THE CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, 24 June 1897, Page 2

THE CONCERT.

The concert in the evening at the Public Hall was attended by a large number of persons, including many who had come a distance to' be present, and everything passed off extremely weH — with one exception. The performers taking part in the concert opened the programme by singing " God Save The Queen," a great many in the audience testifying their loyalty by joining in. Mrs Parker and Miss Osborne played a pretty pianoforte duet entitled " Duet in D," which was well received. Miss E. Spring contributed <f Juanita " in a- pleasing manner, and Miss Collins, a young lady new to the ' Foxcon stage came next with that ever- popular ballad " Cherry Ripe," and in response to a welly deserved encore, contributed " Venetian Song." This young lady pos^ Besses a sweet and sympathetic voice, and we hope to hear her on many future occasions, as she is a decided acquisition to our musical circles. Mr W. Cook sang an appropriate song "Queen of the Earth," and bad to appear again and repeated the last verse. Miss H. Tansley, of Dannevirke, has been heard here before, and her reappearance was the signal for an outburst o.f applause. Her rendition of " Fiddle and I," although lacking the violin obligato, was capitally rendered, as she has a magnificent contralto voice of wide range, which she uses with effect. Miss Tansley responded with " Ben Bolt," after a most pronounced en core. Mr W. Langdon at very Bhort notice then gave a recitation, which was warmly received. Mrs Parker, another new singer here, sang very nicely that pretty ballad "When The Flowing Tide Comes 'In," and narrowly escaped the encore which was deserved. Miss Simpson was next, and rendered " The Boy and the Brook " in a very creditable manner. The gem of the evening undoubtedly was next, the number being a duet between the Misses Tansley and Collins, entitled " Go Pretty Rose." The blending of the voices of these two young ladies was perfect, and the audience applauded

the singers heartily. For an encore " Friendship " was also nicely rendered. It is seldom we are given such a treat;, as the items mentioned proved to be. Mr J. B. Stansell oontribvted "I've Worked Eight Hours This Day," and in response to the e,uois bowed his acknowledgments. This item concluded the first portion of the programme* and after a short intermission the second part opened with a pianoforte selection by the Misses Bay entitled " Husarenitt," which was very well played. Mr Bay contributed " The Mighty Deep" in good style, aud Master A. Tansley, who came out as a comical character gave " I Wish I Was Back in Alabama." His singing and dancing was much applauded, as the performer is only 11 years of age, and the audience clamouring for a repetition, lie returned and sang another verse. He was again recalled and sang " Where Did You Get That Hat." This song was as equally well received is his former number. The audience then had the pleasure of hearing another item from Miss Tansley, the singer playing her own accompaniment on this occasion. Her item was " What Is My Love Without Thee," whioh was rendered in a faultless manner. Mrs J. M. Collins sang " The Flight of Ages" whose sweet voice many old Fozton residents will recollect, and was beard to great advantage. Mr H. Border then gave a humorous recitation, which provoked much merriment. Miss Newth was next on the programnfe,; and was also another new singer before a Foxton audience, and is the possessor of a very strong voice. Mr F. B. Young came out in character and gave " I Can't Change It-;" whioh ' caused roars of laughter, and in response to the inevitable encore sang "And The Verdict Was." Miss , Bay sang very pleasingly " Twickenham Ferry," and Master A. Tansley again contributed another comic song " Norab," and as he had be* come such a favourite in bis former numbers, the audience demanded more, and he contributed another" song. Miss and Master Osborne played a pretty pianoforte duet entitled '• Waves of the Ocean." All the performers then made their appearance on the stage and sang j " God Save the Queen," which con- | eluded the .' concert, BefojjQ Lite I conclusion Mr Stansell, on behalf of the School Committee, returned thanks to those who attended, and | also to the performers taking part in the concert

Mr E. Osborne who had the lion's share of the work in getting up the ooncerfc was indefatigable in his . efforts to please all and must be eon* gratulated on (he success it was. Mr Stansell also helped in various ways, and most chiefly as stagemanager, to make things pass off, «8 pleasantly as possible. The accompanists were Mesdames Cook and Parker, and Misses Tansley, Collins (2), Stansell, Osborne an£ Ray. ' - „ . ■ The takings were £18 7s ltd, and as the prices of admission were only Is and 6d, it must be considered good. This will leave a substantial amount in aid of the State Schosl fund, which is most satisfactory.