The
Knottingley Mechanics Institute, not like many institutions of a similar
kind, has continued through many discouragements to exist and flourish
since it's establishment more than 25 years ago to the present time - some
years since Mr. Sydney Woolfe kindly consented to be President and devoted
much time and energy to the success of the society. More pressing duties
however devolving on him in his public life as a Member of Parliament, he
was succeeded by Mr. M. Stainsby, who has ably supplied his place.
We are
glad to say the Institution is flourishing, having a large number of
members who are accommodated at the Town Hall with a reading room in which
are supplied the daily and other papers, with a capital library. In the
winter season lectures and concerts are given.
The opening entertainment
was given on Tuesday evening in the Town Hall, in the shape of a concert,
which was largely attended by a respectable audience. The chair was taken
by Mr. Stainsby, who, after a few remarks, introduced the Glee Class,
which has attained great proficiency under the leadership of Mr. Plowman.
The part song ‘Mark the Merry Elves’ was first rendered, and was
executed with great precision. Miss Earnshaw, of Pontefract, gave
‘Juanita’ in her usual capital style and was loudly applauded. The
Glee class gave ‘Sweet and Low’ which was followed by a song entitled
‘The Day When You'll Forget Me’ by Miss Witton, which was loudly
cheered. Mr. R Hurst gave the recitation ‘Dream of Eugene Aram’ in a
style which showed he possessed histrionic talent of no mean order. It was
evidently an imitation of Henry Irving of the Lyceum Theatre, and had the
effect of bringing down a rapturous encore to which he responded by giving
the pathetic piece entitled ‘Little Jim’ which was also fully
appreciated. The first part of the entertainment finished with ‘Queen of
the Night’ by the Glee class, which was warmly received. We should say
here that Miss Ingle of Cridling Stubbs, presided at the pianoforte with
her usual ability.
