Fire Brigade Concert.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 31, 5 August 1893, Page 2

Fire Brigade Concert.

Owing to the inclemency of the weather last evening the attendance at the Concert in aid of the Feilding Fire Brigade funds was not sogood as it doubtless would have been had the weather been more agreeable; people residing out of town deeming it advisable to remain at home, and although their decision was a wise one in one sense of the word, they nevertheless missed a treat. The programme presented was a varied one, and each item was well rendered, -being also well received, in almost every case encores being demanded. An overture by the Feilding and Colyton orchestras, combined, was the opening piece, which went very well, but owing to some of the music having gone astray several of the musicians were unfortunately unable to take their parts. Mr Reade's rendering of " Simon the Cellarer " was very good, for which he received an encore, the performer bowing his acknowledgements. The audience were delighted with Miss E. Bellve's song " Smile Kindly On Me," and insisted on her re -appearance, the last verse being repeated. This was one of the best songs of the evening. Mr Bastings was a great success with his recitation " Liberty." He threw plenty of life into his piece, and carried his audience with him all through. Miss Roe sans " Darby and Joan " in a pleasing manner, after which Mr W. H, Young delighted those present with his song " Old and New," which, be rendered in capital style. Mr Young has a powerful voice, which was heard to advantage, both in this song and his encore, " The Scotch Brigade," for which he was well applauded. Mr F. Keen was very successful in the two comic songs be sang, namely : " I've Chucked Up the Push for the Donah " and " Oh, Let it be Soon." He was encored for both songs and repeated the last verse in each case. Before the closing of the first part of the programme Mr Resile, on behalf of the members of the Fire Brigade, thanked those present for their attendance; of course they were sorry there was not a better house, bat he would mention that the concert would be repeated at a future date: After a short interval the orchestra, who had this time mustered in full force, played a Dice selection, " La De« butante," which went swingingly, and was much applauded. Captain Eade's song, "Cottage by the Sea," was well sung, and he had to make his re -appearance, singing " The British Lion." A recita* tion was next given by Mr Levoi, entitled " How we Beat the Captain's Colt," and he fully deserved the applause he received at the " finish." " Jessie's Dream " is a nice song, and it received full justice in the hands of Miss Bellve, the encore she received being most decided, to which she replied by repeating the last verse. Rather a novelty then followed, in the form of a concertina solo, played by Mr R. Someryille. This, and the subsequent pieces which he favoured the audience with, were capitally played. The imitation of the chiming of St Paul's bells in London was very good indeed, being received with applause. A comic song was next given by Mr O. Pleasants entitled " Where did you get that Hat," for which he was encored, and ho then sang " That is Love." Mr Somerville, by request, played two more pieces on the concertina " Men of Harlech " and an imitation of the bag-pipes, which were much appreciated, and if the audience had had their own way he would bare

bjb&n kept /pajTiog^ .all night. The entertainment' was, concluded by Mr Reade sinking ••Chiming JBells," wHich he rendered very well, indeed, the company joining in ;thJB; chpirtis, which had a pleasing effect. A meeting of the per. formers was held after the concert, when it was decided to put on a comic opera at an early date, the proceeds to be devoted to the Fire Brigade funds.