Wesleyan Tea and Concert.

Hastings Standard, Issue 129, 24 September 1896, Page 2

Wesleyan Tea and Concert.

This pleasant annual re-union which was held last evening, resulted in one of the happiest of a series of these yearly gatherings. The ladies of Dr. Hosking's congregation threw themselves heart and soul into the work of organisation, and when women take things seriously in hand there can only be one result—unequivocal success. A large number sat down to the ample refreshments provided by the ladies in the Salvation Barracks, and the animated chatter of conversation, interspersed by rippling laughter, told more plainly than words how spontaneous was the enjoyment. The following ladies were most energetic in their efforts to see that no one was neglected:—Misses Whitehead, Catherall, Parsons, Cox and Hosking ; and Mesdames Catherall, Hosking, Parsons, Siddle, G. Sands, Collier and Hislop ; and the scrupulous attention which they devoted to the guests contributed in no small degree to the success of the Social.

After full justice had been done to the refreshments the company adjourned to the church, where a most attractive programme of vocal and instrumental music was submitted. Through the evening the choir sang four choruses with admirable effect, the voices being well balanced and their musical training reflecting great credit upon their conductor, Mr Garnett. A pianoforte duet by the Misses Stevens and Foreman was rendered in a very artistic manner and elieted loud applause. Miss James, a young lady making her debut in the singing world, sang " Lorely " with ease and expression. Miss Stevens, an old and warm favorite with Hastings audiences, appeared in the song, " Far from my heavenly home," which was rendered with a simple, unaffected earnestness that went straight to the hearts of the audience. Miss Menzies' violin solo (selections from "111 Trovatore") was a masterly interpretation, .and in response to an imperative encore the young: lady repeated theselection. " The Englishman," by Mr G. W. Darvall, evoked enthusiastic applause. The voices of Mrs Heighway (soprano) and Miss Tressider (alto) blended sweetly in the duet " Pulaski's Banner*" and they were followed on the programme by Mr Goldsmith, whose song, " Queen of the Earth," was greeted with thunders of applause ; an encore being demanded he sang, " Four Jolly Smiths." Miss Eva Tressider, a young singer, gives great promise of a capable voice, judging by her rendering of " Dear Home." A soprano solo, " The Blind Girl" to her Harp," by Mrs Heighway, sung in a finished styltf by that lady, brought the programme to a close. The Misses Stevens and Tressider presided at the piano. After the concert addresses were delievered by Dr Hosking, Adjutant Drew, and the Rev. A. S. Morrison, M.A., when a cordial vote of thanks to the ladies and others who assisted in bringing the social to such a successful issue brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.