Fire Brigade Concert.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 145, 15 December 1894, Page 2

Fire Brigade Concert.

+„ A concert, the promoter of which was Mr C. L. Maclean, took place in the Assembly Rooms last evening in aid of ; the funds of the local Fire Brigade. There was a very fair audience, but not so large a one as the merits of the concert, and the object for which it was given, deserved. However, if not over large the audience was decidedly an appreciative one, and almost every item on the lengthy programme was encored. The opening pieces of the first and second parts of the programme were played by Mr Haybittle's string band, and these were up to the band's usual standard of excellence. " Rule Britannia" and " The Carnovale " were well given by the company, the latter going rather better than the former. Mr Maclean efficiently wielded the baton for these two pieces. Mr Treseder was in good voice, and his singing of the " Seventh Royal Fusiliers " and " Soldier Jim " met with due appreciation, both numbers being encored. The latter was responded to with " Dear, dear, is that possible " and in this the singer fairly brought down the house, and he had to twice make his reappearance. A very enjoyable number was Miss Diamond's song "La Serenata " with concertina obligate* by Mr Maclean. The vocalist gave a capital rendering of this difficult song, while Mr Maclean astonished the audience with the sweet melodious tones which he produced from his instrument, the effect of which was very pretty. As an encore the latter part of this number was repeated. The same vocalist was also recalled for her singing of "Mar* guerite," responding with "Who's that tapping at ( the garden gate." The comic element was supplied by Mr Elkington, and he was vociferously encored for the song " The Shoreditch Handicap" and "Where did you get that hat," for which he gave two more equally humorous pieces. Mr Woollams displayed considerable execution in his flute solo " Guiding Star," accompanied by Miss Giesen (piano), and his re* appearance was insisted on. Miss Ada Roe was deservedly applauded for her rendering of »' Bells of Seville " as was also Miss Lily Roe for the song " She wore a wreath of roses." One of the most enjoyable items daring the evening was the instrumental duet " Airs from Norma," by Messrs Woollams (flute) and Maclean (concertina.) The two instruments blended perfectly, and each performer had his instrument thoroughly under command. The audi. ence would not be satisfied until the pieces had been repeated. For her rendering of the "Garonne" Mrs Old* ham was heartily encored, and a repetition of the last verse was given. Mr Harmer scored a success with his songs " Brother in Arms," and " Maid of the Mill," giving as encores two Irish songs which caused much amusement. A quartette " The Three Chafers " by Messrs Simpson, Eade, Matheson, and Maclean, went swingingly, as also did another entitled " The Torpedo and the Whale," by Messrs Elkington, Simpson, Eade, and Maclean, a repetition being clamoured for. Miss Giesen played most of the accompaniments very efficiently. Other accompanists were the Misses Fry and L. Roe and Mr S, Moore. At the close of the programme Mr Eade, captain, of the Fire Brigade, called for a vote of thanks for Mr Mac lean and ail who had kindly assisted at the concert, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Maclean, on behalf of the performers, thanked the audience for their patronage, and the singing of the National Anthem closed a moat enjoyable concert.