All Saints’ Tea arid Concert.

Manawatu Herald, 23 October 1902, Page 3

All Saints’ Tea arid Concert.

■ ■—- This annual function came off last night and was, as usual, a most enjoyable success. The tea, which was begun at 6.80, was partaken of by a large company of elders and young folks. The long tables, which occupied the whole length of the public hall, were laden with good things for eating and with pretty decorations. Up to 7.80 p.m. fresh supplies of stores kept coming in ; and at 0 p m. the room was cleared and the seats arranged for the concert. A happier assembly than that that awaited the prompt beginning of the programme could hardly be desired. The proportion of children in the audience was, naturally, large; and the stillness and evident enjoyment of these little folks to the end Of the long and varied bill of fare, was a most gratifying testimony to saocQgs of the GatecfcaioGi’s* ©fforts. Vicar occupied the chair and, in introducing the performers, explained that the ladies of the Sewing Guild had a twofold object in organising this gathering. The first object was to assist in reducing the debt upon the Vicarage. The second and greater object was to gather together those who habitually met in public worship for an evening’s social enjoyment. Both objects were being abundantly satisfied that night. The concert was in the hands of Mr SBg!ftnd, wbo playcd mewl of tei louagitest* la his well*

known sympathetic style. The first item was a pianoforte selection played by the Simplex Player, under the control of Mr Gillanders. This was followed by a second selection. The Vicar sang “ Out on the Deep,” and as an encore, “ Sailing.” Two very enjoyable items were a trio, “ Come where my love lies dreaming,” followed (as encore number) by “Yo Shepherds tell me.” These were sung by Mr and Mrs W. Cook and Miss Cook. Mr, James Mullins followed with a Violin solo, played in most artistic style, “ Second Romance ”by Tours. In response to continued applause Mr Mullins played another enjoyable item.

Mrs John Robinson’s song “ Love’s Proving,” was a much appreciated effort and in response to a recall, the singer repeated two verses, A pleasant break in the programme was made by Mr Hamer’s exhibitions of the wonderful powers of his gramaphone. His astonishing instrument delighted the audience, songs (serious and comic), instrumental pieces, speeches, &c., being reproduced with remarkable clearness. One of the records Mr Hamer kindly repeated. It was a musical rendering of the old nursery rhyme, “ Hey, diddle diddle.” The children will long remember this beautiful number.

Mr L. E. Reade opened the second part with the song, “ Why must we pay good-bye,” and Miss Hamer followed with “Maid of Athens,” with violin obligato by Mr Mullins a very pretty rendering of the celebrated song. Mr Hooker sang “ A Message from the Front,” Miss M. J. Withers playing the accompaniment. Hr Betty’s euphonium solo, “ The Village Blacksmith,” Avas greatly enjoyed as was also Mrs Currie’s rendering of “The Holy City.” Mrs John Robinson and Mrs Clemett sang the duet “ Life’s Dream is O’er,” a beautiful composition, very sympathetically intepreted, . The programme concluded with a second exhibition of the power of the gramaphone and the Sijnplex Piano Player. The National Anthem closed the evening. The piano, as well as the Simplex Player, was lent by Messrs Gillanders’ Bros., with their usual kindness. It is impossible to mention all the helpers engaged, but the valuable services of Mr Saville, the Ladies’ right-hand-man, cannot bo passed without mention.