TUESDAY'S CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 274, 21 June 1889, Page 2

TUESDAY'S CONCERT.

Tha concert given on Tuesday night to provide funds for "The Flower Queen," by tie amateurs of the town, drew, £s we expected, a large and respectable audience. The front seats were crowdod and the back portion Very well filled, considering there were no items to attract the hood urn and larrik-in class. We are pleased to narrate fiat the conduot of^ the audience offered a marked to the Saturday night complained of, but there is yet room for improvement. Why, when desiring to applaud, the boys, and the men, who are but boys, will whistle and oreate unearthly sounds' to the distraction of everyone with sensitive nerves, it is hard to say, except they are under the impression every one is as thick-headed as they are. If a few respectable men would sit about the lower portion of the hall and^ restrain these youths, in time their education would be improved. We also remarked with regret, that one or two men, who should have known better, forgot the company they were in, aad smoked their pipes. All this, however, am only to do withthe audienoe,

except that the providers of entertainments must take in hand the control of their audiences, the unrepressed rowdyism having become too much to ontlure. The stage Biiowed a master's hand — being covered with a carpet, provided whh seats and tables, and dotted about, appeared tasteful stands, with pot ferns fresh and green standing in them. The 9tar;e was no. more a stage, but a ladies drawing room. The piano was kind y lenn by Mrs T. P. Willains, and the furniture and plants by Mrs Barber. The management also provided their audience with programmes, which are very convenient, but owing to the disappointment caused by one or two perform ers not appearing, necessitated a change, that was at least puzzling. The first item on THE PROGRAMME was the pianoforte duet, entitled " The Overture to Zampa," pl«y d by Misses Gieson and Leary. This was a great surprise, and assured the audience that the catering for their taste had been thoughtfully attended to. Tiie duet was remarkably well played, and proved these ladies to be first class musicians. It is needless to say that they received well merited and continued applause on its conclusion. Miss Wallace then sang the pretty song " The Wishing Cap," ve.y well indeed, and astonished her liearers with her rich pure contralto voice. It being her fust appearance in pub ie, the first verse 3hewed signs of trepidation, but the emainder was sung without a tremble, and it was regretted that this was the only item down to her name. The applause was hearty and genuine. In a few moments a tall rickety old gentleman appeared on die stage, slightly doubled up wjth apparent paius, and essayed, as far as his age and infirmities would admi", to sing "The old man's darling." The make up of the character was very clever, and few recognised the usually ramrod erect Mr Woodham, in the old party th*t sang. It was 30, however. The song " A Vision," gave all a treat in hearing Miss itcMillan, a lady who is a thorough vocalist, with a rich soprano voice. The song was sung as well as it could be sung, and the audience insisted long and loudly on an eucore. This was responded to at las- by the old soog "Auntie," which gave almost as much pleasure. Mr W. Cook, in the disguise of a good natured nigger, sang "A jolly good augh." The chorus of laughter was most caching, every body's face presenting a smile of broad or broader dimensions. An encore was demanded, when the performer repeated a verse. We were glad to see this young gentleman come out, as he has a good voice, and should be of considerable service in all musical gatherings. The last item of the first part was Miss Harl-y's " Beauty's Sleep," which also was so ' pleasing as to necssitate a repetition. This young lady fairiy deserved it, as she has a soprano voice which she Has taken care of, and trouble with, and she sings with feeling and clearness. 1 THE INTERVAL was occupied with a recitation given by Master Leonard Kirkwood, aged 7 years. 'I his youn^ elocutionist was very goofl, Ms utterance being clear, and his actions natural and graceful. The liable fellow occasioned much surprise, and received • loud applause. - , THE SECOND PART was opened with a piaao duet, Misses Harley and Bafirber being the pianists. It was much enjoyed and leservedly applauded. The music being the " San Souci Galop. Miss Williams made her first attempt before n public audience, singing " Bid Ime Good bye." This young lady's voice is pure and sweet, but it no 1 doubt will be much improved in a year or two. Her manner secured \ her audience, an encore was demanded, and although the recipient of the compliment appeared and bowed, there was do peace till she sang the song again. A ooinic song by Xv V. Younej, " Bow the candle [ out," was well received, and obtained I an encore, to whioh he responded I with " Uncle Jefferson " By some i fault a good part of this gentemau's I song wns lost towards the end of the 1 hall. Miss Leary fallowed with a , solo on the piano, the piece being " Tarantella," by Stephen Heller. It was a fine piece,' and showed the master hand of the performer, but ! owing to its being of a better class jof music, was noo received with so I much app .eolation as it should have i been. Miss M'Millan again treated the audience with •« Waiting," and in response to a not to be denied encore, repeated a verse. Miss Gieson and Mr Denton gave the duet " The last rose of summer," Miss Gieson taking the piano, and Mr Denton the violin. It was without doubt well played, and waa warmly applauded at the finish. The song " Golden Love," was next sung by Miss Harley, and as well received, this young lady having established herself a favourite wuh the public with her first song. Ihe programme was brought to a finish by Mr F. Young giving " Are you there Moriarty," in character. A verse was repeated in response to an encore. The evening passed off most successfully, the audience receiving a good exohange for the cost. To Miss Harley must be rendered great credit for the initiating And the oarrying |

out of such a concert, as we are informed that all through she has been the chief moving spirit, '.he has established her reputation as a caterer, and any other amusement under her auspi es is bound to fetch, an audience. The receipts were very satisfactory, so the performers will be pleased to know that their labour was not in vain. This concert wiL be looked back to as one of the best for many a d -y.