SCOTTISH CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 218, 9 June 1919, Page 3

SCOTTISH CONCERT

AN EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT. There are Scotch concerts in the real Benae of the word, and others of a piebald character that do not pay full respect to the- adjective. That given under the auspices of tho newly-formed Wellington Caledonian Society in the Town Hall on Saturday evening was uncompromisingly Scotch from' end to end, one of the best of the kind given in Wellington for years; the best not only from a programme point of view but from the talent employed, and was hugely enjoyed by a large audience. Highland dancing was a feature, and there tho standard was high. There was irresistible stimulation in watohing the reel danced by Misses Daisy M'Lellan and Jessie Grant, and Messrs. J. Fin Jay and Donald Young, but the highest point of excellence was reached by Miss M'Lellan. who, bespangled in medals, danced with a lifj!"somo daintiness the sheantruDlus. J*vne juvenile dancers 6tepjwd a lively fling in line unanimity; The Reel o' lullocli was danced with' Verve by Misses Thelma Barton, Violet Campbell, Elsie Burns, and Daisy Bissett; and Pipor Donald loung forsook hi* pipes to prance with surprising elan round the crossed eword and sheath, to the accompaniment of yelps ot delight from his compatriots in the audience. The promoters of the concert ■ deserve thanks lor introducing to Wellington sncli a charming singer of Scotch Oongs as Mrs. At. Green (late of Dunedin), who, advantaged with a slim, girlish, and altogether attractive person, has a rare gift for song. . Her voice is a limpid, pure lync Bflprano, i 3 vital with colour and expression, and moveover her Scotch was pure. She made an instantaneous impression in "Whusrtle and I'll Come we You. My Lad." and as an encoro 'Bonnie Prince Charlie" was delightfully enng. It was, however, in "Within a Mile" that Mrs. Green was at her very best, whilst "Jock o' Hazeldean was Another treat in Scottish song. Miss Adelaide Bruce, another experienced singer of Scotch eonga; \was suffering from a cold, still her art illumined such songs as "Tho March of the Cameron Men, "Rothesay Bay," and "Coniin' thro the Rye." Her words Could not be caught in "Kantin'. Roarin' Robin." Mr. len B?.rni>s. in good voice, sang "Turn xe tae Mo" (introduced here by Mr. Andrew Black), gave a spirited ' reading of "Charlie is My Darling," infused more that! a modicum of feeling into "Anni ; e, Laurie," and sang the "Skye Boat Song robustly. The tenor of the evening was Mr, Martin Duff, whose pretty light tenor voße. was heard to advantage in Hurrah for the Highlands," "Far. Ear Awa (Booth),' "Scotland Yet," and "Blue Bonnets." Mjes Myra Sawyers, a young singer with a singularly puro end elastic ■ high soprano voice under good control, made an impression on the audience. This singer only needs training in interpretation (which is brief for intellectual insight) to make a. complete singer. Her songs were "Boon ,tho Burn, Davie Lad, and the florid "Dear Bird of Winter,' : not heard here for a very long time. There was none of the 'bill more popular than Mr. W. W. Crawford, who is a versatile humourist, either as a singer, reciter, dancer, or mummer. Mr. Crawford delighted the audience in his burlesque character "The Pirate," and induced tears in his imitation of the drunk who muddles'and mixes att the recitation? ever known. His humorous sketch "My Wedding" was amusing, and the "silly" stunt (with dance) which followed made the audience scream with delight. A decoralive feature of the concert was the chairman, Mr. David Clark (chief of the society), a. tall, spare, white-bearded clansman, who wore his tartan plaid and tam-o'-shanter' with remarkable Kraoe. Tho Pipers' Band, who are to benefit by the concert, played a number of selections, made sonae show of military "good order." which promises well for the future of this organisation,

VTasto no priceless atoms of time,. Idle moments aro seeds of crime; Fold'your arms when thejtask is done, Of dissipation and vice beware. Guard your health with increasing care; Winter or summer you make health sure When Miner Woods' Great Peppermint Ouro.-Advt.