ANGLICAN CHURCH CONCERT.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 6, Issue 335, 29 February 1884, Page 5

ANGLICAN CHURCH CONCERT.

-^ — • Canning's rooms were taxed to their utmost seating capacity on Tuesday evening, when the concert advertised in aid of the Gore Anglican Church funds took place. Doubtless the laudability of the object had something to do with securing such a good audience ; but it must be admitted that the inclusion of a large proportion of new talent to assist in the performance was a main feature in drawing many to the concert. However well the old and popular performers may be appreciated, it is always the case that an announcement of the appearance of new faces has the tendency to dra w numbers to the entertainment who otherwise would not be present. With commendable punctuality, Key. Mr Hobb's stepped on the platform at the advertised hour, and briefly' stated the object for which the concert was being held. Having expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present, and thanked the gentlemen who had so efficiently looked after the arrangements, he called upon Mr ht/ JB:ett to play the opening overture. This \ was followed by a song, "Dublin Bay," by Mr E. G-ardner. It was well receive!, and then Mrs Bree sweetly gave " Thady O'Flinn,' an ever popular Irish ballad. The well known duet, " Larboard Watch," by Messrs Symes and Palmer, was the next item, but the latter gentleman's voice was too powerful in the sccondo part, and the harmony was not perfect. Miss Evans, a Queenstown lady, then made her debut in " Regret," and created a decidedly favorable impression. Jhe lady has a mezzo soprano voice of considerable power, which she kept well under control. The evergreen Mr JReiach again proved the capable reciter he is by an effective rendering of " Henzy of Navarre," the enunciation being distinct and the gestures appropriate. Miss Irving, without whom no concert in Gore is representative of local talent, received a recall for a pleasing rendition of the expressive song " Darby aud Joan," but had it been sung in andante time, it would have been more in accord with orthodox style. Mr Pa'mer, who kindly took the place of Mr Hosking (who was unavoidably absent), gave '' The Gallants of England " with plenty of spirit, and was followed i by Mr Guy, of I'ukerau, who concluded the first part of the programme by singing a couple of comic songs in capital style. Part II of the programme w.is opened by Mr Brett and Miss Evans playing a pianoforte duet. Mr Bree's delivery of " The D.'ath of Nekou " was marked with plenty of " lire," but bjiii;: out of tune the e-tloct was clis 'pp'rinting. Two ladies from Mataura, the Misses Begs*, gave evidence of b :ing p >ssess<:d of capubie voice.-*, and their tluut " Wtiat are the Wild Waves saying' 1 ' was pl?a-ingly oxi'cutoo". Mrs Wei I brook. n<-x!. appeared in " Lovi;. c llcqucst," and did very well, alth mgn suffering from nenou^nes-. " Sweet ai.d Low," a qu.utettc by Mis e.s Ining and P.ixlou, Messrs Gaiduer and LJoy, was ihe next item, and it was from the fir^t, line to the iiuish perceptible that sufficient rehearsal hud not bcou indulged in. Mrs McGregor, of Mitauva. then sang very sweetly a song we did not catch the name of, and was succedeJ by Miss Evans who this time was loudly applauded for "' Ehren on the lUrine," aud for an encore gave "Tit. for Tat" with charming nairctc. Mr Symes' selection, " The Good Khine Wine," was a rather heavy one for a voice of his power, but he got through it fairly. Miss Irving again g lined applause for her tasteful vocalisation," her contribution being " Two Wings." Mr Guy then fairly "brought down the house" with his comicalities ; he is an acquisition to the district in his particular line, and should not be lost sight of in future. The accompanist was Mr Brett, who officiated with .his usual success. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. At the conclusion of the concert a dance was held in a large r om of Messrs Fleming and Gilkison's flourmill, kindly lent for the occasion by that firm. There was a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen, who appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly — th?y being no doubt helped to do so by Mr Wellbrook, whose energetic M.C.-ship was quite a feature in making everything successful.