The annual conversazione of the Mutual Improvement Society is a fixture which is • always looked forward to as being one of the 1 pleasantest entertainments of the winter ' season, and that which took place in the Academy of Music last night was no excep tion to the rule. The weather might easily have been expected to militate against the attendance, but ttye members and friends of the Society defied, the elements and rolled up in most satisfactory numbers, while the buzz of conversation between the various items on the programme showed that those ' in attendance had come prepared to enjoy ' themselves and were fully carrying out that most laudable intention. On a long table ' running down the centre of the hall was 5 spread a large array of literature of a very 3 interesting character, which was eagerly sought after during the evening, and it .must have been a source of great satisfaction to ' the lenders that their gifts were so greatly ' appreciated. Gird tables were also provided and found a number of patrons, while those who were evidently of opinion that " the proper study of mankind is man — and woman " took their seats in the gallery and from that vantage point derived considerable. enjoyment from watching the moving throng below. The proceedings opened with an l overture on the piano by Miss Jennings and Mr Rangiuia, after which the curtain drew ' up upon a tableau representing a " Welcome j from the Society." The tableau was very artistically arranged and was loudly ap plauded, and • was followed by a chorus, which was greatly appreciated, Miss Craig ~ a sang "Ask Me Again," very acceptably,  and Mr East was heard to great advantage T in the old favorite, "When the heart is 3 young." Mr Poole gave a recitation with c considerable elocutionary effect ; Miss McGuirk sang very nicely, " Whisper and '.. I shall hear,"- and Mr T. Porter was ~ promptly encored for his singing of " True ir till Death," responding with "A Soldier and a Man." Miss Julia Poswillo's staging of \ " River of Years " was greatly appreciated, and Mrs A. 