Y.W.C.T.U. CONCERT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1919, 15 August 1888, Page 3

Y.W.C.T.U. CONCERT.

Popular prices and a worth 7 object were reasons sufficient to fill St. Stephen's Schoolroom to overflowing last evening, independent of otber considerations. It mast have been a surprise to many to listen to euoh good concert music provided at ao cheap a rate. The promoters were not content to give just an average bill of fare. The performers one and all were above the line of mediocrity, and apart from any objbot were tufficlently gratified to please the most fastidious audienoe, The evening was juat most suitable ; the concert w&r not too long, and the audience was m touoh with the surroundings. The Rev. E. A. Soott took the chair punctual to _ time, and stated the President pi tho Women's Christian Temperance Union — Mrs Scott — had fixed upon him to preside Without further parley he called upon Miss Bell to open the ooncort with a pianoforte solo. Miss Bell played a rather difficult selection without musto, and showed by her execution a oomplete command over the instrument. The delicacy of touch Mid the artistic and expressive way m which the piece w»s played com - blned to fix the item m the minds of the audienoe. Mr Kneen succeeded Miss Bell, aud playing his own accompaniment, saog '*Didst thou but know," a sweet •hnple composition of Balfe'a. Mrs Crisp mtde a suitable and feeling Belectlou of a piebe entitled " The snow that hushes all." This was given with feeling and expression. " The Marry Zingarl," given as an encore number, went pleasantly and musically, Mies Kidd'a accompaniment mating the contribution a thorough lurcess. Mr Bimms, m the ." White Squall," bad a fine descriptive song t which •oited bis voioe admirably, but there was a lack of feeling and expression m the pianissimo passages, which marred the effect. Nevertheless the eong was redemanded " When night is darkest" was substituted, Miss Bell accompanying. A violin duet by Mr and Miss Slmmonß, with piano assistance by Mr Kneen, came next. The lady violinist showed to advantage both m this selection and at a subsequent appearance, Mr Brooking, a new singer to Asbburton, made rather an ambitious commencement with " The Outpost," He has a strong voice, which. In auoh muslo as f> The Outpost," could be used with fine effect. In the second part of the programme" The Lost Chord" was rather too dlffioult a composition for him to give full effect to. He sang It with some degree of ability, however, and showed that he appreciated really good nnmbers. Mrs Brooke gave the evergreen " Twickenham Ferry" with a spirit and verve that w»s fnlly^ relished. The recall pleoe was a dlreot contrast m words and music, being somewhat plaintive if anything. Mr Gamble's "True till Death," with accompaniment by Miss Murray, was not not quite so good as Mr Gamble's usual. Miss Kidd'a "Klllarney" wss .a well received number. The well worn bnt ever fresh muslo was done full justice to, and a hearty oall for a repetition was responded to most kindly. After a short Interval Master and Bliss Orr opened the second part of the programme with a pianoforte duet. Mr Simms was again ti the front. " I fear no foe" was given so well that an nnmistakeable encore resulted, when " Under the Old Flag" was sub ■tltutsd, Miis Bel! again doing honours at the piano, > Mrs , Gamble's item; " The Lover and the Bird," was sang with much feeling, and the reception acoorded the contribution was moit hearty, Mrs Crisp was again warmly welcomed, and her natural and easy vocalisation of "A Summer Shower," a qaalnt little pastoral was all that could be desired. There was such a sparkle of naiveteia the rendition which made it most acceptable, Mies Kidd sang " Heaven and Earth " which but for the distance down on the programs would have been more generally applauded, The theme not being light and airy an audience is not so inclined to listen attentively so late m the evening. Miss Kidd has a good voice and always sings a good song. As an appropriate finale to a concert of first class music, Mr B. Gates gave something free and easy and 'Jones' musical Party was received with every demonstration of delight. The result was to send everyone home m a good humor. The |&cv Mi Buttle moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers who bad co willingly* and so successfully given their services to help forward the cause of benevolence It was pleasant to Bee such a gathering for such a worthy object and he hoped they might again meet for a similar purpose. Be thanked the perfoimers for their assistance apd aleo Mr H. M. Jones for the loan of his excellent piano. The Chairman m patting the proposition said that nearly everything m connection with the concert had been done gratis so that with but a very small percentage the takings would be available for the benevolent fund of the Young Women's Christian Temperance' Union ▲verse of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close