QUEENSTOWN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 684, 28 May 1875, Page 3

QUEENSTOWN.

—a—(from a correspondent.) The anniversary of Her Majesty’s Birthday, so far as Queenstown is concerned, passed off very quietly. The only amusement got up for the entertainment of residents was a Concert and Amateur Dramatic Performance, under the management of the Queenstown Lodge of Good Templars, and a competition for prize medals by the volunteers. The weather was anything but enjoyable rain falling all the morning, but it cleared off as the day advanced. In the afternoon the Volunteers held their second competition for the prize medals. At the first competition Volunteer Wills was the victor, and secured first place ; and Volunteer Boyne the second. This time Wills again secured the first place, and as the medals were to become the property of the two who scored the Highest number of points at the two competitions Wills became possessor of first prize, and Volunteer J. E. Aldred of the second. The Concert and Dramatic Performance was held in the Town Hall in the evening, and was very well attended, a large number from the Arrow putting in an appearance. The Hall was nicely decorated under the supervision of Mr A. D. Tait ; the words “Faith, Hope, and Charity,” worked iu fern leaves, being very conspicuous over the front of the gallery. The programme consisted of speeches, songs, etc., the first of which was a report of the Lodge since its commencement, from which it appeared that 127 members had been initiated into the mysteries of Good Templarism during the past year, and that a total of 400 members were in the district. The Rev. D. Ross, also gave a short speech ; when he was followed by Miss Macdonald, who sang “ One morning, oh so early,” which was very well rendered. Then came a song by Miss Kate Macklin, “ The Harp that once through Tara’s ball,” which was passable, and elicited applause. The duett entitled “ Great Globe Quadrille,” by Mrs Boult and Miss Crofts, was exceedingly well played on the piano. Miss Beeby rendered “ Sweet Spirit hear ray Prayer” very indifferently—it would be as well if this performer would select songs within the compass of her voice. The next performer— Miss Isabella Macdonald—was suffering from a severe cold, yetnevertheless rendered “ Jessie’s Dream ” creditably. Mr Boyne sang “The Muleteer,” which was not so well executed as he generally does his songs. Miss Crofts played a solo on the piano, and was well received. “ Merrily over the snow was given by Miss Pilgrim, who, 1 am sorry to say, did not distinctly pronounce the words. Mrs Boult, with her usual brilliant style, sang “ Evening bringeth my heart hack to thee.” The quartette “Sweet and Low,” was well received. Mr J. B. Hornsby’s name was down for the next song, but he refused to quit in an appearance ; such conduct, in my opinion, ought to bo severely censured, as it mars the pleasure and puts a damper on entertainments of this hind. Mr Leece next followed with a Temperance Speech, and was applauded. “Softly and Slowly Music should flow ” (a duet), admirably rendered by the Misses Macdonald, was considered the gem of the evening, and received loud applause. The Concert was then brought to a close by the chorus entitled “ The Joyous Reapers.” The Dramatic Performance consisted of a piece entitled “The Irish Tiger,” which was performed by the Arrowtown Amateur Dramatic Club. There was only one character in this piece well sustained, and that was “ Paddy P>yan,” which was taken by Mr J. T. M. Hornsby. A dance, under the superintendence of Mr A. Eiehardt, concluded the day’s amusement. I hear that about L3O was the sum realised from the Concert and Performance.