Amusements.

Manawatu Herald, 7 June 1902, Page 2

Amusements.

CHURCH CONCERT.

A great treat awaited the audience at the Public Hall on Tuesday night. An excellent programme of vocal and pianoforte items had been provided and was thoroughly enjoyed by the patrons. It is not often that singers visit the town from such distances as Wellington and Auckland—and vocalists of such excellence as those who combined on the occasion in question are still more rarely heard here. The audience, though not large, was thoroughly appreciative; and the hearty applause offered to each performer was a gratifying return for the self-denying efforts of those who contributed to make the concert such a success. , It is some time since Foxton has had such a musical treat. Much of. the success is due to Mrs T. Lewis, who conceived the idea of inviting distinguished soloists from a distance. Unfortunately Mrs Lewis’ departure from Foxtoui for the South prevented her enjoying the fruits of the enterprise. The opening number of the first part was a pianoforte solo entitled “The Witches’ Flight,’’ which was played by Miss Haywood in that lady’s well-known finished style. Mr Fred James (Auckland) contributed “My Pretty Jana ” in an artistic manner,' and bad to respond witfaj" Sally in Our Alley.” Miss Winifred Birch (Wellington), was in excellent voice. Her powerful and sympathetic rendering .of “May Morning” was very pleasing, and for an encore this young .lady responded with “ Spoons.” Mr Arthur James sang “The Mighty Deep," a solo that suited his voice-admirably, and as an encore number gave f' The Sleeping Camp.” Miss Haywood yras next with a tasteful rendition of “ Tell me my Heart,” her encore solo being “To-morrow.” Mrs Mathieson (Eketahuna), was next, and her rich contralto voice was heard to great advantage in the beautiful song “ Three Fishers,” and this lady returned and contributed “ I Could’nt, Could I,” for an encore. The first part concluded with a recitation by Mr Mackintosh, a visitor to the town, entitled “ Father Phil’s Subscription List.” This geqtleman proved himself an accomplished elocutionist, and though perhaps a trifle long it was much enjoyed by the audience. After a short interval the second part was opened by a pianoforte piece played by Miss Haywood entitled “The Melbourne March,” for whibh she received much applause. Miss Birch contributed “ Serenade in Summer,” her encore number being “ Love Lane.” Mr A. James’ rendering of “The Outpost” was also another enjoyable item, and Miss Hamer pleased the audience with “The Love Tide,” and for an encore sang “ Look Back." Mrs Mathieson’s next solo “ The Toilers” was a song well suited forhe r voice, this lady responding with “ Be- . cause I Love You.” Mr Mackintosh-? recitation “Christmas Day in the Workhouse” was enjoyed, and Mr F. James was the last performer, who sang “ The Fair White Rose,” for which the singer was much applauded. Before the last itegi the Rev. H. F. Wilson thanked the performers who had assisted, and particularly those who had come from other towns. “ God Save the King ” was sung, which concluded a most enjoyable evening. The accompaniments were tastefully played by Mrs Wra. Cook, Miss Haywood, Miss Birch, and Mr C. F. Eng : land. The Town Band helped materially to the success of the - evening by playing several pieces of music af the door of the hall prior to the commeaoement of the concert. Much credit is duo to the gentlemen of the band for so kindly coming forward at some- par*, sonal inconvenience to assist- ' The piano used for the concert was kindly " lent by Mrs W. Cook. The financial profits go to the extin* guishing of a debt of £25 on All Saints' Church Building.

MONTGOMERY’S ENTERTAINERS. The Fexton Public Hall should be . packed on Tuesday night to welcome this popular company on their return to New Zealand after a very successful tour through Australia. Mr Montgomery’s shows, always up to date, are well worth seeing, but this visit from all accounts he has excelled himself in the amount oi new sensations and novelties he will introduce. The Sydney papers are unanimous in their praise of this great show. The Bulletin sa y s Montgomery’s entertainment was good and well arranged. The biograph and variety items wefe excellent.” The Sydney Morning Herald: “ The performance was most enjoyable throughout.” Napier Herald: “Of the very flattering press notices which heralded the advent of this company not one line was overdrawn. Montgomery’s is comparably the best." With such references as these the pub-

lie can feel sure of obtaining a good ~-night’s amusement, and the full value *jptneir money. The songs and ballads introduced are at present the rage of England and America, while the perfect biograph pictures include the Dartos, Cinquevalli, Craigs, pantomine of Red, Riding Hood, and a host of laughable and amusing comedies.