MISS WHYTE-ELGIN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2879, 20 January 1886, Page 2

MISS WHYTE-ELGIN.

Further particulars have reached us in Melbourne papers of the debut of Miss Whyte-Elgin (Miss Lizzie Mogdridge) at the concert in aid of St. Martin's Church Orgau Fund, Prahran, which was under the patronage of Lady Loch, Lady Sladen, Lady Clarke, and the Mayor and Councillors of Prahran, nearly all of whom were present, Lady Loch being accompanied by friends. The Prahran Telegraph remarks:— " Considerable interest centered in the first appearance of Miss Whyte-El«in. This youthful lady possesses an extremely pleasing soprano voice of good compass and excellent quality. Her first number—a song by Pinsuti, entitled 'Bairns'—so pleased the audience by its truthful rendition that an encore was demanded with unmistakable emphasis. In reply, she sang the opening music of the third act in 'Maritana,' including the air, 'Scenes that are brightest.' The selection was a judicious one, as from the familiarity of the audience therewith, they were the more competent to judge of the young vocalist's ability, and at the close of the rendition they awarded their applause unstintedly. The same youn» lady also sang with Mr Lamble the duet ' O Fairy Wand,' from the same opera, their voices blending in the most perfect harmony. Miss Whyte-El«in has a career of most promising bri»htness before her, and we hope at no distant date to havo the pleasure of again listening to her pleasing voice."

It may be mentioned that Miss Mogdridge chose the professional name of Whytf»-El«in as being a compound of her mother's maiden name (Whyte) and place of birth (Elgin) Miaa Whyte-Elginis under the tuition of the highly accomplished Mioses Christian, at the Ladies College, East Melbourne,

the one for music and the other for the voice. Although she has been so engaged nearly ever since she and her parents left Kumara, some four years «go, Miss Mogdridge's studies weie retarded by attacks of severe illness, including measles, typhoid fever, and sciatica. But she is in good health now, and has grown so much as to be the tallest of the whole f.mily (5Fr, 7in. in height). We append the beautiful words of the song "Bairns," which produced such a favourable effect on the occasion before referred to. They ate the composition of Madame Mary Mark-Lemon ; the music by Ciro Pinsuti:— BAIRNS. There are hours so bright and golden That haunt the by-gone days; When, the children were but children, With their many smiles and tears. They have faded with the roses, The bairns are bairns no more, But the music of their laughter ' Ever floats across life's shore. There are places in the meadows, Where the children used to play, Happy-hearted as the sunshine That softly fell across their way. There are places in the grassland Where the children are at rest, Where the bairns are bairns for ever Dreaming dreams so calm and blest. There are places in each heart dear Where some golden head has lain, And the glad remembrance softens Every sorrow, every pain, And it may be when we enter The bright golden gate on high We shall roam as little children From the world's long lullaby.