ENTERTAINMENT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 227, 20 September 1878, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

Previous to our attending the entertainment given in aid of the Church of England funds, at the Town Hall, on the evening of the 17th inst, we had promised ourselves a musical treat superior to such as are generally given in Akaroa, and we are gratified at being able to chronicle that our expectations were more than realized. From the opening to the concluding piece each item was given with taste, judgment, and proper expression, the instrumental selections especially being played with spirited precision and in excellent time and tune. We have especially to compliment Miss Connell and Mrs J. H. Wood on the artistic manner in which the accompaniments were rendered throughout the evening, and whilst doing so have to express our regret at the loss which Akaroa will sustain, musically, when the latter lady leaves us. Akaroa's loss, however, will be Ashburton's gain. Mr J. M. Wood's violin playing is a decided acquisition. We had not previously heard this gentleman's instrumentation, but having now done so we desire to compliment him. not only on his skill as a violinist, but. also on the able manner in which he 'led? and conducted the musical portion of the evening's entertainment. We were pleased to notice that a higher class of music was given at this entertainment than what is generally placed before an Akaroa audience, and we hope that in future this standard will be adhered to. It is quite time that the inane Music Hall style of ballad was abolished from our programmes, and people's tastes educated to a better and higher class of musical composition. We noticed in the glees a want of more male voices, and while on this subject we would suggest the desirability of starting - a new Glee Club. There are many good voices in Akaroa, and their owners by joining such a club, would not only find enjoyable amusement* and practice themselves, but would also, by their, exam pie-, tend to make some of our youth wish io learn and excel in the seductive science of harmony. The ladies who took part'iri the evening's programme are .to be especially complimented, both in the : solos and glees they sang heartily'- and well. We noticed one .ar-aph.ronifsm in the programme, the Adieu • Waltzes being placed in the middle instead "of at or near the end. The audience was large, attentive, and appreciative, although the hobbledehoy and larrikin element were .rather too pronounced, a fact which drew a well-m rited rebuke from Mr Aylmer, and ended in the expulsion of some of the worst offenders from the hall. We hope that the latter course of action will have the effect of stopping the abominable nuisance of whistling, jeering, and insulting of some of the performers, such as disgraced one portion of the proceedings on this occasion. We would suggest to tlie ladies and gentlemen who took part in the sntertainment the desirability of repeating it, and hope they will do so. We leave this matter to Mr J. M. Wood, and hope to hear of his taking action thereon, as well as in connection with our remarks re Glee Club. We have not heard the net amount realized for the Church'

funds. We had almost forgotten to speak in words of commendation of the readingsgiven by Messrs Sims and Wiggins, the latter gentleman especially, by his excellent make up as Artemus Ward, and humorously clever rendering of his reading, eliciting roars of laughter and frequent applause. -