CONCERT.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 41, 3 January 1902, Page 3

CONCERT.

Although the audience at Wednesday night’s concert was not so large as the merits of the entertainment deserved, it was at least appreciative, the whole of the performers, and especially those from Wellington who so kindly and freely gave their services, met with a most favorable reception. As previously stated, the object of the entertainment was to provide comforts for “our boj’s’' who have joined the Bth Contingent to fight the Empire’s battles in Bouth Africa. Mr S. Myers, of Wellington, took the matter in hand from the commencement, and by active canvassing arranged a first class programme and he is to be congratulated upon the fact that as a result of bis voluntary efforts the sum of £7 10s was netted, which has been handed over to Capt. Deck. The Mayor of Motueka, Mr R. Hursthouse, gave a short address to the assemblage, explaining the object of the entertainment, afterwards introducing the performers. The first item was a selection by the Motueka String Band, who rendered the item in their usual efficient style. This was followed by a Creole Love Song, well sung by Miss Hursthouse. A violin solo by Mr A. Miller was favorably received by the audience ;so also was The Deathless Army by Mr E. Whitehorn, who in response to an unmistakeable encore, gave O Promise Me. Another selection by the Band, was succeeded by a piano solo, The Nightingale, efficiently played by Miss Richmond, deserving of the encore which was demanded: Mr H. Rankin demonstrated his skill as a reciter in The Death of Marmion,the enunciation being distinct and the accompanying gestures appropriate. In response to a recall a humorous item was given. Mrs S. Myers’ skill as a manipulator of the mandolin is wellknown throughout the colony ; it was, therefore not to be wondered at that the audience was charmed with her playing and would not rest satisfied till they were favored with another item, which was skilfully played, proving that Mrs Myers is a highly cultivated musician. Mrs Batchelor, always a favorite with local audiences, sang Come Back Soon very nicely ; a piano solo (encored) by Miss Collins ending the first part of the programme. After a short interval, the String Band played an overture. The next item was a song by Mr S. Rankin, The Miner, who showed that he possesses a rich baritone voice ; the number was most favorably received and an encore demanded. La Seranata, a violin solo by Mr Miller, well played, was followed by The Powder Monkey, in which song Mr Whitehorn acquitted himself creditably, a recall being responded to. Possibly the most acceptable item of the instrumental portion of the programme was the mandolin solo Scotch airs by Mrs Myers, charmingly given and vociferously encored by the assemblage. Miss Mabel Brougham at once established herself a favqrite in the song The Dream Angel, her sweet voice being heard to perfection : needless to say, the listeners insisted upon an encore. IMiss ISlanoy followed with a piano solo, (encored) which was played with great taste and skill, the audience acknowledging their appreciation in a most unmistakeable fashion. The last item a song Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean, w&s entrusted to Mr G. AV. Jenkins who sang it with much spirit and once more demonstrated his popularity as a vocalist and citizen.

Mesdames Anderson, Myers, Misses Richmond, Boyes, and Collins played the accompaniments, and their valuable services are worthy of recognition. A dance followed the entertainment, at which Mr H. Rankin officiated as M.C.