Social and Concert.

Manawatu Herald, 20 August 1896, Page 2

Social and Concert.

Last night the social and concert organised by the ladies of All Saints' Church was held at the Public Hall. Tea was placed on the tables with commendable punctuality at 6.80, and a very large number partook of the dainties provided, which can be estimated from the fact that the tables Were not cleared away till close on 8 o'olock. There were three tables, the first provided over by Mesdames Easton and Whyte, assisted by Mrs Wilson, and the Misses Lamb, Symons, Whyte, A. Stansell and Dunckley. The second table was presided over by Mesdames Walter Bobinaon, 0. Robinson, Rhodes and Stewart, assisted by the Misses O'Brien, J. Lamb and L. Symons. The third table was presided over by Mrs Morton, assisted by the Misses Trask (2), Collins (2;, Bay and Simpson. When tea had been cleared away and the forms re-arranged, the con* cert was commenoed by Mr England playing a march on the piano. Tba unfortunate position chosen for the instrument, being a corner on the floor, prevented the piece being haard except by those in close proximity to the player. Miss Lamb kiudiy followed with another piano selection, owing to the grouping of the tableau not being ready. At the conclusion of- the piece the curtain rose on a representation of " The Oid Woman who lived in a shoa, who had so many children she did not know what to do." There was a big boot shown, probably big enough for the " Old Lady " (Miss Bay) to live in, as a very big one would not be needed, but would have occasioned, qd her retreat to her premises, her many children being made homeless. The grouping was very pretty and the tableau called for strong expressions of approval. Mr Stansell followed with the song " The Longshoreman," in the chorus of which he was assisted not only by those behind the ourtain, bat also by those in front, who appeared heartily to catch the spirit of the song. Needless to say an encore was persistently demanded, and in response Mr Stansell sang "My Old Dutch." Miss Stansell played the accompanyment3 for her father, in her usual careful and finished manner. The next item was a pretty tittle character duet "You won't play in my back yard," be* tween Misses Pearl Fraser and Ella Sawyers. These very young* ladies were under the tuition of Miss O'Brien, and were a compliment to her instruction and also showed their ability/ The audience next received a great treat by Mrs Aitkens singing "Who Can Tall." Her Bweet soprano voice sounding clear right to the end of the hall, without, apparently, any effort on her part. Of course an encore was demanded, which Mrs Aitkens at last consented to reapond to, by repeating the last verse. A very pretty duet followed between Mesdames Barber and Cook •• Come o'er the moonlit sea." This item was heartily applauded. The next tableau was entitled " The Japs," the principal parts being sustained by Miss Ereeft and Mrs Walter Robinson, and the lesser parts by the Misses O'Brien, N. and M. Ray; Whyte, Saville, Symon3, Coley, J. Lamb. A Langdon and Dunckley. This was not exactly what is known as a tableau, as it was a song with chdiua and action. Fan drill, a musical march, &c, being also given. The dressea and " make-up " were very pcetty and the whoJe scene fully deserved the hearty encore which.foliowtfd.

THE PRESENTATION.

The next item was the presentation to the Rev. George and Mrs Aitk«o«. Thii duty wai placed cm

Mr Thynne'B shoulders and he regretted such a ohoice had been made. He spoke of the differences which had occurred in church work to lead up to the explanation that the Vicar and Mrs Aitkens had ft difficult task to stear clear of the frequent misunderstandings, and bo instanced the gathering there that night and the presents that were about to be handed over, as a proof that they were held in kindly remembrance by the members of their congregation. He then addressed Mrs Aitkens and said he had bees requested by Mrs Whyte, the ricepresident of the ladies Guild, to ask her to. accept from the ladies of that guild the accompanying tea service, as a mark of affection from the givers to Mrs Aitkens, the president of the Guild, and as a token of their estimation of the many amiable qualities she possessed, and as a slight token of the work she had done in the parish. They hoped, when far away, in Hawera, when using this small gift she would, give a kindly thought to those who bad, during her residenoe amongst us, worked together. They prayed that all happiness might be hers, and that God would bless her and hers. Mrs Whyte then rose and presented the set to Mrs Aitkena. Mr Tbynna then addressed both Mr and Mrs Aitkens, and said he had still a further duty to perform, namely, that of presenting a purse of sovereigns to Mr and Mrs Aitkens, which had been collected by the ladies from the members of the congregation, which they hoped they would accept as a token of friendship, and as a souvenir of their residence in Fox ton, and he trusted that health,, prosperity and happiness would follow them to their new home. He also read the followiDg addreas, very neatly engrossed by Miss Fume, which he trusted they would also keep, with the names of the subscribers attached : — " To the Rev. George and Mrs Aitkens— We the undersigned members of All Saints* Church, Foxton, on the eve of your departure for Hawera, beg to convey to you our best wishes for a prosperous and happy future, and hope that you will accept this small presentation as a slight recognition of our kindly feelings towards you." Mr Thynne then handed the parse and address to Mr Aitkens, who, in reply, sincerely thanked all who had taken part in the gathering and presentation. He felt the kindness shown to his dear wife, and they would always treasure the gift so kindly made. He explained that he was leaving the parish chiefly from not being strong enough to do the necessary work in so large a district and had previously desired to resign but had been over-persuaded. He was about starting a school at Hawera which he hoped would be a success, but of course there wa3 an element of uncertainty and he appreciated the kind wishes expressed towards his wife and himself for their success.

Tho programme wag then continued by Mis Barber singing in a finished style the beautiful song 11 Aye Maria." This is the first time we have had the pleasure of hearing a soog from Mrs Barber from the stage, and it will be a matter of much regret if we are not more often treated to one. The applause was sufficient to have obtained an encore but it wan not to bp. Mr Langdon gave an > amusing recitation of the first experiences of a rough rider on a bicycle. In response to the applause Mr Langdon gave the account of an old pioneer in the American war, ending with the moral as to whether it was not best to show a white hat instead of the white feather to the enemy. A tableau, entitled, an illustrated song " Why are you wandering here, I pray? 1 ' was next exhibited, in which the parties were Mr and Miss Ada Stanaell, and Mr C. Collins, Jr. Mrs England, behind the soenes, sang the song. Mr W. Cook next sang " I shall conquer or die " and was heartily encored, in response, he repeated ths last verse. The entertainment was brought to a close by the whole of the performers appearing on the stage and singing " God save the Queen," the audience rising, and taking part. In every way the proceedings last night may be written dowp as a distinct success and proves onca more what can be dona when an effort is made. The thanks of all the parish are due to those who worked so hard. Many did minor offices which we may have overlooked, but we ask their pardon if we have done so, as they are all links of the great chain which was uncoiled to achieve success. Mr A. S. Eastern and Mr Stewart had oharge of the doors, and Mr England presided at the piano in many parts. We must not pass over the stage decorations, as these showed, in the massed evergreens and flowers by the footlights, and tree ferns and greenery on the stage, more artistic arangemsnt than has before been exhibited. The tableaux were under the management of Mrs England and Mi3d Kreeft, and reSeated tho highest credit both in taste and composition. The small boys of the audience deserve our bust thanks for so well conducting themselves. The receipts are not yet. rightly known, but there is a probability that the net sum will bt overflQ. .