TEA AND CONCERT AT ASHTON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1701, 2 November 1887, Page 2

TEA AND CONCERT AT ASHTON.

CONTRIBUTED. i A meeting of a very enjoyable character was held In the Ashton Schoolroom on Thursday evening, m connection with the looal Singing Class, which has been conducted during the past winter by Mr W. Miller. The benefits derived from such o! asses In the several centres of population cannot be overestimated, especially to the young, and the creditable way m whioh the youthful oboir acqalted themselves on the platform shows what perseverance can accomplish. The programme, whloh was a varied one, commenced with a piano solo by Miao A, Ingram. This lady also aocompanlod the several pieces during the evening. The oholr sang "We shall meet by and by." The Rev A. Blake, who occupied the chair, then gave a short address. " Hark, Hark, my booI," by the Choir, after whioh a quartett " Little Mary," waa given by the Misses Tay. lor, Shearer, Donaldson, and McConnel, the rendering of this piece by those four young ladies being excellent, and It was undoubtedly the gem of the Choir's prsctioe for tie evening. A reading by Mr Blake, followed by a song from Mr D. Thomas, of Ashbnrton, and a selection by the Choir brought the fi st part of the programme to a close. During the interval, tea and a pleuMful supply of cakes and eatables were handed round and Appeared to give general satisfaction. The eecond part included eeleotions by the O.'tofr, amongst whipb may be mentioned 11 My own Na»&* Land," whioh was rendered m go.qd/ time by the young Hoys and girls In their respective parts* A humorous song by Mr Thomas, given m his usual happy way, called forth hearty applause and a i enoore The only recitation of the evening (Lochnagar) was given by Mr T. Mitchell. The piece, although rather lengthy, was delivered m good style, and with that force of elocution which is required to give the proper effect to an audience. Mr H. McConnell contributed a song, '• Nancy Lee|" which web rendered very fair. A trio by Mesßrs Millar (2) and McConnell caused considerable amusement, and was successfully given. A song by Miss Ingram, and a duet by Messrs Shearer and Millar, and tha singing of the National Anthem br aught a very social and orderly meeting to a close. 1 here were about 140 people present. The arrangements, which were carried ont under the superintendence of Messrs Taylor, Gilmour, and Shearer, gave general satisfaction, Mr Taylor kindly gave the use of his piano. Mr J Dunn proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman and the several performers,