"The Chiltern Hundreds," a new Comedy-opera by our local "Gilbert and Sullivan "-Messrs. E. Pemberton and T. Anderton, has been performed at the Alexandra Theatre, Liverpool, with marked success.

A work on South African life by our young townsman, Mr. Walter Ludlow, is in the press, and will be issued shortly. We look forward with some interest to the appearance of this local literary production, especially as the illustrations are also the work of a local artist, Mr. Ernest C. Mountfort.

It is not creditable to the literary friends and admirers of George Dawson in Birmingham, that the first important memento of one who was so much loved when amongst us, and whose character is still held in such reverence, should emanate from a distant town. But such is the fact. Mr. Alexander Ireland, of Manchester, has recently published a little work entitled "Recollections of George Dawson," which is deeply interesting to all who cherish the memory of the wise preacher and the genial friend.

Without entering into the question of the cost of improving and beautifying our good old town, one cannot help a feeling of satisfaction at the thought that, never again, perhaps, can such a humiliating description of Birmingham be justly written as that recorded in one of Carlyle's letters dated August 10th, 1824, and recently published by Mr. Froude; wherein the eccentric philosopher says:-"As a town it is pitiful enough -a mean congeries of bricksThe streets are ill-built, ill-paved, always flimsy in their aspect-often poor, sometimes miserable. Not above one or two of them are paved with flagstones at the sides; and to walk upon the little egg-shaped, slippery flints that supply their places is something like a penance.'

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Even "the one or two streets that were paved with flagstones at the sides" was a decided advance since the time of Bissett, who wrote, in 1800:

"The streets are paved 'tis true, but all the stones
Are set the wrong way up, in shape of cones;
And strangers limp along the best paved street,
As if parched peas were strewed beneath their feet."

A recent number of the Weekly Post contained an interesting account of the Birmingham Polytechnic Institution, a feeble forerunner of our present Midland Institute, which was in existence for about five years— viz: from 1843 to 1848. It is probable that many of our readers may never even have heard of it, and for their enlightenment we may mention that the edifice in which its classes, &c., were held, and which was dignified with the title of "The Polytechnic " is still standing in Steelhouse Lane, and is the present residence of our respected townsman Dr. Clay.

In 1844, thirteen years before our own C.L.A. was established, the writer, in conjunction with other young men (many of whom are still in our midst and recognised as amongst our most honoured and honourable citizens), started a Society within its walls under the somewhat ambitious designation of "The Literary and Elocution Class."

The minute book of this Society, which is still in the writer's possession is amusing and interesting. In addition to recording its ordinary affairs, its corporate hopes and fears, its enthusiastic beginning, and its scanty attendances later on, it also foreshadows the establishing of its own Magazine.

Debating power was evidently considered by the members as of minor importance; for we find in rule 9, that the society is "to study Elocution by the delivery of lectures in clear, fluent and proper language."

It is also very evident that the promoters of this "Elocution Class," or, at any rate, those who drew up the rules, had not had much previous experience in such societies. We arrive at this conclusion from the sweet simplicity characterising the 13th rule, which is as follows:-"That no fines shall be exacted for non-attendance, the members depending rather on the interest of their studies to draw them together, than the fear of incurring a fine by absence; and that each member by signing the rules, pledges himself upon his honour to attend at all times when in town, in good health, and not detained by business; and to promote the interest of the class as far as in him lies." Alas, for good resolutions! The Society lasted only two years.

The energy and public spirit of Birmingham were never more characteristically exemplified than in the restoration of the Central Free Library, the completion of which was celebrated on Thursday, June 1st.

Whether Mr. Bright, who delivered the inaugural address, was on this occasion "the right man in the right place" is a much disputed question. The event was certainly worthy of the best effort of a great man, and afforded a splendid opportunity for an eloquent oration. From some cause or other, however, Mr. Bright did not appear to be in his element, and to the major part of his audience, his speech was undoubtedly a disappointment.

[Contributions to the "Scraps" column are invited.]

THE WORK OF THE SESSION.

Since our last Report, the following meetings have been held :

March 21st, 1882.-LECTURE by Mr. C. J. Duchemin, on "The history and construction of the Pianoforte, from the earliest period to the present time;" 207 members and friends present. At the close of the Lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Lecturer on the motion of Mr. C. Lean, seconded by Mr. G. Zair.

April 21st.-DEBATE: "That the proposed Channel Tunnel between England and France, would, if constructed, be detrimental to the interests of England." Affirmative, Messrs. A. J. Claddo, Mason, and McClelland; Negative, Messrs. W. Mountfort, Collier, and Bond. Votes: Affirmative, 19; Negative, 12. 50 Members present.

April 28th.-The Sixth of the series of "Evenings with the Poets," the subject being "Alexander Pope;" Mr. L. Brierley reviewed "An Essay on Criticism;" Dr. J. A. Langford described "An Essay on Man;" and Mr. J. W. Tonks concluded with a short account of "The Temple of Fame." A very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. Brierley, Langford, and Tonks, on the motion of Mr. H. S. Pearson seconded by Mr. T. Cund. 120 Members and friends present.

June 16th. In accordance with a desire expressed by many Members that the Session should not pass by without affording them an opportunity of dining together, the necessary arrangements were made by the Committee, and seventy-five Members responded to the invitation. An excellent dinner was provided at the Grand Hotel, by the proprietor, Mr. Field; and our President, Mr. A. Liddell, occupied the chair. The following toasts were proposed and duly honoured :

1.-"The Queen," proposed by the President.

2.-" Art and Letters," proposed by Mr. H. S. Pearson, responded to by Mr. J. W. Tonks and Mr. Leonard Brierley.

3.-"The C. L. A.," proposed by Mr. G. Zair, responded to by the Hon. Sec., Mr. T. Cund, and Mr. C. Lean.

4.-" Our Town," proposed by Mr. J. A. Langford, LL.D., responded to by Mr. Councillor H. Payton.

5.-"Our President," proposed by Mr. T. Griffiths, responded to by Mr. Liddell.

6. "Our Home Rulers," proposed by Mr. J. Suffield, responded to by Mr. J. Collier.

Glees were sung by a party of friends directed by Mr. H. Clarke, and the enjoyment of the evening was increased by a very humorous reading, admirably given by Mr. Martin. The meeting may be described as an unqualified success, and one of the most enjoyable in the history of the Association. The dinner being of a private character, invitations were not sent to the representatives of other Societies.

NOTICES.

THE following numbers are still required to complete sets of the C.L.A. MAGAZINE :—

Members who have surplus copies of these will greatly oblige by posting them to the Editor, who will return stamps in payment, or send other numbers in exchange.

MEMBERS OF THE C.L.A., and non-members, who subscribe for the MAGAZINE only, who have not yet paid their respective subscriptions, are kindly requested to remit the amount at once; the former to the Treasurer, Mr. George Titterton, St. Paul's Square, and the latter to the Editor, Mr. Leonard Brierley, Somerset Road, Edgbaston.

INTENDING CONTRIBUTORS to the October number are reminded that, to ensure insertion, their papers should reach the Editor on or before September 3rd.