Rugby Union Concert.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 297, 25 April 1894, Page 2

Rugby Union Concert.

The committee who have had the working up of the above concert must have telt gratified at the large audience which was present in the Assembly Kooms last evening, and also with the appreciative manner in which the concert, as a whole, was received. Although tbe weather was decidedly unfavorable, this did not deter lovers of music from braving the elements, and they were amply rewarded for any inconveniences they may have met with in reaching the ball. The committee deserve a word of praise for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out, and also for; the tasteful way in which tbey had decorated the stage with evergreens, flags, flowers, ferns, etc. The colours of the Feilding Football Club were noticeable in a couple ot banners hung on either side of the hall. The first and second parts of the programme were commenced by overtures capitally played by Mr Haybittle's string band, Mr Meadows, with violin, assisting. Tbis was followed, in the first part, by Mr Matheson singing " First in the Field," in good style, for which he was well applauded. One of the most enjoyable items on the programme was the duet, " Life's Dream is O'er," tastefully rendered by Miss Battle and Mr Meadows, Miss Battle is an accomplished singer, possessing a powerful voice, which she knows how to use, and in addition she assumes a nice posture while on tbe stage. Mr Meadows has a fine baritone voice, with a wonderful compass, and it was a treat to listen to bis singing. An imperative encore followed the duet, the vocalists acknowledging with a bow. Mrs Dickson was successful with her rendering of that pretty song " Remember me no more," but she was heard, perhaps, to greater ad van tage in "Tbe Romany Lass," which she sang very sweetly. Both songs were encored, the audience, however, having to be satisfied with bows. A piano solo capitally played by Dr Sorley was the next item, Mrs Oldham following with that beautiful song "La Serenata" (with violin obligate by Mr Bagnall). Mrs Oldham's singing at once found favor with tbe audience, who, although tbe singer bowed her acknowledge* ments to a decided encore, clamoured for something more, and were at last successful in obtaining a repetition of tho last verse. The obligate played by Mr Bagnall added in no small degree to the success of the piece. A comic song, entitled " When? You Come to Think of it," given "^ry Mr Lawrence, was very amusing, likewise was the song " Martha," sung by the same gentleman later on in the evening. A male quartette " The Chafers " (without accompaniment) was happily given by Messrs Greenwood, Matheson, Simpson, and Eade, and it proved a very enjoyable number. Another quartette, '• Towers the Lofty Battlements Crowning," rendered by the same gentlemen, was in noway behind tbe first. The Rev. Innes-Jones received considerable applause for his capital singing of "The Pedlar," while Mrs Oldham scored another success with her song " Call Me Back." Tbe audience called her back, but only to receive a bow. A duet " Peace and War " was capitally giveu by Messrs Matheson and Simpson, both vocalists sang well, Mr Matbeson particularly being heard to advantage. " White Wings 1 ' is a well-known song, but coming from. Miss Battle it was comparatively new, it being, in fact, one of the most acceptable numbers on the programme. In response to a vociferous encore the songster gave ''No Sir," prolonged applause following the vocalist. That grand song " Queen of the Earth," afforded Mr Meadows ample room for exercising his powerful voice, aud it was a treat indeed to listen to him. Thoroughly under command, his every note was distinctly heard all over the hall, and what was of more importance, every note was faultless. His reappearance was insisted on, the last verse being repeated. Mr H. W. Haybittle, whose name4Nraa on the programme for a recitation, was unable to give it, as he was suffering severely from the effects of "la grippe." Tha various accompaniments during the evening were efficiently played by Mrs Macarthur, Miss McKenzie Mr Meadows and Dr Sorley. Amongst the audi, ence one thing was noticeable, and that was the absence of many of our local footballers. Considering the fact that the concert was given as a benefit to the Union, in which the Feilding Ciub of course is interested, the least they could have done was to have supported it.