CONCERT AND DANCE AT ORMOND

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 206, 6 September 1901, Page 2

CONCERT AND DANCE AT ORMOND

AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING.

The promoters of tho concert and dance given last evening in the Ormond Hall in aid of tho Roman Catholic Church have good reason to congratulate themselves on the full measure of success achieved, tho gathering being pronounced by all present as being the most enjoyable held in tho district for some time past. The hall was charmingly decorated with tree ferns, karaka branches and arum lilies, and presented a most pleasing appearance. Special attention was devoted to the stage, which was prettily arranged. Tho decorations were carried out under the supervision of Messrs Parsons and McMillan, and reflected great credit upon those gentlemen. Tho attendance at the concert was quite up to expectations, the hall being crowded to the doors, whilst the majority of those present remained to the dance. The concert programme was in the hands of Miss Neill, of Gisborne, and a choice selection of vocal and instrumental music was given, the performers being chiefly from town. Tho proceedings opened with an instrumental duet, “Huntsman’s Chorus,” played by Misses N. Buchanan and Roach (violins), Miss Neill (piano), and Mr Dillon, of Auckland (Marionette), the item being received with considerable applause. Mr W. J. Foreman sang “ The Last Muster,”

and although suffering from a cold, ho gave a splendid interpretation of the number, an encore being demanded. Later in the evening he gave a spirited rendering of “ My Bonnie Barque.” Miss Buchanan won the hearts of those present with her rendering of “ The Boers have got my Daddy,” and “ Melons,” each number being received with storms of applause, and an cnooro insisted upon. Mr P. Doyle made a reputation for himself in the comic number, “ Maloney’s MotorCar,” which was enthusiastically encored, and he was also eminently successful in his song, 11 My Father’s Legacy,” which caused groat amusement. Mr Dillon gave a clarionetto selection, which was much appreciated. “The Kerry Dance” was tastefully sung by Miss McGuirk, who als-> contributed “ Ivillarney ” in a most pleasing manner. Mr Phil Sheridan created a most favorable impression with his two comic recitations, and Mr Bllcrbeck gained the hearty plaudits of the audience by his rendering of “ The Deathless Army.” Mr Kiwi sang “ The Admiral's Broom ” and “ Won't you take me back to Dipie.” The success of the first song was somewhat marred owing to the singer forgetting his words, but his second number was free from this defect, and was much enjoyed. Two instrumental selections, “Danse Antique Narcissus” and “ Myreene’s Waltzes,” were given by Misses Buchanan, Roach, Neill, and Mr Dillon. The accompaniments were capably played by Miss Neill. At the conclusion of the concert the visitors from Gisborne were entertained by Mr and Mrs C. Neenan, of the Ormond Hotel. A splendid , supper was laid in the dining-room of the j hotel, and the good things provided were done full justice to, Mr and Mrs Neenan being untiring in their efforts to promote the comfort of their guests. The supper table was prettily decorated with bunches of violets and snowdrops, and was greatly admired by the visitors. ' The dance, as previously stated, was very largely attended, the number of gentlemen present being slightly in excess of the number of ladies, which perhaps is a good feature at a dance. Mr A. McKenzie undertook the duties of Master of Ceremonies, and proved the right mail for the position, whilst the music, under the control of Miss Neill, left nothing to be desired on that score. \

The supper at the dance was in the hands of the ladies of the district, and an excellent spread was provided. The Rev. [ Father O'Connor was present for the gieater part of the evening, and before leaving for Gisborne expressed his indebtedness to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted towards making the concert such a success. The thanks of the residents aVe also due to Messrs Neenan, Parsons, McMillan, and Bros- j nahan for the services they rendered in connection with the gathering.