First Pact.

Manawatu Herald, 1 March 1900, Page 3

First Pact.

The first part was opened by an overture played by Mr J. Kearsley, followed by Mr H. Drummond, who Bang " Soldiers of the Queen/ the audience joining in the chorus, and this song which has now become so popular, took well. A comic song, 11 The Shipwrecked Captain" by Mr Willie Mackie was next, and a trio for mandolins and banjo by Messrs Ferris, Porter and Chalk, were highly appreciated. Mr Norman Flyger, of Feilding, sang "The Cuckoo," (ala Chas. Naylor), this being one of the best items during the evening. Mr E. Sherrock pleased the audience with his silver-clog dance, and Miss Mills, a young lady visitor from Blenheim, who is the possessor of a sweet voice, sang "Rosy O'Grady" and was much applauded. A stump speech on • generalties ' provoked xnuoh laughter and amusement, showing that the performer, Mr G. Bright, was no new hand at public speaking. " Ju-Jah," a comic song . by Mr H. Drummond was also amusing. Mr S. Gardner, who played popular airs on a harmonica, had to re-appear. It was really surprising the music he was able to produce from these simple mouth organs. Mr Edward Reade, of Feilding, was next with that fine song " Out on the Deep," and did full justice to it, the Binger taking the low notes admirably. Mr Norman Flyger's song 11 He was a Pal of mine " was very good, and Mr Willie Mackie concluded the first part with a comic song " Jeru-Jeri-Jerosolem," and for an encore sang "His Boom's to I^et." Second Part. After a short interval of five minutes the second part was opened by Mr J. Kearsley playing a suitable overture. Mr E. Reade sang " The Old Brigade" nicely, and Messrs Betty and O'Dwyer acquitted themselves very well in their cornet duet. Mi*H. Drummond sang " The Skipper's Daughter," and for an encore repeated a verse. Mr Stewart Ennis' singing of "The Absent-minded Beggar," helped to swell the fund, the sum of £1 12s being thrown" on the stage and collected during its rendition. A double Lancashire clog dance by Messrs W. Ferris and G. Porter was a well-executed item, and was encored. Miss Collins was in good voice for her song " Over the Hills," and was much applauded. Mr W. Mackie's comio song "I'm a-looking at yer " was encored, and the singer returned and sang "I've been giving them all a turn." Mr N. Flyger sang "Farewell for Ever," and for an encore sang " Sentenced to Death." A sand jig by Mr Alf Garbes had to be repeated, and Miss Mills again pleased the audience with her rendering of " Susie-ue." A song composed by Mr J. Kearsley, and sung by Mr E. Eeade was the next, entit ed " Transvaal War Fund" and was wel' received. An Irish song and dance sketch, entitled "The Two Micks" by Messrs W. and J. Mackie kept the audience in roars of laughter for some little time, and; after a repetition of their funnyisms the entertainment was -brought to a close with " God Save the Queen.

Just before the last item on the programme Mr Alf Eraser came forward and said he had been requested by the performers to thank the audience most heartily for their attendance, and for the very generous applause that had been so free'y bestowed upon their efforts to please. Mr Fraser also said that he thought the thanks of the people of Foxton were due to those who had originated and carried out this most successful concert, which would result in a substantial addition to the Mayor's Patriotic Fund. The whole of the money taken was to be handed over without any deduction, the men from around the different mills paying out of their own pockets aU expenses in connection with travelling expenses, dresses, Ac, &c. The Bey. H. S. Leaoh, who had been present during the eariier part of the concert, had asked him to express his (Mr Leach's) entire approval of and sympathy with the object of the concert, and to also thank the performers very kindly for the courteous and ready consent that had been given to his request that the concert may not be held on Ash Wednesday. A word of praise is also due to Mr C. W. Henry, who arranged the programme in such a way that met with the entire favour of all present.

The Mayor (Mr Rhodes), who acte&ag doorkeeper, and Mr Alf Fraser mi Btage>managßr t had ft lot to do, so that the promoters and every one eog&eoted are to be congratulated on thfrspLandid success the concert has been.

The total receipts amount to £21 8s lsd, which has been placed to the credit of the Mayor's Patriotic Fund.