PROMENADE CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 313, 14 January 1902, Page 2

PROMENADE CONCERT.

SEND-OFF T<) GISiRMINE BOAYLING REPRESENTATIVES.

Juduixg by the grand send-off that was given to tiic Gisborne bowling representatives last evening, great things must be expected from them at the ’ theoniing tournament, and the man* od wishes for their success that thr 111 u-eeived should be a great encourr -m to them to do their utmost to 1 ; the bannei back to Gisborne. At j In -1 tourna meat, held in Gisborne ; . . t twelve months ago, the Gisborne rir.h was successful in carrying off the champion fours compete tiom and the club are evidently in hopes of securing first honors in the inter club championship, the banner for which is at present held by Newmarket, that club having won it at Auckland two years ago. At any rate the Committee of the Bowling Club last evening allowed nothing to stand in their way in the matter of giving the team a great send-off’, and the several hundred spectators present joined in the spirit of the gathering, the function proving one of the most enjoyable that has been held in Gisborne for many a long day. The idea was first mooted by the popular Secretary, Air C. H. AV. Dixon, who, together with Air A. J. Massey, made all arrangements, working like Trojans to bring the gathering to a successful issue, and both gentlemen are to be heartily congratulated upon the success of their efforts. Tho grounds were illuminated with Chinese lanterns and flare-lights, and looked thoroughly picturesque. Seating accommodation was provided on the sward between tho two bowling greens, whilst many forms were also placed on either side of tho pavilion. An excellent concert programme was given under tho supervision of Air A. J. Alassey, opening with two selections, “ Grand March ” and " La Poupeo ” by tho Club Orchestra, whose playing was tho subject of many pleasing comments. The instrumentalists were Afessrs Foster (flute), Alassoy (first violin), Ormond (second violin), Palairet (viola), Parker (’cello), C. Adair (bass), Chrisp (cornet), Alaude (piauo). Air F. Teat gave a most successful rendering of “ Once,” and was loudly applauded. Air G. Matthowson.wlio holds the honorable position of being President of tho Northern Bowling Association, made an excellent speech, extending to the visitors a hearty welcome to tho green. Ho apologised for the absence of the President of the Club, Air AV. Pettie, who had already left for Wellington. Air Alatthewson made praiseworthy reference to tho members of the teams who were to represent Gisborne, and assured those present that if they did not command success they deserved it. (Applause.) The great gathering that evening would no doubt encourage the players to do their best, and he could assure thorn that they had the host wishes of all present for their success. (Cheers.) He hoped that they would be able to bring the Banner back to Gisborne.

Miss Bright then sang “ Home Love,” with good effect, and Air Hookey followed with “ Romany Lass,” which was sung in good style. Aliss McCredie was heard to advantage in “If all tho Stars were Aline,” and Chieftain Rangiuia received a double encore for his song. He responded with “ Killarney,” which was splendidly interpreted, the popular Gisborne vocalist being accorded a tremendous reception. The Club Orchestra played “ Gondola Dreams ” and “ Sunshine Above,” and Mr Baxendell, of Auckland, contributed “ AVhen Other Lips,” with great success. The Hon. J. Carroll gave a feeling rendering of “ The Swanoe River,” the audienco joining in the chorus. Air A. F. Kennedy told a very amusing story entitled “ Advice to Single Alen,” and being enthusiastically encored he responded with “ It’s up to the Mountain I’ll go, bo Jabers.”

Air J. A. Harding, Vice-President of the Gisborne Club, made a short speech welcoming the visitors. Ho was sure that tho representatives were being sent to AVellington with a good heart, and he expectod to see them give a good account of themselves. He was sorry Air Pettie was not with them that evening, for he would have been proud to have presided over such a large gathering, and to see so many bright and happy faces. Air Harding concluded by asking all present to partake of refreshments.

During supper the Club Orchestra contributed several selections, including “Rose of Persia,” “ AValtz,” and “ Farewell Alarch.”

Aliss Redstone gave a charming rendering of “ The Link Divine,” and as an encore piece “ Alassa’s in the Cold, Cold Ground.”

Air J. AV. Bright made an excellent speech, in the course of which he referred to the good old game of bowls in a manner that must have made all non-players envious. His remarks were attended with a good deal of humor, and the speaker was frequently applauded. He concluded his address by calling for three cheers for the Gisborne representatives, which were enthusiastically given. Captain Ferris, on behalf of the reps., acknowledge! the compliment, and specially thanked the members of the Club Orchestra and vocalists for their kindness. The proceedings terminated with the National Anthem. Tho thanks of the club are due to Alessrs C. P. Davies, T. Dalrymple, and tho Union Company for the illuminations, which served to make the grounds attractive. A word of praise is also due to the club’s caretaker, Air F. Tansley, for the manner in which he worked towards making tho gathering a success. He devoted a great deal of time and labor in getting tho grounds in order, and their condition reflected great credit upon him.

The teams leave for the South tomorrow evening, and will include the following players :—Bathain, No. 1; AVallace, No. 2; Gaudin, No. 3; Coleman, skip. Alassey, No. 1; Ferris, No. 2; AlcGowan, No. 3 ; Ponsford, skip. Ponsford, Gaudin, Coleman, AlcGowan, and Ferris represented the club at the last inter-club tournament, held in Auckland, whilst Batham, AVallace, and Alassey are first-year reps., the last-named being a player of one year’s standing.