Some fine pieces were also admirably rendered by Miss Walker and friends.

EXMOUTH WORKING MAN'S INSTITUTE.-The Penny Readings Rooms at Manchester House, Exmouth, were opened last week. Two large rooms in the front of the house have been repaired and decorated for the purpose-one for a reading-room, the other for lectures and readings.

LODDON.-The first of the Penny Readings for this season was held in the public School-room on Tuesday last. The Rev. J. J. Smith presided, and the readers were the Rev. Jonathan Bates, the chairman, and Mr. G. Rodwell.

COGGESHALL.-The first of a series of Fortnightly Readings in connexion with the Literary and Mechanics' Institution was held in the large room of the Institute on Wednesday evening, F. U. Pattisson, Esq., in the chair. Miss Emily Beard presided at the pianoforte. The proceedings were commenced with a solo on the pianoforte by Mrs. Simpson. Miss Maud Kirkham sang with good effect the song, "Over the Mountain, over the Sea," while Mr. Geo. Beard's bass solo in the glee, "The Shepherd's Cot," called forth a determined encore. The other glee singers were Messrs. Coventry and S. H. Prior. The readers were Messrs. Kettle, Simpson, Coventry, and M. A. Gardner. Mr. S. H. Prior has the management of the musical department.

WOODBRIDGE.-The announcement that these popular evening amusements-the Penny Readings-will be recommenced for the season has just appeared.

LINTON. We notice that the inhabitants are to be favoured with a course of Penny Readings of an entertaining and instructive nature, accompanied with vocal and instrumental music, during the winter months, which will commence on Tuesday evening next at the British School-room.

CHELMSFORD.-Penny Readings are held at the Working Men's Club fortnightly, interspersed with songs and glees. Unfortunately our room is rather small, so that we have it crowded, and are obliged to turn persons away. We have found it necessary to keep out small boys, unless they can find a person to be responsible for their conduct. We generally have one reading, or song given in character, placing it last on the programme. The dressup generally causes much amusement, and gives grave faces a gay appearance once a fortnight.

We do not approve of the "dress-up" plan, as it gives the readings a music-hall character, and unfits the audience for listening to pieces of a more intellectual character.-E». P. R.]

ABERAVON (Glamorgan).-The fourth of the series of Penny Readings was inaugurated on November 23rd, at the National School-room, in the presence of a most respectable and enthusiastic audience, under the presidency of Mr. Richard James. The programme comprised :-Solo, pianoforte, "Fra Diavolo," (Auber,) Mrs. Arnold; reading, "Eyes and no Eyes," Rev. A. T. Hughes;

Alun

song, "Let me Kiss Him for his Mother," Mr. T. Singleton; reading, "The Shakers," Mr. Thos. Welch; song, "Simon, the Cellarer," Mr. W. Richards; reading, "Emmett, the Irish Patriot's reply to Lord Norbury," Mr. M. Hesson; song, "The Fisherman's Daughter," Miss C. Davis; reading, "The Smuggler's Leap," Mr. Č. M. Roffe; song, "It very much Depends upon the Style in which it is Done," Mr. W. Evans; reading (Welsh), Mabon," Mr. W. Richards; song, Winning the Gloves," (Carpenter,) Master H. S. Arnold; reading, "Mrs. Councillor Moynihan's Power of Talk," Mr. Samuel David Rees (of Cwmavon); song, "Gentle Alice," Mr. T. Singleton; reading, An Odd Shaver," Mr. C. J. Pett; song, "Bold Marco," Mr. W. Richards, The programme was gone through with great taste and ability to the satisfaction of all present.

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LEOMINSTER." Penny Readings" were commenced here towards the close of the winter of '64 and '65. The so-called popular lectures had long ceased to be at all attractive to those for whom they were nominally intended, and it was therefore resolved that an attempt should be made to introduce those entertainments which had become so popular elsewhere. At first, many difficulties and discouragements had to be dealt with. There were but few who felt disposed to assist, and until the Readings had proved to be a success, but little help was received from the upper portion of the inhabitants. Now, however, all classes of the community join in promoting the usefulness of the movement. On two occasions it has been found necessary to remove to more commodious rooms, and the Town Hall, which has been placed at the disposal of the Committee, is at the present time crowded to as great an extent as was the room in which the entertainments began. No separate performance is allowed to extend over more than ten minutes or a quarter of an hour; a serious piece is followed by one of a lighter character, and, when possible, a piece of music (vocal or instrumental) precedes each Reading. Short biographical sketches have been introduced with considerable success; and will be continued at intervals throughout the season.

PIMLICO. The initiation of a series of these popular entertainments occurred at the St. Michael's Schools, Elizabeth-street, South Pimlico, on Monday evening, Nov. 7, before a very numerous and respectable audience, the Rev. D. Robertson presiding. After some brief preparatory remarks from the Chairman, the business of the evening was proceeded with. The programme included the name of C. J. Plumptre, Esq., Lecturer on Elocution, Oxford and London, a fact that created great interest, from the wide-spread and deserved popularity of that gentleman. WIVENHOE Penny Readings were introduced here on Friday evening by Mr. Goldsack, at Mr. Husk's lecture-room, Alma-street. The attendance was good.

COGGESHALL. The second "Penny Reading" of the season was given at the Mechanics' Institution. Miss Pridgeon gave a piano

forte solo between the readings; several glees and songs were sung by Messrs. Coventry, G. Beard, jun., and Horatio and David Prior. The readers were the Rev. A. A. Philps, Messrs. Simpson, Belk, and Judges.

HALESWORTH.-A series of Readings in connexion with the Halesworth Institute was given in the Rifle Hall. The musical portion of the entertainment was under the direction of Mr. Parslee. Mrs. Young presided at the pianoforte. The programme was as follows:-Glee, by the choir, "Canadian Boat Song;" Reading, Mr. Harrison, "Selections from Pickwick Papers;" Song, Mr. Read, "The Arab's Farewell to his Steed;" Reading, Mr. Harvey, "Dorcas and Peter Piper;" The Song of Songs," Mr. Harrison; Part song by the choir, "March of the Men of Harlech;" Reading, Rev. R. S. Beloe, "Brothers and a Sermon ;" Finale, "God save the Queen."

SWANSEA.-The Readings are held in the Music Hall, the prices of admission being 6d. and 3d. The Rev. E. Higginson, Mr. Burnhill, and Mr. Wybert Reeve, were the principal readers. The latter introduced an original poem, "The Miser's Death," with great effect.

NOTTING HILL.-" Penny Readings " are held every Friday evening in the hall of the Working Men's Club, and are well attended. They are interspersed with music under the able direction of Mr. Lewis, a local professor; but we take objection to such songs as "Lord Lovel," in character, as a step in the backward direction. The principal readers are Mr. L. Cooks, Mr. Matthew Henry Feilde, Mr. H. Morgan, Mr. Barber, the Rev. E. K. Kendall, and we observe that, on the third evening, Mr. C. J. Plumptre and Mr. W. Kidd rendered professional assistance.

CHELTENHAM.-Notwithstanding the opposition of the "Evangelical" party, the "Penny Readings" continue to be a glorious success. At the most recent one, Mr. H. C. T. Roberts read Falkner's "Shipwreck." This was followed by an amusing piece entitled "The Young Lady's Lament," and in the hands of Mr. H. G. Davies it proved decidedly amusing. "Artemus Ward's Visit to Albert Edward" was read with such humour by the Rev. H. Hayman as to cause general surprise, and at its close the audience, who had been roaring throughout, cheered till the reverend gentleman rose to bow his acknowledgment. "The Legend of Rabbi Ben Levi," by Longfellow, was another hit, though the story of the good rabbi was very different from the previous piece, but the great improvement in Mr. G. Packwood's style of reading was so marked as to call forth general admiration. In the unavoidable absence of one of the readers, a number of short pieces were substituted, Mr. Minett reading "Trouble your Heads with your Own Affairs" (E. Cook); Mr. E. Alder, "I s'pose it be All Right" (James Bruton), and with it bringing down the house. Mr. Newton caused much amusement in "Love Lane" (T. Hood); Mr. G. Packwood giving with humour “ £100 Damages ;" Mr. R. J. Dixon, with

feeling, "They're Dear Fish to Me;" and Mr. Tovey, with taste, "Never Speak Ill." Monsieur Van Laun, who was down for "The Chronicle of the Drum," by Thackeray, surprised all by his animation of manner and improved pronunciation since his last reading, and loud applause followed the close. Mr. Urch read "The Showman's Courtship," from " Artemus Ward, his book," and convulsed the audience, many of whom noticed his decided improvement likewise. A fitting close to this lengthy programme was "The New Tale of a Tub," the puns and hits in which lost nothing from being in the hands, or rather mouth, of Mr. Edwin Lawrence, whose clever rendering of this piece was appreciated by the audience.

LIVERPOOL.-The Readings given in Scotland-road on Wednesday evenings continue to be very attractive. The last programme forwarded to us contains "The Veteran Tar" (Moir), read by Mr. J. Lloyd; "The Slaves" (J. E. Carpenter), Mr. J. P. Williams; "Othello's Apology," Mr. R.Pritchard; "The Common Path" (J. E. Carpenter), Mr. Adamson; "The Confession," Mr. Jones; "Rory O'More's Present to the Priest" (Lover), Mr. W. Adamson; "The Kettle on the Hob" (Carpenter), Mr. J. H. Jones; and Mr. Shirley Brooks' admirable lines from "Punch," on the Death of Lord Palmerston, by Mr. John Hancock. During the evening an Address was delivered by the Rev. T. Robinson, B.A.

ECCLES LITERARY INSTITUTE.-Last Saturday evening the Temperance Hall was filled by an audience who had paid one penny each for admission, and by the members of the Institution, who are admitted free. The sum of twenty-eight shillings was received at the door. It would be a great advantage to the managers if the local choirs of the churches and chapels would hold themselves in readiness to fill up vacant evenings; they would always be sure of an indulgent and appreciative reception from their neighbours and the audience generally. There would be nothing infra dig. in this, it is what the various readers do-read if wanted; if not, not; and it is what the Eccles Glee and Choral Society did last Saturday evening, and did it in a very superior style, to the great gratification of all present. Miss Withington, vocalist, and Miss Stokes, pianist, gave "Good News from Home," very sweetly. There were three encores-Messrs. Stamper, Allen, and Bently, in "Dame Durden;" Mr. Wooller, in "Many Changes have I Seen;" and Mr. Stumper and Miss Farn, in "Huntingtower." Mr. Ridgway was the pianist, and did much to make the music of the evening harmoniously complete. Mr. Stamper is a zealous conductor, and succeeds in imparting a degree of enthusiasm to the choir generally. The readers were Messrs. Farn, Harrison, Levitt, and Cook. The penny system answers well. It brings the right sort of people, and keeps away those who come for a spree," or from curiosity. WOODFORD.-The second season of the "Penny Readings" has

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commenced here; the meetings being held in the Wesleyan Chapel. They are supported by the residents generally, and largely attended by the working classes, for whose benefit they have been chiefly projected.

ABERGAVENNY (Mon.)-For the last five years Penny Readings have been established in this town, and from the commencement have progressed with remarkable success. The first "Readings" for the present season were given on the 1st December, upwards of 400 persons being present. Music is introduced as a relief, but does not form the leading feature of the programmes. Mr. George Peake acts as hon. sec.

NEWHAVEN.-The Readings here continue to prosper; the admission being one penny, with reserved seats sixpence; and a good rule has been established of not admitting juveniles unless accompanied by their adult friends. The programme for December 5th included "Bernard del Caarpio" (Mrs. Hemans), Mr. Bellatti; "Belshazzar's Feast" (Byron), Mr. Goodchild; "The One-legged Goose," Mr. Bellatti; "The Town Pump” (Hawthorn), Mr. Goodchild; "The Deeds of Wellington" (W. C. Bennett), Mr. I. J. Reeve; and Barham's "Misadventure at Margate." The whole were alternated by glees by Messrs. Wood, Hills, Noakes, and Stone, and general satisfaction was the result.

Diss. The first of these now popular entertainments took place at the Old School-room, on Tuesday, December 5th, and was well attended. The following gentlemen read:-Rev. T. Wheeler, and Messrs. J. Reeve, Thrower, T. E. Amyot, and Pennington.

HARLESTON-Penny Readings have been resumed at the Corn Hall (kindly lent by Mr. C K. Buck). The entertainment was varied and select, combining readings, recitals, songs, &c., the Rifle Band performing selections during the evening, under the able leadership of Mr. Calver. The chair was taken by the Venerable Archdeacon Ormerod, who opened the proceedings with a telling and interesting address.

BECCLES.-Penny Readings took place on December 4th, in the Assembly Rooms. The room was completely crowded. The story of "Little Dombey" was read by the Rev. D. H. Leighton, Mr. T. A. Laws, and Mr. A. Kent. The duet, "What are the Wild Waves saying?" (J. E. Carpenter), was sung at the close of the reading with great success, and the Rifle corps (under the superintendence of M. Pringée) took a leading part in the evening's

programme.

BUNGAY.-The Penny Readings' season was re-opened at the Corn Hall, on Monday, December 3rd, when there was a good attendance. Mr. Childs occupied the chair. Mr. H. Smith, of Ellingham Hall, Mr. Childs, the Rev. R. Cartwright, and Mr. J. Owles were the readers; Mr. Sharp sang, and the band played at intervals.

WICKHAM MARKET.-On Tuesday evening, December 4th, a most interesting series of Readings was given at the New Hall,