CATHOLIC CONCERT AT LEVIN.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 May 1910, Page 2

CATHOLIC CONCERT AT LEVIN.

« • IN AID OF THIS CONVENT. A IUG SUCCESS. Last evening at Levin Town Ha] 1 tlio an 11 U4ii concert ia nid oi' tho co'inont unci general I'uiul took place. This annual concert is always looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation, and on. this occasion the function was ono of the 'most successlul over held in Uie history _<jf the local Catliolio Church. This is saying a good deal, because, without making invidious distinctions, it is generally held that the Oaitholiv concert is the chief musical eve,nit of tlio year in Levin. For some time past a committee, with the Rev. Fa,tlier Cognet as chairman, had beiMi hard at .work arrangthe various details in connection with the concert, and its members aro to be heartily congratulated on the result oi their efforts. Fa,tlier Cognet'.s coadjutors were Messrs Han,nan. MeLeavey, J. R. McDonald, H. C. Jones (who proved an energetic secretary), J. O'Donohue, C. Williams, P. Harper and R. McDonald. The outcome of 'tiliteir combined efforts and the publicity given the event through the advertising columns of the press, resulted in a record attendance, tlio Town Hall being literally besieged. To the church itself the result will be .most- gratifying, as a. very valuable addition to its funds will accrue. Mr J. Phillips kindly acted as .stage manager, and to his tact and capacity innc.li of the success of the proceedings was due, a fact that was haippilv mentioned by Father Cognet in liis appropriate little, spec-eh. The programme was a diversified one, and Itho audience showed its appreciation by repeatedly applauding, and demanding encores. It commenced with tho overture "Empire Walitz," by Mr Kearsley's String Hand, consisting of Mr Glackin, Mrs Fairs, Mr G. Retter and Mi' Kearsley. Tlio pioco -was played with commendable precision', ind elicited loud applause. Mr Flanagan followed with the overpopular "The Holy City," and, in response to repeated calls, gave an encore. Mr Byron Brown himself to be a reciter of proved. himself to bo a re•i.tvr of no mean merit. \s a matter of facft, his enunciation was faultless in a recitation of heroism on the sea, and. when ho retired ho was cheered to the echo. .Irs L ..ill, who is always so popu'ar at concerts, was unable to sing •wing to a severe cold. Mrs Woodward .sang "Vanity Fair" with sweetness and effect, and the lmlienee, whii.-h was .enthusiastic, leniaiidod mm encore, which Mrs Woodward complied with. An Irish jig by Mr .J. Curra.n took the tratli■ring by .storm, and lie was obliged o give' an encore. "The Star of 'vetli'.eheni." always a favourite at ithor secular or religious concerts, .vas rendered by Mr Mot ter.shead vitili great effect. One of the at n res of the evening was the. exhibition of whittling by Mr Borneo "'•mlener. of AYcllington. He gave 'The blocking Bird." and. as an •ncore "Never More." Mr Gardener ".-r.ived an ovation, and, when he .•i«its England in two years time ho should make a name for himself, of only in London but in the •nirthern Provinces, where whisti: i g is not only extremely popular, int: is the subject of manv competiions. "Mi<;s Segriof's interpretaion of " Kathleen Mavourneen " /."is exceedingly artistically render--'l. and a.s an encore her .sweet voice ..*'■).s heard to great advantage in ''Slimmer Bain." After tlio inter- *■ 11. Mi<-s E. Smart played the over'ih'O "Martha," with much grace nid effect. Then came the hit of 'hi- evening in ..aster MeLeavev. rhis mite stepped be,fore the envwd- ••! audience witli all the sang froitl !' a Harry Lauder. and in .his own 'i-.imita'ble way, which has made '■•un so popular in tho district. gave hn character song "Don't take me ■ T mue." TTis gestures and winning "ays, avrl tlie dramatic deportment ■!' the little fellow simply carried .way the audience, who demanded n encore, which he complied with iy .singing "Hariigan." Not con--jnlt. with this the audience called ir more, a nil blaster MeLeavey repeated the last verse of tlio pioco. ,'bc gathering cheered again, but iaster McLeavey, evidently feeling ho had satisfied his claims upon a ritical audience, merely walked, 0 the footlights and made a. pro- : oil 11 si. bow, tho company loudly heering him as lie retired. Miss mvi MeLeavey played the aocorn- ■ >aninn;iits with much etfect. Mrs .Y-oodward .subsequently .sang "Love he Pedlar," her rich voice being card to great advantage, and in he absence of Mr U. liankins, who 'as unable to be pre.se.nt owing t(T mxiuess pressure, Miss Segriet courihuted a song and was warmly Ireered on retiring. Under fttho ondiietorship of Master Lett, a juartette from the Boys' Training arm played "Clouds and Sunnine.'' and their efforts were loudapplauded, and showed that they vere complete masters of thei) in--1 ruiiieuts. Mr . lanagan was a. ~ig hit in the song "Because. v special request Mr Gardener /hist led "Ln, hear the gentle ■'.•irk " and Ins exhibition again, •■•roved, thai I"' •ireer in Ironl of him. At tlio se of ihi' concert, Father Cognet ;'i:ule a brief speech, in the course ,f which he too kopiportunity ol ],ankiii! r one a.nd all for the great '•■-istance they had given. I His , not his first experience of Levin , ;! t, he would tell them frankly ho absolut-lv proud of the place, ''lie 'rs.) Tie, thanked them all for '••/„• very great generosity, and, a behalf' of the management eoin'ittee, and tihe whole Catholic, body, . «aid he could tell them sincerely . '.a| thev were greatly indebted to !l --especially the artists. (Cheers.) :< u . v were just beginning to see heir wnv with regard to erecting ■ convent n.'-ar Mr Hannan's house. :'hat conceit might he said to bo he beginning of the undertaking, ml he was satisfied it augured well or the future. Concluding, Father <niet again renewed his ex prosions of "Tatitude to all who had so eateriallv contributed towards the , H .ee=s of the evening's proceedings, Mid. finallv warmly coniplim'ented Mr Phillips upon the way in_ whieli ■s stage mr.niger ho had carried out his onerous duties. Subsequently a successful dance ■ook place. Mr J. Rutherford actMi-'. as M.C.