PETERSFIELD.]—YOUNG MEN’S IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—On Wednesday evening the annual Conversazione was held in the National School Rooms, Petersfield, which were crowded to excess. The programme gave the greatest satisfaction to all present.
Hampshire Telegraph — Saturday 2 January 1864
PETERSFIELD
Agent—Mr. G. DUPLOCK
YOUNG MEN’S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—The members of this society gave their annual entertainment on Wednesday evening last, at the National School-room, before a crowded audience. The President (the Rev. J. M. Sumner) occupied the chair, supported by the Vice. President (Mr. Atkinson) and the Rev. H. Haigh. The programme comprised a number of pieces selected from the writings of Tennyson, Dickens, Hannah More, Eliza Cooke, H. E. Bell, &c., which were interspersed with several glees and choruses, and a short piece (performed in character) called ‟The Fast Train.” This was the ninth of the society’s annual entertainments, and taken as a whole we think it was decidedly the best they have produced. Several of the pieces were given with admirable effect, and when it is remembered that all the members are engaged every day in their several business occupations, and that these annual exhibitions, as well as their weekly discussions, can only be got up in their leisure evening hours, it will, we are sure, be readily admitted that their exertions entitle them to high commendation, and this was heartily accorded to them by the audience on Wednesday evening last. The musical part of the entertainment was under the direction of Mr. Finley, organist of Petersfield Church.
West Sussex Gazette — Thursday 7 January 1864
YOUNG MEN’S IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—The ninth annual conversazione was given by the members of the above society, at the National Schoolrooms, on Wednesday, the 30th ult. The Rev. J. M. Sumner presided, supported by the vice-president, Mr. Atkinson, and the Rev. H. Haigh. The rooms were completely crammed (although the usual issue of free tickets was dispensed with). The platform was very tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, the handiwork of Mr. Jouning, to whom a vote of thanks was accorded for the care and attention he had displayed in the arrangement. The programme was as follows:
| Part 1 | ||
| Chorus | The Soldiers’ Chorus | from Faust |
| Mr. Macfarland | Success in Life | |
| Mr. Underwood | The land of my birth | Eliza Cook |
| Mr. Kille | 66 | Dickens |
| Mr. Gumbrell | The Miner | Eliza Cook |
| Glee | Where art thou, beam of light? | Bishop |
| Mr. Meeres | The good old days | |
| Mr. Hamilton | Mary, Queen of Scots | H. E. Bell |
| Mr. Yorke | The slave's first hour of freedom | |
| Mr. Privett | Very extraordinary | |
| Mr. Fletcher | The bundle of sticks | Hannah More |
| Chorus | From "The Enchantress" | Halfe |
| Part 2 | ||
| A Dialogue | "The fast train" Capt. Delaware Griffin Biffin | Mr. H. Neighbour Mr. Meeres Mr. Hamilton |
| Glee | God bless the Prince of Wales (encored) | Richards |
| Mr. Taylor | Dora | Tennyson |
| Mr. Edgeler | The Album | |
| Mr. Macfarland | Punctuality | |
| Glee | Mynheer Van Dunck | Bishop |
| Mr. Privett | Russian Rites and English Prayers | |
| Mr. Meeres | My Carpet Bag | |
| The National Anthem | ||
The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. Finley, assisted by Messrs. Carter, Blackmore, Elkington, Caplin, and Pocock, the treble parts being very nicely sung by Master Augustus Carter. We think it will be generally admitted that this entertainment was, as a whole, superior to that of previous years; the only drawback was its extreme length, for, although these entertainments are very good in their way, it is very possible to have “too much” even ‟of a good thing,” as was painfully exemplified on this occasion. This, however, is a fault which one would suppose might be easily remedied.
West Sussex Gazette — Thursday 7 January 1864
THE CONVERSAZIONE.—To the Editor of the West Sussex Gazette.—Sir,—Your correspondent has doubtless sent a glowing account of the conversazione last week, and has told your readers how well it went off, and how much he congratulates the ‟young men” on their success, &c., &c., but he may, perhaps, feel some delicacy in saying, what seems to be a universal feeling, viz., that the entertainment was of an interminable length. Really it is no joke to be summoned to our place by 6.30 p.m., and to sit and listen until fully 10.30! The feeling of utter weariness which is the necessary consequence entirely mars the pleasure of the evening, and though I would not to complain of what is a most praiseworthy undertaking, and does the ‟young men” infinite credit, they must, themselves, admit that the piece of mere buffoonery which disgraced the second part was little calculated to send us home with pleasurable feelings. ‟A word to the wise is sufficient,” and I hope this ‟word” will be taken, as it is meant, in good part, and that the next time we are invited to this justly popular entertainment I shall not have to repeat the dose of censure which I now feel impelled to administer.—I remain, sir, yours obliged, A SUFFERER.—Petersfield, Jan. 4th, 1864.