THE RECEPTION TO THE REV. R. HEFFERNAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2527, 2 December 1884, Page 2

THE RECEPTION TO THE REV. R. HEFFERNAN.

Notwithstanding the unpropitious appearance of the weather last evening the concert and entertainment as a reception o£ the Rev. R. Heffernan, the new Incumbent of Holy Trinity Church, proved quite a success. The Brass Band, who kindly gave iheir services on the occasion, played through the principal streets of the town, which no doubt had the effect of bringing out some who were otherwise dubious of leaving their firesides. Fortunately, however, the rain cleared off, and there was a large attendance in the Theatre Royal ere the curtain rose, the front seats being well packed, and the back part of the Theatre fairly filled. The performances were also under the patronage of his Worship the Mayor (D. Hannan, Esq.) and the Borough Councillors of Kumara. Mr R. J. Seddon introduced the several vocalists and instrumental performers to the audience.

The members of the Brass Band were provided with seats near the footlights of the stage, and under their excellent leader, Mr W. T. Richards, they opened the proceedings by the very apropos music of " Wait till the Clouds roll by." TheD Miss Howe favoured the company with the song " No, sir," in a very sweet strain of voice, and was applauded. Mr Oscar Egden's recitation, "Life's a Game at Cards," was not so well de'ivered as his first essay some months ago. It was nevertheless sufficiently so to receive a call, when he recited Mr Bracken's poem "Dear Old Bendigo," to the satisfaction of the audience. The song " Through the Wood," by Miss Stenhouse, was well given. This young lady has a pleasing voice, and only requires more confidence to make her a favorite soloist; she received well-merited approbation. The appearance of Mr Wilby, who followed, showed but too plainly that he was an established favorite with the public. He treated the audience to an interview by his melodious voice with " Kathleen of Kilkenny," which, as usnal, elicited rapturous applause, and a comic song was given as an encore. "List to the Convent Bella "—a duet given by Mrs Spyer and Mrs Harris may be regarded as the gem of the evening. Both ladies were in excellent voice. They were loudly applauded. Mr Langridge's name was next on the programme for a solo, but he may have beeu observed passing up the aisle with his head bandaged, in consequence, we understand, of being wounded by a splinter whilst at his occupation. Miss

Alice Rugg then gave one of Bach's pianoforte solos, " The Southern Pacific Waltz." It is a really fine composition, and was played in excellent time and with great proficiency of execution, the young lady receiving warm approval. The solos "In tbe Gloaming," by Mrs Spyer, and " Noontide," which is a reply thereto, by Mrs Harris, were both sung with pleasing effect, and these ladies were, in turn, the recipients of the hearty approval of the audience. An interval of five minutes followed, after which, The second part commenced with another charming selection by the Band, " Only a Pansy Blossom." The members continue to make good progress in music, every public festival seeming to be the occasion for the production of some new addition to their now replete collection, acquired by close attention and constant practice. Miss Monckton and Mr A. Miller then made their appearance, and played a violin duet—" Deh Conte," and " The Flight of the Swallow." The young lady has made a great stride in proficiency since her first appearance on the stage a few months ago as a violiniste, and is likely to become an excellent player. She and her accomplished tutor were duly applauded on the completion of their instrumental display. A solo, "Our Jack's come Home today," followed ; this was given by Mr Doggett, who for the first time in Kumara made his debut. He has a fine mellow voice, but rather weak for so large a place. Practice would probably overcome that drawback. He was uot, however, allowed to leave the stage without the favour of the audience being manifested. Miss Rogers then recited the poem "Beautiful Snow!" in a manner that met with approval. Mr R. J. Seddou next introduced himself, and sang " Wait till Clouds roll by;" and for an encore "Eileen Allanah." "Our member" is possessed of a fine melodious tenor voice, of great power, and he was highly applauded. Miss Seddon acted as acompanist on the pianofdote to her father, as also to one or two other songsters during the evening. Miss Toms, who sang "The Bridge," had a very difficult piece to present. She has a powerful voice, and, with culture is likely to become a favourite. Her efforts were evidently appreciated by the audience. Miss Evenden acted as her accompanist. The second part was concluded with a recitation from Mr "W. Hobbs, entitled " King Henry of Navarre." He also received tokens of satisfaction. Miss Ingall acted as accompanist at the pianoforte to most of the songs, and proved herself, as usual, quite an adept. During an interval Mr Seddon introduced the new minister, the Rev. R. Heffernan, to the audience, stating that if he might judge from the short acquaintance he had of him, he would make a most useful and respected minister.

The Rev. R. Heffernan addressed a few words of appropriate advice to those present, saying that he was prepared to work in harmony with his own and all other Christiau denominations. His few remarks were well received, and created a very favourable impression.

Another interval followed daring which the Band played the schottische " Sociable."

The third and last part of the entertainment concluded with a comic drama, in one act, entitled "The Unpolished Diamond," the characters of which were sustained by Mra G. B. Way, Miss Steuhouse, and Messrs C. M'Keegan, J. Shrives, J. Keller, and J. Rochford. It is almost needless to say that this part afforded the audience much pleasure and satisfaction.

Mr Seddon took opportunity here to thank the Band, the songsters, and the instrumentalists for their efforts, and the audience for their attendance. The playing of the National Anthem by the Band concluded a very pleasant evening's diversion. The proceeds, which are to be devoted to the liquidation of the Church debt, were no doubt in excess of expections, aud will probably be announced in a day or two.