PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONCERT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 8 November 1911, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONCERT.

It was an appreciative audience which filled the Foresters' Hall last Thursday evening-, the event being a concert in aid of tiie Presbyterian Church funds, which proved one of most successful functions of its kind held in Helensville for some time past. The programme submitted was a lengthy and also an exceptionally good one, including three items by a number of local children, "who had been busj for the last three months preparing their different parts under the instruction of the Rev. Gordon-Kirgan and. his assistants. ■. - <

The programme opened with a pianoforte duet " "Wave* -of the Ocean," by Mis and Miss Stewart, which was very niooly executed, followed with a par.t soug, '• Maiden of the Fleur ac Lys " (Sydneham) by the Helensville Glee Club, being creditably given in the Club's usual well rehearsed style. Miss Fletcher's rendering of v Nearer my God to Thee " was splendid, the setting was really pretty, and the singer's pronunciation remarkably clear, and was received with due applause ; the singer responding with " Within your Heart," also very well given. Miss Fletcher lias a contralto voice, her toae throughout being consistently good, and her words distinct and well finished We hope to have the pleasure of hearing Miss Fletcher on future occasions. Mr Meredith gave a very laughable recitation ''Two Tourists" in splendid form. The joke lies in a sign board which read " For the benefit of those who cannot read, aek the blacksmith at'the corner." Sandy,s friend saw the joke, and the hearty laugh of Mr Meredith, showed bow an Englishman can appreciate a jeke ; but Sandy had to sleep on it, and it dawned on him about midnight when there was more laughter, and Sandy explained-ho saw the joke now, l< The blacksmith might be oot." Mr Meredith, being recalled, responded with " Specimens of Irish Greatness," which was also well given. A duet.. "Tell her I love her so," by Mr and Mrs Page was nicely rendered. . Club swinging by 10 little girls was neatly done, and showed the result of combined practice, all keeping well together and changing form one exercise to the other in good style, for which they received'weli merited applause, repeating several exercises; ■ Mia Hughes showed her proficiency with the violin by rendering "Life let us cherish," and received an encore. Mr Drower was in good voice for his song •' In the lingering arms of Twilight," which was followed by a mouth organ selection bj' Mr J. Hunt, was splendidly done," Mr Hunt having to respond to. two recalls. The Floral March was the last item on the first part of the programme, 22 gHs taking part, and although cramped for room, the marching iD single, double and fuur deep, vvas exceedingly well done, everyone keeping step from Miss Dorothy Kea, the leader, tv little Miss Heather Kirgan, who toddled up at the rear of the column, receiving hn ovation on each appearance at the footlights. Each girl carried very prettily arranged arches, made of paper flowers, the arduous work of the Rev. and Mrs Jvirgan, who had carried the task through ; the arches and the dainty dresses making a splen did effect as the different figure's were gone through with precision and regularity.

After the inteival, during which the children offered for sale picture postcards of those taking part in the Floral March and Maypole Dance, the second pait was opened b} r a pianoforte eolo, " Four in Hand,1' descriptive sketch, by Mrs Eugbes, which was nicely played, although we opine that the wrist bells somewhat marred the effect Miss Fletcher again pleased the niuli ence with her sweet voice in the rendering of "Beloved Speak.'' ''There was an old woman who lived in a shoe" (Jarvis) part s^ong by the GJee Club, This item, although well given, lacked expression in the repetition of the long list of children's names, which was more pronounced on a previous occasion. The Maypole dance followed and -was dune almost perfectly by 28 children, the ribbons on the pole being neatly plaited, and although it had to be far back on the stage looked well from the main hall, All faces were in keeping with May Da} r, tho winding in and out and round about was cleanly done and tho effect was all that could be desired, and ihose taking T)ari, and those responsible for their efficiency are to be con

gratulated on the successful termination to their labours. Mr Page, in his song " The Better Land," with violin obb'gato by Mrs Page, gave a good rendering, although hip words lacked clearness. A duet " Larboard Watch," bj'Messrs Drowev and Kirgan ended the programme, and " God Save tli6 King" brought a pleasant evening's entertainment to aclo;se.

Misses PJrumer, M Stewart, and Channon ably played the accompaniments ; Mrs Kirgan playing the music in the children's items. The proceeds realised £15 0s Gd, which is-.very istactoiy. The Eev. Kirgan wishes us to cordially thank all who gave their assistance in bringing the concert to such a successful issue. We also think that a word of praise is duo to the Key. Kirgnn and others for the able manner in which the children's events were carried out. showing that no lack of patience and time had been spared by them ; and also to the children themselves for their efforts to please the audience aud their instructors.