THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1918, Page 1

THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

There was a very large attendance at the Priucess Theatre last evening for the New Year’s concert to wind up the day’s national celebrations The dress circle was full to overflowing while downstairs was packed. The audience w 7 as a very hearty one, and the performers w 7 ere excellently received. The Pipe Band played selections outside prior to the entertainment, while overtures were contributed by a quartet of pipers. The Highland dancing by the groups was a pleasing feature, and with the other introduced dance items, were loudly applauded. Great interest centred in the appearance of Miss Mina C’aldow, though nearly three years ago this talented young lady delighted a, local audience from the same platform. Miss Caldow possesses a powerful contralto and is excellently trained. It is a voice under complete control, and singing with soul the vocalist imparts a living interpretation ro her numbers. The lady’s three appear ances provoked the heartiest applause. Her Scotch songs embraced several popular numbers, and quite touched the hearts of her bearers. Among other items she rendered “ Keep on Hoping,” “ Coming Home,” and a pretty song all about .Lady Betty, Vauxhall Gardens, and a summer day—for which she played herself a dainty accompaniment. - “ ComingHome ” was a special delight, and was a most excellent au revoir number.

Mr C. D. Moore of Wellington was soon on excellent terms with the audience and his Scotch songs redolent of the Border times, had a most stirring effect. “ Mate o’ Mine ’ and “ Friend o’ Mine ” were likewise very happy selections. Mrs McQueen of Greymouth was heard in popular national songs to the evident delight of a thoroughly national audience, and won hearty recalls. Mrs Ghesterman, of Kanieri, gave a tine interpretation of- “ Douglas Gordon.” Miss M. Reynolds gave “ Mary of Argyle” with good expression and was recalled, as was also Miss fehaud in her national numbers. Miss Davidson and Mrs Rowe were responsible for some very pleasing duets, and Mr G. Gibbons’ flute solo created a furore. Of the individual dancing, the sword dance by Miss Needham, of Wellington, pleased the audience immensely, as also did the performers in the Irish jig, sailors’ hornpipe and the strathspeys and reels. Altogether it was a most excellent entertainment, the measure of applause testifying to the great delight derived by the large audience.

The accompanists were Misses Giese, Davies, Macfarlane, Messrs Lawn, Gibbons, Fraser and Barrowman. The Chief, Mr Geo Davidson, returned thanks and announced a further popular concert on Friday night with entirely new numbers. The audience reluctantly dispersed last night after singing very heartily “ Anld Lang Syne ” and the National Anthem.