The Church of England Tea and Concert.

Manawatu Herald, 1 June 1899, Page 3

The Church of England Tea and Concert.

The ladies of the congregation are to be heartily congratulated on the very successful result of their efforts. The Sunday-school last night was filled again and again for tea, and the room was packed at the concert. The room and stage was prettily decorated with ferns and flowers, and the tea was pronounced excellent. The concert was the best that has as yet been given at these socials, the music being bright and good, and the singing much above the mark. The opening duet by the Miss Hadfield and P. Collins " Clickety Clack " was excellently played and heartily applauded. Miss Hadfield finished her musical education in England and secured her degree. A number of children— mostly girls -trained by Mrs England, sang " The Spider and Fly." Miss P. Collins sang " Song of the Night " very nicely. Little Bertha Dudson recited " Oh, if I were a Man " so Well that a vigorous encore secured the repetition of the last verse. During the evening Miss McKenna sang without any previous warning, " Cows are in the Clover" for which she was encored, and " She wore a Wreath of Roses." Master A. Shadbolt and A. Cook sang as a duet "Good Old Jeff" the chorus being taken up by the audience. Mr Alf. Fraserread " How Jimny treated the Baby" and was well applauded. Miss Hilda Collins and L. Symons played " Graus an den Rhein " as a duet very nicely. The Rev. Mr Leach sang "Sailing" in a capital manner, and it came upon the audience as a bit of a surprise, as they were not aware that he sang. Mr Leach possesses a rich baritone voice, and his items will be eagerly welcomed in the future. In reply to the inevitable encore Mr Leach sang " Going back to Dixey." In the case of both these songs Mr Leach requested the audience to join in the chorus, and we believe this to be a capital plan bringing the audience and singer more in touch with one another. The vocal duet "Oh that we two were Maying," aung by the Misses Hadfield and I. Robinson, was very prettily sung, the voices of the young ladies blending very sweetly together. In response to an encore a verse was Master Ernest Dudson sang. " Poor Old Jeff" very nicely. A piano duet by Miss Hadfield and Mr England followed, the piece selected being one of Scotts and Clark's, called the Commemoration March. It is needless to say it was very well played. The Rev. Mr Leach then closed the programme by reading Tennyson's " Dora," in his clear and incisive manner. He then thanked all who had worked, and all those who attended.

Miss Hadfield and Mr England were the chief accompanyists. During tea the town band, under the leadership of Mr Betty, played a number of selections which were highly appreciated.

The financial results are very satisfactory, a sum of over £8 having been obtained.