ONGARUE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 228, 26 January 1910, Page 5

ONGARUE.

Own Correspondent,

Last Friday was a day of intense interest and excitem ;nt to the inhabitants of that picturesque little township called Ongarue. Some speak of as being a slumbering tewn- - _-ghip, nestling at the foot of many hills. Aye, no doubt she slnmbereth still, but slumber is often most intense during the few moments which may intervene between that slumber and a great awakening.. What! Slecpeth thcu, oh Ongarue? Alas, reluctantly we answer Yes, but like the snail, there are occasions when she crawls from out the confines cf her shell in search cf daylight—should I say delight. From break cf risy on that eventful Friday until the concert commenced, there was ncticc-able bustle and commotion, such as had never been observed before in this little sequestered hamlet of ours. The day was somewhat murky and unsettled, but towards evening, why

The sun was shining in the west, The men were shining in their best: The ladies, too, much taste displayed, In choicest garments for the occasion made. Yes! Yes! E'en the bairns tcck up the clue, Ran riot as a child will do In harmless fun.

They seemed to think—each little, mite We'll, -sing, we'll laugh, 'tis only right, Our chancehas come.

■' The concert and dance was promoted

in aid of Mr and Mrs McNama'ra, ►-whose bcardinghcuse was in part destroyed some time ago, and the ccmplete success of the concert under review in a great measure shows the popularity of this "most popular and much esteemed couple. Mr'N. A. Winter, of Taumarunui, very graciously, accepted the responsibilities of chairman. The chairman very suitably ex- . plained the motives which had prompted this effort to show in a practical way the heartfelt sympathy which was felt for Mr and Mrs McNamara. He thought the present large concourse of people more than warranted the conclusion that whatever calamity may have befallen the popular couple, for whom the concert and dance was raised, there abounded ample testimony that night, showing that, they had at their back a most valuable asset in the form of sterling, trustworthy friends, who wished them well..

Mrs W. P. Douch played an overture from "Faust," and in this, as in other pieces throughout the evening, she showed marked ability as a pianist. The Rev. Mcnfries sang with great effect a beautiful song called "My Friend," his lower notes being deep and rich, as were his higher notes clear and flexible. "My Friend" was well received, and the taste displayed

in the rendering of this beautiful solo proclaimed Mr Monfries to be the cul~,tared' singer he is. Next came Mr Jos Finn in a sentimental song entitled "The Bear Old Home," and few, if any, listened to Mr Finn's rendering of- this quaint old melcdy, without feeling that heme, after ail, was the best place .this side of Eternity. Later, in the evening M.r Finn regaled the audience to numerous comic songs;

in the ccmic role he was as jovial,

funny and laughable as he was expressive and feeling in bis sentimental songs. Next on the programme was a violin duet by Master P. McNamara _ and Mr Moir. Young Patsie, considering the short time he has been lea'rningis a violinist from whom great things'may be expected, if lie continues his study of the violin and loves the sweet trilling instrument as he seems to do now. Mr II Ford next treated us to the Sailor's Hornpipe; he was dressed in typical sailor costume and v danced with an elasticity of step marvellous* to behold; each intricate evolution was gone through faultlessly, and in perfect keeping with both time and music Miss Harrison was then called upon, and •with the sweetest of rippling voices sang "Please Mr Conductor." The effect of this young lady's rendering of this saddest'of songs may be best interpreted by inserting here the remark made by a little child, who was listening in wide-eyed astonishment to the melody. The schg had just ended, and the applause had almost died away when the child, looking piteously up at her mamma, remarked, as the tears welled up ' into her .little eyes, "Oh, mamma, the Conductor was very cruel." The Rev. Ward, always a study distinctly by himself, sang a war song, sans accompaniment. The vigour the rev. gentleman is capable of putting into his songs when tecnically required by the music is really astounding, and a right good round of applause greeted him at the conclusion of his song. A pleasing and most uncommon item was the next. Mr F. Stuart entered the hall carrying two broad swords at the recover; these with a sweeping bow he placed on the floor, and in a remarkably short space of time, was dancing x - the Swcrd Dance in true Highland fashion. Mr Stuart was clad in Highland costume, without perhaps the dirk and sporran; his plaid was of Stewart tarjlan, held in place by a massive silycr brcccb, on y-rhich the thistle was f-arved' elabpf ately;' the exquisite Cairngorm stone which studded the /Centre of this unique brooch was the recipient of many a covetous glance from the fairer sex. Mr Stuart also wore a Glengarry cap with the double feather usually associated with Highland headgear; his breast, too, was adorned 'with several medals received by him at various bygone dancing contests. This gentleman even * had he done nothing- to merit our applause as a dancer and piper, was appreciated much betond my power to explain. Mrs G. Riley's song "The Song that reached my Heart," failed in nothing; her rendering was faithful and sympathetic, and few there were of those privileged listeners whose hearts were not touched to a very visible degree by this sweet songster. Miss Eileen and Master Patsie McNamara played a Violin duet with great taste and expression, considering their youthful year's,' and the hearty app' allse meted put to both at the cr.d of their fine performance was more then deserved. Mrs A. M. Riddell an accomplished singer, next sang the "Holy City." This well-known song, abounding as it •- dees in tender pathoF, v.es sung as

only a singer of note and tried ability could sing it. Mrs Riddell was assisted by Mrs Douch, piano, and Mr Moir, violin. The concluding item of a most enjoyable concert programme was furnished.by Mr J. H. O'Ccnnell, who sang "The little Rocking Chair and You." Mr O'Conr.ell was heard at his best in this charming little song, and the hearty measure of applause meted out to him was really well earned. The working committee, Messrs O'Ccnnell, Ford and Me K. Moir, are to be commended cor the excellent ! work performed by them. It is both useless and unnecessary to individu alise—each work their hardest in a good cause, and are more than ecm-

pensated by the complete success of the evening's programme. Much of the success, from a financial standpoint, is due in great measure to the following gentlemen, who worked tooth and nail en be-half of the principals:—Mr C. Ryan, Ohura; Messrs Williams and Bruce, Mar.garoa; Messrs Ryan and Morpeth, Matiere; Mr W Blandish, Te Kuiti; and Mr E. Cashel, Ongarue. The dance was continued until 4 a.m., and cccd feeling and the best of fellowship existed from commencement to finish. Apologies were received from Father Mollcy and ether friends, expressing their inability to attend, each cf whern enclosed fervent wishes for the success of the evening's project. Mr M. McNnmars, in a brief but homely way, thanked his many wellwishers for their kindness and apologised for- Mrs ' McNamara's absence. "Words," continued Mr McNamara, "at my command would miserably fail, and only very inadqeuately represent to ycu thft gratitude I feel for such spontaneous kindness as you have all shown to Mrs McNamara and myself. I can only thank you, friends. Good luck." So terminated one of the happiest gatherings that has ever prcbably taken place in Ongarue, and it is much to be lamented that jovial gatherings cculd not more frequently be brought about.