y is the spice of life—the pepper salt of existence—and as such to be cultivated. It is told of a great ancient that he alternated the earnest pursuit of wisdom and truth (which are by no means synonymous) with the catching of flies upon the wall after the manner which has come down through the ages. The Association of Lancastrians in China occasion ally stand aside from commerce to follow pleasure—as on Thursday night, when they gave a soiree at the Masonic Hall, It is claimed that the soiree is a form of entertainment peculiarly Lancastrian, and if this is so there is one more thing to thank Lancashire for. It consists in the continued alternation of music and dancing, with the result that the fatigue which comes of much dancing is pleasantly lessened, and the added pleasure of good singing, or reciting, or instrumental music fills the gaps thus made. Moreover, every possible care had been taken that the surroundings should be worthy. The large hall had been decorated with a regard for taste and comfort, beyond it there was a room wherein light refreshments were lavishly displayed, and downstairs cards and more potent fare were provided for the gentle men. It is needless to say that a large _number of members of the Association their families and their friends, attended. They were welcomed cordially and neatly by Mr. Cecil Holliday, the President, whose speech preluded the evening fitly. Then came the alternated pleasures Lalready spoken of. Ther is no need to enlarge on the dancing. The floor was good, the music was excellent in its strict attention to time, and programmes—or shirt-cuffs—were liberally filled. The songs ware charming. The first honours of the evening must go to a debutante, Miss Lily Walsh, who sang "Only Once Moro" very charmingly. She has a clear voice of great sweetness, and used it* naturally and with a great deal of effect. It is to be hoped that she will be heard again here. Mr. E. Nelson, in a patriotic song, was admirable; Mr. B. T. J. Blount was refreshing in a cheery comic song of Christmas time; Mr. T. Lemon san Somerset's " Echo" in excellent style; and Mr. W. H. Lewis gave "Thy Sentinel Am 1." Mr. R. Sutherland delivered Jerome's discourse on "Babies" with that point and humour which never fail him. These ard certain of the pleasant items of the evening, and serve to show that the Association is doing nobly from a social point of view. If its success en promoting the interests of Lancashire trade be as great, then its formation is brilliantly justified.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.