HOSPITAL CONCERT AT BLACKS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 939, 16 April 1880, Page 3

HOSPITAL CONCERT AT BLACKS.

Hie third and last concert for the benefit of the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital, was held at Ophir on Thursday, flic loth instant, and wo can safely say that the people of the Golden Village never hj id a creator treat. From the beginning to the cud the performers never flagged, and the interest so increased as time Hew past, as to raise the enthusiasm of the audience almost to fever heat. Mdllc. Mnrielle— a host in herself --was at her very best, and very ably was she seconded by the ladies and gentlemen who assisted. The performance commenced with “ Box and Cox.” in which the part of the excitable hatter was, as before, taken by Mr Pyke, and that of the gentle printer by Dr Sleeinin—.Mdllc. Murielle being of course Mrs Bouncer. Wo have often seen the farce acted by profes sionals, but never saw it better, and seldom so well played. Box and Cox were both letter perfect, ami their gagging was in very good form ; and throughout - they played with a most unusual degree of vivacity, as also did the Bouncer of the evening, keeping the audience in roars of laughter from the beginning to the end. The musical portion of the entertainment was a great treat. Miss O'Brien presided at the piano (kindly lent for the occasion by Mrs Mellor, of Tinkers), and to those who have had the pleasure of listening to that Lady, it will be unnecessary to »ay that her playing was simply perfection. Mr E, Campbell assisted with his violin—that instrument of which he is such a consummate master—and those twain opened witn a galop magnificently executed. Mr Ilindmarsh, the Government Insurance agent, gave a reading—the Tiial Scene from Pickwick—delivered with great humour and excellent eff ct. Then Mdllc. Murielle "electrified the audience with her clear sweet voice in “ Under the Lime-trees by the River,” and being (of course) encored gave the dainty little ballad “ WVd Better Bide a Wee.” Mrs Leahy sang “When the Swallows Homeward Fly” in a- very pleasing mellow voice, and was deservedly applauded. A concerted piece on the piano and violin, by Messrs Macgeorgo and Campbell, concluded this part of the business, and then the drop-scene rose to “H.M.S. Pinafore,” with Mr Vincent Pyke as “The First Lord ’ surrounded by “ids sisters, his cousins, and his aunts.” His song— “ When 1 was a Lad I Served a Term,” was rapturously encored and ho had to sing it again. Next came the trio - “ Mover Mind the Why or Wherefore,” with Mdllc. Murielle as Josephine, Mr Pyke as Sir Joseph Porter, and Mr Macgeorgo as Captain Corcoran. Each and all sang well, and Mr Pyke looked and acted his part peifectly. To compliment Mdllc. Murielle is superfluous, hut we must award great praise to Mr Macgeorge, who possesses a voice of great power and sweetness This gentleman next gave—“l am the Capta(n of the Pinafore ” in a very masterly style.' Here a word must bd said oT the' choruses, which were rendered in a most correct and effective manner. The third and last portion of the programme -was :oommeuced by Mdllc. Murielle with “ Let mo

dream again,” followed by the “Land of the Leal”—this latter was so touchingly and pathetically rendered as to draw tears from the eyes of some of those present, and it was a relief when Mr Macgeorge again appeared on the platform and sang in a fine tenor “OhlOh,! hoar the wild winds blow.” This was intended as a finale, but Mr Pitches kindly went on the platform to move a vote of thanks to the performers, calling for tin ■co cheers which were roundly given. Mr Pyke responded on behalf of the Company, and in acknowledging the battering reception which they hal received ; he announced that by their efforts they would be enabled to relieve the Hospital from the burden of debt hanging upon it, and reminded them in addition to a nights amusement, they had assisted suffering humanity. He was about to retire when a cry was raised for “The wearing of the green,” and in response Mr Pyke at once came forward and sang it with considerable fire and energy, the audience joining in the chorus in masse. Finally “ Cod save the Queen” was given by tbo full force of the company, and one of the most enjoyable evenings ever spent in Ophir, came to a close. We should a Id that notwithstanding the rain and the darkness of the night the room was well filled, nearly a hundred persons being present.