THE HOSPITAL FETE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2381, 16 April 1884, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL FETE.

THE CONCERT AND BALL.

The shades of evening had scarce thrown its veil over the scenes aud sports at the Recreation Ground on Easter Monday tban people began to think of the concert aud ball which were to wind up the day's proceedings in connection with the Hospital Festival. The programme of the concert was a very attractive one, and long before the time appointed for opening the doors of the Theatre Royal, numbers of persons had gained admission and occupied the greater portion of the front seats, as well as those allotted for the Catholic Brass Band, so that extra forms and chairs had to be brought into requisition ; but before the curtain rose every nook and corner of the building became packed, people were standing two abreast in the aisle, and there could not have been fewer than about 700 persons present—a larger number than ever before occupied the theatre since its enlargement three or four years ago.

The curtain was lifted at about 8 o'clock, and the entertainment commenced with an overture, " Arrah na Pogue," by tha Kumara String Band. This was immediately followed by a chorus by the company of singers. "The Bells of St. Michael's Tower" finely given, Mr aud Mrs Wilby, Miss Toms, and Mr D. Williams taking parts with those whose names appeared on the programme, and who will come in for notice elsewhere. The chorus was highly applauded. Mr R. Jackson then sang " Let me like a soldier fall!" He was in very good voice, and if he only had a little training for time, his singing would be much easier for the accompanists, and far more acceptable to the audience ; he received marks of approbation. Miss TJpharn was the next to appear; she sang the highly popular words and music by Mr James A. Kerr, of " Dear little Jessie." It is a sweet production, and the young lady rendered it well, and received due acknowledgment from the audience. Mr T. Davidson gave a comic descriptive song " Sweethearts and Wives." Miss J. Howe next favoured the audience with the fine melody of " Killarney." This young lady's voiee seems to have improved since we first had the pleasure of hearing her in public, the modulation was soft and pleasing, aud she received a well-merited call; but the stage manager, Mr Hope, signified that owing to the lengthy programme and the ball which would follow the concert, encores could not be permitted. Mrs L. J. Spyer was the next to appear. She rendered the lovely song of " Sweet Home" in a manner which became the words and the music, and brought forth an ovation from the audience. Then came the newest novelty in Kumara, dnetts on the violin by lady amateur performers. In order to give Miss Monckton, one of the ladies referred to, a little confidence, Mr A. Miller accompanied her first in a selection from "Norma;" and then Mrs Broad and Miss Moncktoo, who are sisters, plaved very nicely the duett "Home, sweet Home." They also received wellmerited approbation. The Irish comic song, " The Boy from sweet Tipperaiy," by RJr Hayes, in costume, met with great favour; and the first part of the entertainment concluded with a sweet ditty by Mrs P. M'Gloue, " When you and I were young, Maggie," which met with hearty manifestations of approval. After an interval of about five minutes, during which the Catholic Brass Band gave the " Sweet Smiles " polka, the second part of the concert programme commenced by the String Baud playing " The Rose of Castile." The band is conducted by Mr A. Miller, and its members show great aptitude, the piecg being rendered almost ud bc-

came professionals. Then came another novelty in Kumara: the Misses F. and E. Hannan, young ladies only in their teens, played on two pianos "Le Carnaval de Venise." For such young persons the time was wonderfully accurate for such difficult music, with, variations. It was excellently played, and they were deservedly applauded. Mr D. Williams, always "at home" on the stage, gave the song of " Kitty Jones." He was in fine voice; and those present acquainted him with what they thought ot his effort, which we need hardly say was satisfactory to himself and those who heard him. Mr Wilby, another old favourite, next appeared before the house in the sterling old tar song « When Jack comes home from Sea." He, too, went off the stage with the usual honours. Then came the exquisite duett by Mesdames ri arris and Spyer, " Pulaski's Banner," which was rendered very sweetly and effectively. The Brass Band here gave another exhibition of their progress and proficiency. Mr Richards, ° the leader, may be complimented on the improvements noticeable from time to time. Mr G. Wood followed with the song of "The Tar's farewell." This young gentleman has a fine voice, but should throw off his bashfulness and impart a little action to his words, instead of becoming as a statue, on the stage; The effect would then be much better. Miss Bella Reid next entertained the audience with the son* of " Eulalie." This young lady has a fine voice, and the song was sweetly «iven • aud applauded. Our old friend Mr J.' M'Laren then delivered a comic Scotch song with the perfect bra' accent. Miss Helen Toma, assisted by Mrs Harris and Mr Wilby, gave a song, which received due applause, and the very enjoyable entertainment was brought to a close by the String Band plavinff "God Save the Queen." Between one of the intervals of sinking, bis Worship the Mayor came forward on to the stage aud thanked the audience aud the public generally for the liberal niauner in which they" had responded to the efforts of the Committee in the good cause. He also thanked all persons who had directly and indirectly given their time and assistance to make the Hospital fete a success.

The orchestral arrangements were admirably conducted by Mr A. Miller • Mrs Williams and Miss Skilton acted as accompanists on the piano, with their accustomed ability. Mr H. Hope performed the duties of stage manager with entire satisfaction. -

The Ball which took place immediately after the Concert was very largely attended by both sexes. Iu the absence of Mr P. Bullen, whose services had been engaged as pianist for the occasion, Mr George Bell officiated afc the many-keyed instrument, Mr W. T. Richards as cornet; and Mr A. Miller, violinist, conducted. Mr Greenroyd acted as M.C. Dancing was kept up with great spirit till near daylight.

The whole arrangements were carried out very successfully, and great credit is due to the Fete Committee, and the ladies and gentlemen who gave their services in various ways for the success of both the concert and ball.

In another issue we purpose givin» a few further particulars concerning the fete and the contributions thereto. The amouut already received from various sources in connection with the fete reaches the respectable sum of .£271 It is probable, therefore, that there will be a clear balance of over £2OO to go to the credit of the Hospital funds. A meeting of the Committee takes place on Friday evening next, at eight o'clock, when the exact amount will probably be known.