HAMILTON.—May 25.

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

HAMILTON.—May 25.

(From a correspondent.)

According to promise T hasten to give you an account of the ball, and concert at the Union Hotel on the evening of the Queen's Birth Day, in aid-of the funds of the Mount Ida Hospital. It must have been gratifying to its promoters to have met with such liberal support, considering our small population, and the ever evident jealousy and distrust which seems inherent in the place. As to the entertainment itself, Mr. T. "Foster was in the chair, Mr. J. Brown acted as M.C., and Mr. Bailey performed on the violin .and sung several songs with great success. The performance commenced by the, whole company standing up and singing the National Anthem, led by Mr..Bailey, after which dancing commenced with all its intricacies and complications. Of the vocal music that of the ladies was most appreciated. Mrs. Churnaide gave the "Moon Behind the Hill," and Mrs. Dyke "Ye Banks and Braes," each with much feeling, aud] were deservedly applauded. The comical, delineation of Irish and Highland characters, the former by Mr. J. Shannon, the latter by Mr. «T. Ledenham, for want of a better term X must say they were simply a 'caution." Of the mirth producing character of which my sides are still painfully conscious. Mr. B. Ilore gave " Pulling Hard Against the Stream," in a manner that astonished everyone, and, in theatrical parlance; brought down the house. I need scarcely mention Mr. Bailey again other than to say that he sung a number of songs, several of which were encored, and without any desire to flattery, he quite excelled ail his previous efforts. Mr. Brown gave an original song, composed for the occasion, which was highly appreciated and applauded. After a most enjoyable evening had been spent, the Chairman thanked the various performers and the company on behalf of the Hospital Committee for what they had previously done, and* also what they had that night done in furtherance of the establishment of the institution, which elicited three cheers for its success. Sir Roger de Qoverly J

was next called for, which "'crenteeP considerable amusement. Votes of thanks were then proposed to Mr. • Bailey and others for their ser> ices' and to Mrs Barber for the use of the room, and her gratuitous supply of refreshments, and delicacies during the evening, which was accorded with so hearty a goodwill that but for the heavy covering of snow on the roof Mrs. B. might had against the Committee ah indirect claim for damage* quite as good as that of our Americans cousins in the Alabama case. I may mention that we were chiefly indebted? to the ladies of the Sow burn for the presence of the ladies, who, notwithstanding the distance and the stormy . night, came muffled in their shawl's and cloaks, and covered with snow. I may mention also that Mts. Barber had a valuable and favorite dog poisoned on the night of the ball, which was, I fear, only the consequence of its success. The act itself requires no comment. That there are persons whose cowardly vindictiveness can prompt to such actions is only too evident ; but that such creatures should be permitted to pollute this fair earth is to say the least to me a mystery. In conclusion I will state that the gross proceeds even without the support of those who thought fit to sneer at the affair, amounted to £5 4s.