HIGHLAND CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2276, 9 October 1914, Page 6

HIGHLAND CONCERT

FOB THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.' One of the best concerts yet tendered to the members of the Expeditionary Force at the Military Social Hall (IT Shed) was that given under the auspices

of the Highland Society of Wellington, last evening, the only deterrent to complete success being the poor attendance of those for whom the entertainment was arranged. There were about 500 present altogether, and of these fullyhalf were townspeople. The concert was presided over by_ Mr. J. G. W. Aitken, Chief of the Society, who stated at the outset that the programme had been arranged, not without some work, by Mr. J. W. Mackay, the secretary. It was a very special programme, and he trusted that those present would 6how their appreciation as the.evening advanced. | No doubt the members of the Expeditionary Force were disappointed at not having got away when, they expected to, but that was not the fault of anyone in New Zealand.or anyone in Europe. Tho programme was thoroughly Caledonian in character. It was illuminated by some especially'fine Highland dancing by a number of juvenile dancers (boys and girls), whose glittering display of medals testified to the pedal dexterity and,elegant action in the various dances, all of which were executed to the excellent music of Piper Mac Donald. The dances performed were the International reel, the Highland fling (by six boys and girls), sword dance, reel o' Tulloch (by eight dancers, skaunthruibhas, and sailors' hornpipe. Miss Eva_ Smith, who has a musical contralto voice of considerable promise, sang "The King's Song," and, when encored, "Oomin' Thro' tho Rye." She also sang "There's a Land" Allitsen) with taste, and, again encored,' sang "My Ships" very sweetly. Mrs. D. Robertson-Kennedy sang "A Hundred Pipers" and "Britons All," and Mrs. J. B. Martin contributed "A Skye Boat Song" and "Lizzie Lindsay." Mr. F. C. Pope was encored for his rendering of "Scots Wha Hae," and Mr. C. J. Houston sang a number of humorous songs 'from the Lauder album. Mrs. D. MacMillan acted as accompanist. The Chief apologised for the absence of His Excellency tho Governor and tho Countess of Liverpool.- Among those present were: Mrs. and tho Misses Massey, tho Mayor and Mrs. Luke, and Mr. R. Fletcher (chairman of the Harbour Board) and Mrs. Fletcher. This evening there will be an animated picture show for the troopers. No chargo is made for admission to any'of theso entertainments.