NICOLAS RELIEF FUND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1818, 26 July 1906, Page 3

NICOLAS RELIEF FUND.

CITY BAND CONCERT. The concert given last evening in His Majesty's Theatre by the City Band in aid of the Nicolas Relief Fund, attracted a large audience, the seating accommodation of the building being taxed to the utmost, whilst many had to bo content with standing room only. A splendid programme was submitted, and every item was encored. Chief interest attached to the reappearance in Gisborne of Miss Madolie Knight, of Auckland, and needless to say that young lady received a most enthusiastic reception.

*A Soug of Thanksgiving" was Miss Knight's opening number, and waa ren* dried in a moat oharmlrg manner, the singor being greeted with n eloim of appltmao at the olasp, and responding with " Happy Song.’ - In tho second half of the programme Mias Knight tiu'y delighted her oudionoo with “ Sunshine and Rain,” whioh was oxquisiloly treated, tho young lady's llox bio aiezzo-oontrelto voice being board to tho utmost ndvnntngo. As an onooro ” Silvor Ring ” was swoitly rendered. Miss Rodstone, who was sooorded a very boarty rooeption, sang “ A World’s Sorouado ” in a most ohai ruing manner, and in response to an imperative enooro sang "Japanoso Lullaby” with plcasiug effect. Ur Hooton, of Auckland, wado a most pleasing impression with h a rendering of "My Mary,” a very pret y sing with a very pretty meaning. As an enooro Mr Hooten sang “ Song of 8!oep,” which was splendidly given. Mr H. J. Browoleo was awarded an encore for his song, ” Long Ago in A'oalu," and Mr W. 1 J. Mac Gibbon gavo a spirited rendering of "The Bandolero.” Mr Lundon fair'y brrught tho home down with t! e humorous song, ” I'ui Ibo P umber,” for wbioh bo reoeivod a dooblo enoorr. Tho violin duel, “Ava Maria," contributed by Miss Booih and Mr Massey, was 000 (of tho best items of tbo programme, and well doservod tho ocooro wbioh it received. The High Sohool pop'ls did their Bbsro towards tbo succoss of tho ooncort. Twelve of their numbor, eix boys and six girls, gavo a oomio sketch, " The Girls and tho Ducks,” whioh was olovorly worked out, whilst tbo High Sohool girls gave a splendid Indian Club display. Tho High Sohool oadots also poif.rmod rifle drill in a most tflioenb manner. Tho throo items by lbo pupils woro enoored to tbe echo. Tbo brass quartette was given by Messrs F. Pickford, R. Douglas, E Spurdlo and W. Kennedy, and was very warmly applauded. Tho Gisborne Club orchestra played 11 Tbo Sultan’s Dream ” and i "Orohid,” tho latter solec ion osptcia'ly boiDg greatly appreciated, and earning for tho conductor (Mr Foster) muoh praiso. The accompaniments were played by Mesdamrs Hooper and Brownleo end Mr Massryina most oilioienl manner. Mr Massey is deserving of speoial mention for the part he took in the promotion of the concert, tbo unqualified succoss of whioh was in a great measure duo to his personal cffjrts. At the oloso His Worship the Mayor returned thoDks to tbo andieoos for their atteodanoo and to the City Band for ghing up what was to bavo bron their own oonoert in so deserving a oausa. Tbo Mayor announced that the Rice Dramatic Company would give an on'ertainment cn tbo fol'owicg Monday for the Nioolas | fund, nnd the City Band would hive anothor oonoert later on to aid thoir own funds, and he hoped to seo both greeted with crowded houses. Io conclusion Mr Townley said that he could give no details in refereooo to tho condition of the family, but be oouid assuro the audience that it would take all they could get to give them a start in life. They should endeavor to givo them tho beet start thoy could from tbeir great loss. The piano used at last evening’d oou cert was kiDdly lent by Messrs Ohrisp and Son.