THE HOSPITAL FETE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2675, 18 April 1885, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL FETE.

THE CONCERT. We regret that time and space have precluded an earlier opportunity of commenting upon the excellent entertainment got up by the F6te Committee for the benefit of the Hospital on Easter Monday. The programme could scarcely have been improved for an entirely amateur performance, and the ladies and gentlemen who figured in it are deserving of the best thanks of the community. Both the Brass and String Bands were in attendance, the former under the able leadership of Mr W. T. Richards, and the latter under the equally able direction of Mr A. Miller. Mrs Williams presided at the pianoforte. Long before the time of commencing th(3 concert the front seats were filled and extra seats had to be provided in the aisles or wherever there was a vacant place to put forms or chairs. At eight o’clock the Brass Band struck up the spirited Quick Step March “ Little Brunswick,” and it is needless to say the music imparted an air of good humour to the whole company. The overture “ Arrah na Pogue,” by the String Band, was well played, Mr P. Dungan assisting Mr Miller with Ist violin, Messrs Wilby, Barnett and Bremond as 2nds; Mr Richards, cornet; Mr Ross, flute; Mrs Williams, pianoforte. The chorus “ The Bells of St. Michael’s Tower,” by the company, was finely rendered. Next Mr D. Weir made his appearance, and he substituted the song “ Molly Asthore ” for “ The White Squall ” (the one on the programme) and was well received. The comic song “ The Little Widow Dunn,” by Dr, MacCarthy, afforded much merriment, and he kindly responded to an encore, playing his own accompaniment to a comic song. Mrs Spyer, who sang “ Dream Faces,” was in excellent voice, and received well-merited approbation. Mr Wilby is a general favorite, for he also amuses the audience while he sings, “ Poor Old Quips,” as rendered by him, was as acceptable as ever, and warmly applauded. Mrs Harris sang well “ The Chiming Bells of Long Ago,” and was assisted in the chorus by Mr and Mrs Wilby, to the evident gratification of the audience. A song by Mr Geo. Wood “The Tar’s Farewell,” was received with satisfaction, and this concluded the first part of the programme. In the interval the Brass Band played the Quick Step March “ York.” The second part of the entertainment commenced with an overture by the Baud, “ La Couronne d’ Or,” and gave still further evidence of the efficiency of this excellent little Band. This was followed by the chorus “The Red Cross Knight,” by the company, and “The March of the Men of Haarlech,” a song by Mr John Williams, both well received. A pianoforte duet “ Music and her Sister Sine',” by the Misses Hannan, two young promising players, was nicely rendered, and in excellent time. “The Village Blacksmith” was well

sung by Ml- Doggett, although this song is better adapted for a deep base voice. The duett by Mesdames Harris and Spyer, “The Lily and the Rose,” may be considered to have been the gem of the evening, and the audience was not slow to evince its appreciation of their efforts. Dr. MacOarthy’s comic song “ I can’t make it out, can you ?” met with good applause, and in response to a call he gave an amusing Irish story. Then Miss Howe, who had failed to appear for a song in the first part, according to the programme, now gave the song “I cannot say Goodbye,” and was deservedly applauded. A Hornpipe dance by Mr Ellery was admirably executed, and, in response to the wishes of the audience, some steps were repeated. Mr R. J. Seddon followed, with the song “Eileen Alannab,” for which his voice is well adapted. His singing was much appreciated. Miss Seddon played the accompaniment. The Quick Step March, “ Gentle Voices Calling,” by the Brass Band, admirably played, concluded the concert., after which a short negro sketch entitled “The StageStruck Darkey,” was performed by Messrs Raleigh and Shrives, and Master Stenhouse. It afforded much merriment, and wound up an enjoyable night’s entertainment. The Ball afterwards was very largely attended, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till near daybreak. The exact amount realised by the fete will not transpire till the meeting of the Committee on Tuesday next, but the nett proceeds, we understand, will be about £l5O.