CONCEPT AND READINGS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 169, 31 May 1872, Page 5

CONCEPT AND READINGS.

Amidst snow, hail, sleet, and violent squalls of wind, at about eight, o'clock on Monday evening last nearly 100 persons turned out of their homes and into the Masonic Hall to take part at the usual fortnightly entertainment; The fact of so large a muster on so stormy a night was highly gratifying to the committee of management, who have been successful in making these performances popular. But it was half-past eight before the Chairman (Mr. Robinson) announced the purport of the meeting, and called on the band for the introductory overture. The music scarcely ceased when Mr. Stratford came forward, and substituted a brief sketch of the career of Bishop Selwyn for the recitation he was to have given. Mr. M'Gregor followed with a comic-song about feusan and her lover. He acted the character of the lover, to perfection, until the suspicions of the audience were aroused that. his mind was active with reminiscences of his youth. With regard to Mr. M'Cluskey's powers as a reciter we need only refer to a former report.; Mrs. G-ason sung two plaintive littlei airs. Mr. Baird, who was not allowed any peace until he had returned a s'e-, cond time to the stage, brought down the house with. " His own Maggie by his side." Mr. Horswell came forward twice, and kept the audience in convulsions with the ludicrous sarcasms of Mark Twain. Mr. Jacob sang the " Slave Ship," and was carried by acclamation on the stage a second time. Botfyhe and his daughter, who also sang

twice, received the "highest compliments of the eveniu _£, having been twice encored to the platform. Mrs. Tootell sang " Willie, we have Missed you," with, good effect, and we shall be glad to see her name on the programme on future occasions. Mrs. Ross .and Mr. Paice came forward to fill the gap occasioned by the absence of the Grlee Club. " Messrs. Cowpcr and Petchell read amusing short stories ; and Mr. Robinson, who is inimitable as a mimic took off to perfection poor -Handy Andy at the squire's dinner party. A letter, of apology from Mr. Hertsleb was read by the chairman, and in the absence of Mr. Carling Mr. Stratford was called forward to serenade with a visionary guitar. "We have purposely reserved for concluding remarks the name of Mr. IMeale, whose recitation of a naval engagement in 1794 was, in our opinion, the best piece of the evening, delivered admirably, in a clear distinct voice, and rhetorically correct. The funds are to be handed over to the .Fire Brigade, a corps well worthy of assistance, not only on account of its usefulness, but also that it has hitherto been a self-supporting body. The presence of the Brass Band contributed materially to the endowment of the evening.