PETERSFIELD.
YOUNG MEN’S IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—The singing class in connection with this society gave its first open night on Friday evening last, in the National school room, where some first-class music was discoursed in a masterly style, under the direction of Mr. Finley. The admission was free, each member being allowed to introduce three friends. We were pleased to see such a large number claiming kindred with the society, as the room was completely crammed with a highly respectable audience, and it is quite evident that a society numbering so many influential members and friends must go on and prosper. The programme consisted of three parts: the first sacred, and the second and third secular. The whole of the selections were given in a manner highly creditable to the amateur performers, and reflecting much praise upon their able and efficient instructor, Mr. Finley. It would be invidious to mention names, when all evidently did their best to please, but if we may judge from the continual bursts of applause and frequent encores that followed almost every piece, the audience must have been more than gratified. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was proposed by the Rev. M. A. Smelt, vice-president of the society, to Mr. Finley and the other members of the class, for the rare treat they had afforded; the rev. gentleman also mentioned the name of Mr. Robertson, whose exertions in promoting the welfare of the class have been most assiduous. It is needless to sat that it was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks was also passed to Mr. Eames, for his kindness in lending his piano for the occasion.