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Dunstan Times, Issue 811, 2 November 1877, Page 3

Ladies and Gentlemen I The framers uf the programme fer this evening’s amus !• ment have thought proper to put for tho next part, "The Chairman’s Address.” Having the honor of presiding over the deliberations of the School Committee, those Oen’leinen have now consigned to rne the honor of addi casing you on this occasion. It is unfortunate both for the Committee and myself that tho task has not fallen to better or a’der hands, for 1 am well assured I shall but poorly express either the Committee’s sentiments or my own —Ladies and Gentlemen : It is highly gratifying to tho School Committee, and gives them very great pleasure ii meeting you here this evening, on this tho occasion, as you are well aware, of their -celebrating the event of opening for public utility this building, which-will he henceforth used as a public School, It is not necessary that I should say much as regards the building, it is here hi fore,you all and speaks for itself. 'The great object of the Committee throughout was to provide a good plain substantial r n omy building--a building that would meet the requirements of the district for School accommodation for many years to come, ami on those-points they flatter themselves they have well succeeded. The building as you can see is a plain one, no money has been spent by us in -useless ornamental f“orks in dr around it. Tho aim of the V. -hni’ttee was comfort and accommodation before a dazzling appearance, and it was incumbent on the Committee while carrying out their original purpose to exercise the utmost economy,-seeing the great strain they would require to bring on a small community like ours to make up the share of the cost that falls on them. The cost of the building, as it. now stands, is about L33'i, and we do not think we are paying too much for what wo have received. To that amount will yet have to he added about LG“ or L7O for desks, fittings, &c.— Of tho former sum, the Education Board contribute one half, and we have been promised two-thirds of the latter—tho remaining half and one-third respectively have to be raised by the Committee, cither by public subscription or any - other means they may devise to excite charity. This amount is a considerable item, as [ before said, in our small community. —Ladies and Gentlemen One means of adding to their finances, the Committee now embrace by their now inviting vou here on this occasion, and whilst you supply us with some of the welcome needful, we, in return, have been at no mall i aics in providing for your enjoym -nt this evening. We have been fortunate in getting the assistance, of what we an sure of being the very best musical talent, both instrumental and vocal, that the district supplies. The Committee are truly grateful for the hearty response they have received to their calls for assistance on that score —Ladies and gentlemen :—This is a re 1 letter day for your School Committee—we are extremely prou-1 to he able to hand over for public use this commodious building, and on this the occasion of celebrating the event of onr doing so. We are equally proud to de able to present to you sn large a number of gentlemen of noted talent and ability who have kindly placid their services at onr disposal this evening, and we acknow ledge the deep obligation we owe both to the members of the Band, and al! the other gentlemen who are here to give their services, and this feeling is enhanced, when we consider th° distance the mojoi-ity has had to come, no doubt causing considerable inconvenience to themselves. Ladies and gentlemen.—They are voluntarily doing this kindness for the double o’ j-. ct of adding to the funds of the School, and contributing to your enjoyment this evening. Your presence here gives evidence of the success of their first object, and the latter is quite safe in their hands. —ladies and gentlemen:—! will detain you no longer, the Band has already introduced themselvis by the brilliant manner they have just performed that excellent piece of music in your hearing, and of them I need not say more. The Committee have great pleasure in introducing to you all the other gentlemen, whose names appear rn tho programme, and to which we have to add die -names of Dr Button and Mi M ‘George, who are also kindly to oblige, but were inadvertently omitted in the programme. I will now cal! on Mr M’Connochie, being first on the list, for his song,—“He’s a Cronie of mine.” Mr M’Connnchio sang in most excellent voice and with true Highland intonation, " He’s a crony of mine.” Mr Adam Holland folio we 1 with “ England for ms,” aceompanving himself on the pianoforte. Mr J. N. Simraonds, in character, and accompanied by Dt Felthani, then sang “Thousand complaints. The violin snlo, “ The Harp that once through Tara.s Hall,” by Mr E. Campbell was received with rapturous applause, and in answer to an encore, gave “ The Blue Bells of Scotland.” Mr B. Williams, with “Dat leoMe German Baud ” was warmly applauded, and to an encore gave another piece of drollery inimitably, and fairly brought down the house. Mr f. Simpson sang “ Kathleen Mavonrnecn," and Dr Feltham, “ Tom Bowling ” af er which, Mr Pyle sang “Ten thousand ililt a away ” in a most masterly manner, and as an encore, “ Leaning on the Veranda.” this gentleman sings with great taste and judgment, and the applause that was awarded him, was both genuine and Well deserve 1. Mr W. G. Rios than followed with “ Man the Life Boat,” and to fn encore gave a comic gem. Mr A. Rol.and kindly accompanied tho foregoing. Dr. Bnt.on and Mr M'George, though not on tho programme, were called upon, and each, Mo tnparying themselves, sang some most acceptable songs. Tho duet “ Sub campo della Gloria," which demanded an encore, by Messrs Holland, brought (be first part T, f a well arranged, and still tatter conducted, programme to a close. After a * !ln rt interval the second part of the proTrarntne Was gone on with. Tlie singe -a -nd performers, however, with the addition

i f Mr Vi'. R,oherts'iu and Mr Sams, being tin sain .vi i i the first part, and as every pie,:e was sang with equal success, wo wi 1 not enumerate them vithou fear of being accused of undue flattery, we must mention tho violin performances, in the first instance Messrs Campbell and Pvlo with a duet; and secondly, Mr Campbell with tho sJo “Auhl Robin Orav both were masterpieces, and tho vociferous applause that followed shewed dearly they were thoroughly appreciated. The Concert over and the forms e’eared away, the floor was quickly occupied by tho dancers who, to the strains of tho Clyde Brass Band, tripped it right merrily till long past daylight when a general break up took place. Tho-whole of tho arrangements for the comfort of tho visitors were perfect, and reflect great credit on the Committee of Management. Mr T. Webb performed bis part as decorator and caterer successfully giving every satisfaction. The Clyde Brass, under tho leadership of Mr Henry Settle fold, deserve more than a passing mention ; by reqlicit we desire to convey to them the thanks of the Committee and of many of the visitors, for tho part they took in tho enj iyra»nt of the evening ; and also to Mr Wm. Robertson, for his valuable-services aa M.C,