BENEFIT CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 281, 6 December 1901, Page 3

BENEFIT CONCERT.

“ A mplkxdid programme, capitally given, and a full house,” may well be the sum-ming-up of the concert given last night in aid of the young man to whom the deepest sympathy is extended in tin? affliction that has befallen him. The programme was largo, and every item was good. If fault could be found it would be that there wan too extensive a programme for the time that might fairly he allowed. In addition to selections outsido the hall by the Gisborne Rifles Band (under Mr McKillop), there were eighteen numbers

set down, five being orchestral items; indeed, the pieces played by the member* of the Orchestral Society, with the ’cello quartette, also by members of the Society, would in themselves have constituted a really good concert. The orchestra was of course under the conductorship of Mr G. W. Pulairet, the leader being Mr A. J. Massey. The overture was that grand descriptive piece by Balfe, entitled “ The Siege of‘ Rochelle.” The other selections by tho orchestra were the idyll “Petit Heine” (Bearaud), “Pique Dame” (Suppe), and concluding with the fantasia “ Robert le Diablo,” all of which had been so popular at the concert last week, and which again were most successfully given. Ry their bright selections of music, so well played, the Orchestral Society is no doubt doing good in educating the musical taste of the people. The first vocalist was tho well-known favorite, Miss O’Connor, who is amongst us again after her recent trip to tho Old Country. Miss O'Connor was evidently very nervous at first, hut it

did not mar tho sweetness of her singing of the bonnie Scotch ballad “ Annie Laurio,” for which she was enthusiastically applauded. There was a notice on the programme asking that owing to the length of it the audienco should not persist in demanding an eneoro. “ Had wo but known” was pleasingly sung by Mr W.E. Taylor, who has a fine voice. Miss M. Falconar was given an enthusiastic recep-

tion on appearing to sing, her first number being the pathetic “Douglas Gordon.” In taking this song Miss Falconar gave an opportunity to make comparisons betweon her voieo and that of the lady whom Gisbornites proudly claim as one of themselves, Mrs Howie, who has won fatno far afield for bor rich contralto. Of course wo cannot admit that there is any superseding of tho lady who had last previously sung “Douglas Gordon” in the Theatre, but there was no doubt that Miss Falconar achieved a great success. The injunction not to encore was cast aside, and tho lady was enthusiastically recalled, and had to bow hor acknowledgements more than once. Later on, Miss Falconar sang “Three

Wishes,” in which she was again heard to advantage, though “ Douglas Gordon ” was no doubt the popular choice. A choice musical item was the ’cello quartette, “Andante Religioso,” by Messrs H. D. Parker, E. Parnell, A. W. Adair, and H. Parker. In keeping with tho tinge of sadness running through most of the vocal items, Mr W. J. Barlow sang “ The Toilers,” a song that"would be difficult to many, but was taken with case by Mr Barlow, whose rich and clear tenor voice ensured that full justice would bo dono to the song. The audience refused to he put off in their enthusiastic clamor for an encore, and Mr Barlow had to respond, giving “ Remember Me.” Miss F. Rodstone not being able to take part in the duet set down on the programme, Mr Buckingham gavo the solo sot down for the second part, “ The Deathless Army,”

which ho sang in splendid voice. In response to a most enthusiastic encore he gavo “ True till Death,” which was also sung as only a well-trained and gifted vocalist could sing it. A novelty on a Gisborne platform was the Maori chant given by the students of Te Rau College, whose voices blend well and aro very melodious. For an encore a playful chorus was given, and was also very popular. “ Home Love ” was the song chosen by Miss Gray, and was very sweetly given and much applauded. Mr J. East sang “ The Arab’s Farewell ” in a way that was delightful to all lovers of really good singing, and the singer was warmly applauded. A hearty welcome was extended to Mrs N. Hooper, who recited that fine piece by Bret Harte “ Tho Idyll of Battle Hollow.” The young lady is an elocutionist of high merit, and an accomplished drawing room entertainer. The humor and the dramatic effort of tho piece wore

given with charming effect, and the recitation was very much appreciated. A very hearty recall had to be responded to by the bowing of acknowledgements. Mr F. Test gave the seriohumorous song “ To-Morrow Will be Friday,” and so well did he sing the tale of woe of tho fishless monks that he had to reappear, when he sang “Goodbye.” The last vocal item was that of Miss Heaney, who is always a favorite. That young lady sang “ I Trust Thee Still,” and received much well-merited applause. The accompanists during the evening were Misses Frances Butt and Gray and Messrs E. Chrisp and C. East. The stage was very nicely decorated for the occasion.