THE LATE HOSPITAL CONCERTS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1227, 4 September 1885, Page 3

THE LATE HOSPITAL CONCERTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir—l have waited• patiently to see if your Ophir correspondent would pea a few lines wi hj regard to the concert lately given by the Good Templars of this part of the but seeing no report 1 have taken up thnrtUi'y, and it is a very happy one to undertake, You are no doubt aware that on August 21st a combined concert and ball was gis en by the three Lodges of Good Templars in and around this district as a benefit to the Dunstan District Hospital, and I must say that the public responded to the call in a very hearty and generous manner, the schoolhouse being crowded. I might call it a representative affair, for from Clyde to Becks, and from-Devonshire to Ida Valley, people came of every social condition. The committee of management must feel gratified at the' result of their labours, and undoubtedly proves that the public will by their presence and patronage support any good and benevolent object, and gives a committee heart and vigor in working up such an affair, knowing that the people will back them in their good efforts. We certainly were blest with a good, night, which materially helped to make the affair so successful. I think that a yearly combined benefit of the whole district could be given, so that all parts of the place could join and make it a big on?—I mean as a Hospital benefit). lam certainly sure that by doing so we wul be putting our hospital in a better position, and enable it to carry out its duties in a more satisfactory manner, and instead of being on the wrong side it would tie the reverse. 1 D ,i a ht say that the Hospital Committee should feel gratified at the result of the two concerts given here and at Tinkers, and I trust will help them in their work. With regard to the concert itself 1 have to write in a very flattering manner. I will not particularise anything or anybody, but simply state that one and all did thoir best, and made it go smoothly throughout. I will, however, say this : That the Templars ought to he proud that they have such good friends who are always willing to help them with their very valuable assistance, and we cannot help but being thankful to the ladies who came from a coi siderable distance to lend us their very kindly assistance. The chair was taken by Bro. G. M ‘Neil, a member of the Golden Stream Lodge. Alexandra, and the G.L.R. of the Vincent District, who in a few pithy remarks opened the business of the evening Afc the close of the -concert Bro Farrell, W C.T., of the Pride of the Valley Lodge, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and -gentlemen who assisted at the concert. The room was then cleared for and tinder the able management of Mr J Ryan, of Ophir, and Mr W, Dundas, ■of Ida Valley, who acted as M.C.’s, kept the people going with unabated vig-ir till «6 o’clock m-xt morning, when all dispersed to their homes 1 trust quite satisfied with •their night’s amusement. I cannot close this report without tendering the heartiest thanks of the Committee to the Sister Templar for her invaluable service* at the refreshment room. I mi 'ht s'-ite that the proceeds amounted -to L 27 6s 61, and the expenssa to l.t) 15s >6l, leaving a balance of Li 7Us in favor of ■the benefit.—l am, etc , Matthew Farrell.

Da Valley, August 31st, 1885. [Since the above was in type, wo have T-ceived a detailed balance sheet, which shews that the balance in hand was LlB, avhi r h sum we are authorised to acknowledge wilh thanks. —Hu. D.T ]

TO THE EDITOR Pir— Bom® one of the crowd at the Good Templar's concert and ball at Ophir on the 121st August, and seeing the great success that it was, 1 think it nothing but right that a word of praise should he accorded to Mr M. Farrell and Mrs Fitzgerald for the able manner that they carried out tire arrangements, lam led to believe that Mr Farrell was the originator of the concert, and seeing how ably he carried it out, a nearty vote of thanks should be accorded bim, and 1 trust that he will bo satisfied with his labors. —I am, &e„ One of the Crowd.