CONCERT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 739, 16 June 1876, Page 2

CONCERT.

On Wednesday evening last an Amateur Concert was given in the Town Hall, Clyde, in aid of the Clyde School funds, and without exception was as grand a success as was ever attained in the District. The audience, which numbered fully 250, including the children, who mustered in full strength, well filled the Hall, and presented a scene that in these dull times was a pleasure in itself—that pleasure, however, was completely eclipsed by the rendering of the programme, which taken, whether in part or the whole, was perfection. Each allotted part was performed regularly, without the slightest hitch, and the vociferous plaudits of the house, given after each song, duet, trio, or piece of music, whether sung or played, clearly demonstrated a true appreciation of the efforts to give satisfaction; this same happy feeling was apparently experienced also by the performers, who, in responding toeachencore, did so with asmile, and in rendering their part, tried to excel their former effort, thus everything passed off as happy and gaily as a peal of marriage bells. If there was one who did not enjoy himself we pronounce him a misanthrope : we enjoyed ourselves, and we think we can safely say so did everybody else, and the only regret that could possibly have been, was that the pleasure was so short lived, We do not wish to be invidious, in fact it would be difficult to point out one who performed her or his part with more good taste than the other, yet gallantry compels us, not to flatter, but to say that Miss Hastie fairly excelled herself, and honestly merited the expression of approbation that rewarded her for each of her songs. Miss Hastie has a sweet, clear voice of good compass, and we can but hope that we shall asain and again enjoy a similar pleasure she afforded us on Wednesday evening. The arrangement of the programme was most creditable to the Managing Committee, who did their duty well. Before concluding this notice, we must give great praise to the Clyde Brass Band, which, under the leadership of Mr Nettlefold, ably assisted by Mr J. Martin, band-master of the Naseby Brass Band, played the opening overtures, and after the Concert, supplied the music for a dance, to which about 30 couples remained, and which was kept up till about 3, a,in.

The first part of the programme opened with an overture by the Brass Band ; followed by the quartette “Come o’er the Brook,” by the Misses Hastie and Miller, and Messrs Hill and Stevens- The next was “Little Nell,” by Mr W. G. Rees, who gave as an encore a comic song dilating on the troubles of an old lady suffering from rheumatics. Miss Hastie then sang “Scenes that are brightest,” responding by repeating the last verse. Mr Gordon played a pianoforte solo in a masterly manner ; when the audience was treated to a trio by Messrs Hill, Button, and Stevens. Mr Hall came next, and sang “ Madeline,” and to an encore, “To the West. ’ A solo on the Violin by Mr Ward, accompanied by Mr Harvey on the Piano, elicited an outburst of applause ; this was followed by a well rendered song, “ The Anchor’s Weighed,” by Mr Austin, and to an encore, “ Beloved Eye,’ both these songs displayed the fine voice of the singer, and were deservedly applauded. Dr Button sang “Speed on my Bark,” whose pleasing voice demanded an encore, and he gave, to his own accompaniment, “Sicilian Maid.” The quartette, “Soft Music is Stealing,” by the Misses Hastie and Miller, and Messrs Hill and Stevens, concluded the hrst part of the programme. After an interval of ten minutes, the second part was opened with an overture by ti e Brass Band, wdiich was followed in quick succession by the following : Quartette, “Those Evening Bella,” by the Misses Hastie and Miller, and Messrs Hill and Stevens. “Old Sarah Walker,” in character, by Mr Austin, which fai ly convulsed the house, an I to an encore “We meet Again.” Mr Stevens. “ Will 0’ the Wisp j" Pianoforte Solo by Mr Gordon. _ The “ Murmur of the Shell ” by Miss Hastie, and as an encore, “ Yesterday.” Mr Rees,' “ Keep your powder dry," and to a call, “Sarah Sikes. Messrs Ward and Harvey, soloand accompaniment, violin and piano A duet, “ Larboard Watch,” by Messrs Hill and Stevens; concluding with a trio, “ When shall we three meet again," by the Misses Hastie, Miller, and Mr Stevens. Mr James Hazlett, Chairman of the School Committee, then mounted the stage, and after thanking the numerous audience for their attendance, returned thanks to the ladies and gentlemen for affording one and all so pleasurable an evening’s amusement. He said the call had been in aid of education, and had been handsomely responded to ; he thought, independently of the cause, full value had been given for the money. The Band then nlayed the IS ational Anthem ; after which the h’a'l was quickly cleared of the seats, and dancing commenced.

Mrs Stevens, in her usual able manner, accompanied the singers on the piano.