Catholic Concert at Feilding.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 115, 20 April 1885, Page 2

Catholic Concert at Feilding.

On Friday evening last the Catholic Concert for some time past advertised ' was iriven m the Public Hall, Feilding, and was altogether a most decided success. Tho building was well filled, the audience during the rendition of the programme, frequently testifying their appreciation by hearty applause. The first part of the entertainment consisted of selections of vocal and instrumental sacred music rendered by the Palmerston Choir under Mr Harbott's leadership, and here the audience thoroughly enjoyed what was undoubtedly a genuine musical treat. The overture taken from Mozart's 12th Mass was an instrumental rendering of " Gloria " from that popular composition, and m Jthe hands of Miss Boylan was correctly and expressively played, the pianoforte passages receiving careful attention throughout. Mozart's " Kyrie " was next given by the choir and sung with considerable effect all the voices being under complete control, and blending m perfect harmony. A tenor recit and aria from Handel's Judas Maccabeus followed and was succeeded by the choir singing the " Gloria " from Farmer's Mass mB. This item was particularly well given, tho beautifully florid music receiving its correct interpreting, m a spirited and bright rendition. A duet " Rossi's Fanturn Ergo " was next sung by Miss Newcome and Mr Harbott and given by them m a masterly and effective style, their voices joining m pleasant harmony. The "Kyrie" from "Farmer's Mass" by the choir which concluded the first part of the programme was indeed excellently sung, Mr Weight taking the "Qui Tollis " which he rendered with much expression and effect. Tho second part of tho entertainment was given with the exception of one or two alterations as advertised, a number of Feilding ladies and gentleman assisting. The following are the names of those who took part m the concert : — Mesdames Dowling, Holt, Anderson, Oakley, and Weight, Misses Boylan, Boach, Hanlon, Newcome, and Cameron, and Messrs Harbott, Weight, Stratford, Bett, Haybittle, Turner, Cm*reen, Reading, Dowling, and Healy. It is a matter of congratulation that the entertainment proved such an unqualified success and we hope that, after expenses are paid, a good substantial amount will remain to help reduce the debt on the Feilding Catholic Church. We had forgotten almost to mention the valuable assistance rendered by the Makino Brass Band both before the commencement of the concert and by playing an overture to the second part. The members of the band deserve individual commendation for the good style of their execution.

The Palmerston Catholic Choir had some rather rough experiences on the road when returning from Feilding on Friday night. The driver of the coach conveying the singers homo lett Feilding quite satisfied every thin? was all right. On arriving at the Awahuri Bridge, the horses having descended the incline stuck fast and. refused to stir. The ladies had to be removed and taken across the river m a conveyance which fortunately left Feilding with the coach, and was driven by Messrs Haybittle and Bett. The driver of the coach here for the first time noticed one ot his horses without a collar, the harness hanging on the animal's bare neck. He, however, nothing daunted, startect to scour Awahuri for a collar, though at this time between 1 and 2in the morning. Having returned successful-, another attempt was made to move the animals, but not before half-an-honr had elapsed could they be induced to proceed. At last under weigh, the vehicle managed to get across the water and then stupk at the foot of the bank on the opposite side. The occupants by walking along a pole, got on the bank, and with all the help available made every effort to get the horses up but not a step would they move. There being nothing else for it, the animals were removed and the coach dragged up the bank by inches. All this time some of the ladies were waiting on the road, drenched with, heavy rain falling, others having been taken tip by Mr Haybittle m his trap. Another start was made and without further accident the party arrived m Palmerston shortly before four o'clock. Mr Haybittle very considerately having deposited his first load returned. , to render further assistance but the coach by this time was on its ■way home, and met him about half way. We understand the horses used by the coachman had been doing work all the fore and afternoon of the day they were taken to Feilding.