" accompaniment, and this so pleased the audience that he had to give a repetition.

Other items were: Song, I'll sing thee songs of Araby," Mr. J. H. Callan concertina solo, Mr. C.

Butterford; song, Rumanella Rumane," Mr. J. H. TJ. Harris; and a comic song, Mr.

Harry Briden. A verse of God Save the Queen" having been sung, the company dispersed. RAILWAY TEMPERANCE UNION. A MEETING in connection with the London and North-Western Railway Branch of the United Kingdom Railway Temperance Union Section) was held on Friday evening last at the Railway Institute, Willesden Junction. The chair was occupied by Mr.

H. Williams, and among those present were Mr. Groom (District Superintendent, London and Northwestern Railway), who attended during the latter part of the proceedings, and Mr. T. Wood (Stationmaster), President of the Willesden Section.

The meeting took place in the large hall, which was well filled. The Rev. R. C. Gillie, M.A., speaking at the commencement of the proceedings, said he must apologise to those present for giving his address before they had had an opportunity of listening to the musical and other attractions which had been provided.

His excuse must be that he had other engagements the same evening. He took it as a compliment that they had asked him down there to address them. It showed tbat they had a good opinion of him, and he could reply that he had a high opinion of the men working on the London and North-Western Railway, as he saw them from day to day. It was his intention on that occasion to Buggest to them one or two arguments which he considered were advantageous, and he hoped they would be prepared to think them over. He had regretted to find recently that there were those among the army of temperance workers who were in the habit of speaking as if the battle against drink were already won, and that people need not trouble about total abstinence at all.

Of course this was entirely wrong, because the evil of indulging in too much drink was working almost as much harm as ever in some quarters, although, he was thankful to say there had been much reformation in the ranks of those who at one period were among the drinkers. His argument always had been, and always would be, that strong drink was a danger, and there was certainly no less need now for the total abstinence creed than heretofore, simply because there were a few less drunkards to be seen about the streets than formerly. One of the greatest dangers of the present day was that of secret drinking. The habit went on largely even among females who would be ashamed to be found practising such a thing. The drink was not brought from the public- house it was supplied, and sometimes it was down on the bill, as tea, and sometimes as soap.

He- regretted to say that drinking habits of this kind among women were not decreasing, and it required all the strength of total abstainers to stamp out the evil by the force of their example and influence. At the present time temperance reformers had to watch for undermining influences, and unless they watched carefully they would find the cause, not as far back as when they first commenced, but farther back than they would care to expect. He felt bound to say that the moderate drinker would be to blame for that very undesirable state of things. Temperance workers must not be content with the plea of the moderate drinker, if only on account of the disgrace which drunkenness brought upon the working-classes. Total abstinence, he contended, was also necessary for the children's sake.

There were a great many people who appeared to have the idea that they did their full duty to their children, so far as temperance was concerned, if they let them be members of the Band of Hope. So the children went to the Band of Hope, and when they came home the father or mother would send them for the supper beer. He asked if there was any consistency in such a course as thatP Parents could rest assured that if a glass Of beer went to their lips two or three times a day in the presence of the children, the latter were sure to make up their minds to have some when they were grown up. He was not one of those who said that a moderate drinker was worse than a drunkard, because that was nonsense, but he would always maintain that the moderate drinker was wrong in his principle because his influence was almost always on the wrong side. His advice, therefore, was, broadly speaking, all in favour of total abstinence, for upon that footing alone could temperance reformers make a really brave standi (Applause.) Mr.

Crellin proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. R. C. Gillie for his attendance on this occasion, and this, having been seconded by Mr. Pearson, was carried with acclamation, after which Mr.

Gillie, having briefly acknowledged the vote, left the meetmg. The following programme was then gone hymn, Stand up, stand up for prayer, by Re v. J. Gavin; pianoforte solo, overture," Le Diadem Miss Young (13 years of age); song (unaccompanied), Give me a spade, and the man that can use it," Mr. Deyes; recitation, "Tommy Jones," Miss Deyesj violin solo, MIBS Groom; song, The Fisherman and his Child," Mrs.

Beck (accompanied by her daughter); pianoforte solo," Sabbath Evening Chimes," Miss Young; recitation, The Little Hand," Mrs. Wright song, There's a name to be won," Mr. Deyes; duet, List to the Convent Bells," Mrs. Beck and Mrs. Sainsbury; violin solo, Miss Groom; closing hymn, Work, for the night is coming." During the evening Mr.

LasceHes made some announcements as to future meetings, and said that the work of the Society would be carried on with greater energy than ever. LES CLOCHES DE CORNE- VILLE. THE members of the Watford Conservative Club Dramatic and Musical Society gave performances of the celebrated comic opera, Les Cloches de Corneville," at the Constitutional Hall, Harlesden, on Wednesday and last (Thursday) evening. The stage had been enlarged, and, what with the change of scenery, the pretty dresses, and the still prettier musio, all present evidently thoroughly appreciated the entertainment. The opening scene, the cliffs on the sea shore near ville, was prettily arranged, and it was evident, from the rise of the curtain on this breezy view, that the audience followed with undisguised interest the succeeding events in the opera, and laughter proved that the comic element had the intended effect upon the spectators.

The merry scene and tuneful music which are such prominent features at the conclusion of the first act, elicited considerable applause. The scene of the second act, the haunted chamber in the Chateau de Corneville, formed a very good set, and when the stage was crowded with actors, and the full chorus closed the most exciting scene in the representation, the genuine applause of the audience must bave been most gratifying to the performers. The scene of the third act, the orchard in Corneville Park, was another nretty set. In this department of the productions, considerable credit is due to the scenic artistes, Messrs. Arthur Cottam, Charles Healey, and F.

Downer. The music was brightly rendered, and Mr. Arthur Cottam who claimed honours as musical director as well as in the painting of the scenes, certainly proved himself an acquisition to the Society. The onerous duties of accompanist were undertaken by Mr. J.

Farrington Graves, who is entitled to special mention. Mr. Harry Buck was responsible for the general supervision of affairs coming under the head of stage management, and, judging by the smoothness with which everything worked, he carried out those duties in an admirable manner. Silver chimes were lent for the occasion by Messrs. Harrington of Coventry.

With regard to the various characters in the opera, chief among them was the Marquis, well sustained by Mr. Fred Downer, who sang very welL Mr. A. J. Cook gave a creditable rendering of the important part of Gaspard, a miser; and he got through the long scena accorded to that character towards the close of the second act cleverly.

The Bailie of Corneville was represented by Mr. J. Richardson, and the part of Gobo (the Bailie's shadow) lost none of its fun at the hands of Mr. Harry Buck. Mr.

R. W. Burge was good as Grenicheux, and Mr. H. Downer as Christophe (a cadet).

The ladies, one and all, did remarkably well, and they sang splendidly in the choruses, especially in the piece Just look at that, just look at this." Miss LizzieBuck, as Serpolette, acted with much spirit, and Miss Edith Haig was graceful as Germaine, and sang very prettily; in fact, the scenes between her and the Marquis (Mr. Downer) may be mentioned among the best features of the performances. Other parts were taken by the Misses Noble, Furze, Briden, Potts, Sargent, and Hare. A number of other members of the Society appeared as peasants, oflicers, sailors, and there was no fault to be found either with the singing or the grouping, the latter, indeed, being remarkably good, and having evidently been well studied. It is, of course, no small undertaking to produce a piece of this kind, but the success which has been attained by these ladies and gentlemen should encourage them to even further efforts.

The general arrangements for the performances had been made by the Hon. Secretaries, Mr. A. J. Cook and Mr.

Fred Downer, of the Conservative Club, Watford. Harlesden Constitutional Clnb. The arrangements for the house dinner in connection with the Constitutional Club, which is to take place on Tuesday evening next, January 29, are now, as nearly as possible, complete, and the occasion is fully expected to be a most enjoyable one. Alter the dinner, in the course of a toast list which has been arranged, some political speeches will be made, among the speakers expected being Mr. W.

Ambrose, Q.C., M.P., Sir Eiohard Temple, M.P., Mr. Irsvin B. B. Cox, D.L., J.P., Mr. W.

E. B. Copland- Crawford, and other well-known Conservatives. The proceeding will be enlivened by selections of vocal and instrumental music..