A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 1 September 1894, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, August 80th, 1894. Mr Robert Parker's annual concert took place last night at Thomas' Hall before a large and very appreciative audience. The programme was, as usual, highly classical, and was a real treat to lovers of good music. It was perhaps, a trifle lung, even for lovers of classical music, but as the quality was excellent, perhaps one should not grumble. The feature of the evening was the playing of the viola by Herr Balling of the Nelson Academy of Music ; he gave one of Rubenstein's and one of Ritter's and both were exquisitely played— and I should add also exquisitely accompanied by Miss Dugdale, formerly of Wellington but now teaching at the Nelson Academy. I enjoyed these items best of all. The grand Norwegian part songs by the Wellington Leidertafel were much enjoyed and Brahms Waltzes arranged as a pianoforte duet (by the Misses Hamtrton) coupled with a vocal quartett (by Lady Campbell, Miss Myers and Messrs Day and Whittall) were very fine. Lady Campbell's solo " 0 Love of Mine " (Qreig) was her best number and Mr Prouse gave " Let the Dreadful Engines " with splendid effect. Mrs Burfoot gave her song " Sleep, my Love, sleep " pleasingly and Mr Waters was heard to advantage in his solo. Tho programme was carefully selected and was varied and consequently may be counted as one of the best yet presented by Mr Parker. Lord Glasgow was present with a party from Government House and I also saw Mrs Parker, Mrs Bell, Miss Buchanan, Mrs Pynsent, Mrs and Miss Quick, the Misses Williams, Mr and Mrs Whittall, Mrs Sprott, eto. Mrs Sprott is giving a large Juvenile party at the Parsonage j to-night. I believe the guests are j to be entertained with games and ! dancing. I Mrs Izard gave a large afternoon i "At Home" to-day, there being; about eighty guests, the usual tea, j talk and music making a couple of • hours pass very pleasantly. Among • those who sang were the Misses ! Moorhouse, Hilda Williams, Buller, Gore and Mr Day. Mrs Izard wore black and Miss Izard a pretty brown gown with vest and epaulettes of turquoise blue velvet. Among the guests were Mrs and Miss Acland, Mr and Mrs R. Oliver, Mr and Mrs R. Pharazyn, Mrs Newman, Mrs Richmond, Dr and Mrs Fell, Mrs H. D. Bell, Mrs Russell, Mr and Mrs Travers, Miss Pearce, Mrs and the Misses Williams, Mrs and the Misses Johnston, Mr and Miss Grace, Mrs T. Wilford, etc. Mrs (Capt.) Edwin entertained in the same way yesterday, having a large number of guests from 4 till 6 p.m., having music and recitations throughout the afternoon. Miss Edwin and the Miss Harding were helping, Siona.