SAINT PATRICK'S SCHOOL CONCERT.

Kumara Times, Issue 1140, 25 May 1880, Page 2

SAINT PATRICK'S SCHOOL CONCERT.

The concert given last night at the Adelphi Theatre by Hokitika vocalists in .conjunction with some of our local singefcj in aid of Saint Patrick’s school building, though somewhat tame, must be regarded upon the whole as a very successful one and our visitors may at any rate be con* gratulated on having met with a hearty reception. The circle, or gallery-, was well patronised, all the front seats were comfortably filled, and the house may, in fact, be said to have been a good one. We were disappointed at the start by the substitution of a waltz, pleasing, though - it was, for the grand “Overture” (to Caliph of Bagdad) announced in the handbills ; but after this the programme Was strictly adhered to, with one exception, to which' we shall presently allude. The opening chorus, “ Speak only speak,” is a charming production, but the solo, though sang with spirit, Was Weak, and the chorus itself would have gone much better had it* been sung in same time and With similar animation.' The song “Rocked in the cradle of the deep,” by Mrßoscoe, followed. This gentleman possesses a fine . baritone voice, and sang melodiously. Mrs Clarke, whose first appearance, before a Rumara audience seemed to he watched with great interest) sang sweetly “Do they think of me at home ?” which effort met with just applause. Then came our iold friend, Mr Jolly, who is always found willing to assist in any good Cause j he* sang, with great merriment,' the comic song “ Whemyow’re married you’ll fihd it out!" which brought forth roars of. laughter from the audience. The continued applause which greeted him at-the; finish compelled him to reappear on the stage) and “The Five o’clock ’Bus” which he gave in reply proved an equally humorous and laughable song. Mr Taylor, of whom we may also say he is ever ready, next delivered the amusing sortg “ Jones’s Musical Party,” and, receiving an encore, gave “ The moon, behind the hill ” in his usual happy style. “ Pat, from Mullingar,” in. character, by Mr King, took many by surprise, to think he should so tong have hidden his talent in pourtraying Pat. In an attempt to satisfy de-mands-of the audience for a repetition, however, Mr King substituted a song, but, we suppose for lack of rehearsal, suddenly disappeared behind the scene. Then followed the song “ The young ladies know,” by Miss Behan, which was rendered as a talented young lady knows haw* to render it, captivating all who had the pleasure of hearing it. Mr Wilby, as “Poor Quips, the Quaker,” in character,' proved highly amusing, and, receiving a well-merited encore, sang “ Beautiful Nell.” In place of Miss Pltzsimons, whose absence was a source of great disappointment to those who knew her excellent vocal powers, Mrs Clarke kindly came forward aad treated the audience to another admirably-rendered song, ‘ ‘ Give me freedom, ever!” and, in response to the deserving call, repeated the second verse. Mr J. Cassidy, in costume, then produced the comic song “ Babies in our block.” He was very successful, and was loudly cheered, responding with the last verse. The comic duett “ Country Courtship,” by Miss Power and Mr Jolly, proved a very laughable piece, the acting of these two talented individuals showing what perfection can be obtained by more frequent rehearsals. “Bonnie Boon,” a Song by Mr Clacher, brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. Of the second part of the programme, the same remarks will equally apply. Mr Wilson gave an amusing recitation ; . and Mr Jackson, the song “ Shells of Ocean,” in which we noticed an improving stylo. Miss Power was vociferously cheered on the conclusion of the comic song, “Milk to my tea, ” and repeated one or two verses. But Mr Bernard’s “ Little brown jug,” if it ever was brown, showed signs of being frequently handled, and seemed not to have much left in it of that sparkling element which it was supposed to contain.

The sffiging Cf the National Anthem broughtft tolerably satisfactory Entertainment to a close. Though we must not forget to mention the excellettt services rendered by the lady pianiste, Mrs Williams, to whom as accompanist so. much of the success of the various songs .thay be attributed ; sh 6 did her part well, as did also Mr Jolly, as violinist, and Mr Brewer, as flautist.