8. That it would be unjust to a large section of the Ratepayers to pass the Birmingham Consolidation Bill in its present form. Decided in the Negative. 9.-That it is a wise thing, and consistent with Christian Principles to support the Stage. Decided in the Affirmative. Of the forty-nine Members who took part in the Debates, ten spoke for the first time, and their speeches gave promise of a considerable accession to the Debating power of the Association. Two Lectures were delivered to the Association-the first, by Mr. Howard S. Pearson upon "Utopia, the Day Dream of a Philosopher," when 230 Members and friends were present; the second, by Mr. C. J. Duchemin, who discoursed vocally and instrumentally upon "Beethoven," to an audience of 260, and who was assisted by Miss Treadwell and Mrs. Titterton. Both Lectures were of great interest, and were much enjoyed by the large audiences who listened to them. The thanks of of the Association are due to these ladies and gentlemen for their kind and effective assistance. The work of the Session was brought to a close by another of the series called "Evenings with the Poets," for the admirable arrangement of which, the Association is, and has been, indebted to Mr. J. W. Tonks. For this occasion the "Poetry of Cowper" was the subject chosen. Papers were read by Mr. T. Cond upon the Olney Hymns;" by the Rev. R. Gray upon "The Task ;" and by Mr. J. W. Tonks upon "Conversation." The attendance during the Session has been fairly satisfactory, the average at Ordinary Meetings (which ought to be improved) being fiftyseven, and at Semi-Public Meetings 144--the former being one below, and the latter twelve above the averages of last year. The total attendance at the fourteen Meetings has been 1,497; forty-nine Members have taken part in the work of the Session, and eighty-eight speeches have been made. Although the number of speakers is not quite up to the high average of last year, your Committee congratulate the Association on the facts that the number of speeches is the highest, and the total attendance the largest yet reported. The Accounts, presented by the Treasurer, show a substantial balance on the General Account, and the Magazine Account is equally satisfactory. At the last Annual Meeting eleven vacancies were announced. These, and two others which have since occurred, have been duly filled up. Your Committee have now to report fifteen vacancies. After much consideration, your Committee determined to hold the Annual Conversazione in December, instead of in January, as heretofore, and to engage the Town Hall for the purpose. A very successful Meeting was held-310 tickets were disposed of, satisfaction with the meeting and arrangements was very generally expressed, and a balance of £30 13s. 6d. was handed over to the Treasurer. The Dinner, held last Session, proved to be so very enjoyable that your Committee felt justified in repeating the experiment this Session. The result justified their action-seventy-three Members and friends were present, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Your Committee regret, however, that a small loss was incurred. The prizes offered to the English Literature and History Classes of the Midland Institute have this year been gained by Miss Clara E. Brett, and Miss Reika Cohen. Your Committee have reason to believe that these prizes are much valued, and have felt justified in promising, on your behalf, a further and similar donation for the coming year. With this Session the Magazine completes the Eleventh year of its existence, a fact of which we may fairly be proud, and which reflects great credit upon the Editorial Committee, to whose untiring zeal and devotedness the result is to be attributed, and to whom the warmest thanks of the Association are due. Such service done to and for the Association demands the active sympathy and support of all our Members-support both in subscribing for copies, and in supplying articles for admission to its pages. The Magazine is confined to the work of Members, and your Committee urge that each one should endeavour to send, occasionally, a prose article or a poem, and thus make the Editor's work more easy and agreeable. In concluding this record of the Work of the Session, work which your Committee feel has been fruitful of good results, they would remind the Members how increasingly necessary it is for each to take some share in its operations; they extend a hearty welcome and a kindly sympathy to one and to all, and trust that the coming Session will give evidence of renewed and increasing vitality and interest in the whole of the work which the Association undertakes, so that it may go on its way with additional prestige, honor, and usefulness. CONVERSAZIONE.-DECEMBER, 1882. PAXTON PORTER, Treasurer, in Account with the Birmingham Central Literary Association. |