THE CONCERT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 January 1931, Page 2

THE CONCERT

A HIGH CLASS PROGRAMME MAYOR PRESENTS PRIZES Tlie concert to wind up the day’s proceedings was held in the Theatie Royal where there was a fair audience. Chief Shand Smith presided and with him on the stage was the Chieftain ox the Motueka Caledonian Society. The chief, during the course of a brief speech warmly welcomed to Nelson the various competitors —many of whom had travelled long distances, and who by their efforts had made the day the success it certainly was. He congiatulated the Nelson Provincial Scottish gathering which had that day revived after an interval of many years, Scottish sports in Nelson. He extended an invitation to all present of Scotch nationality or of Scottish descent to link up with the society in Nelson. The time was opportune, he said, as their year was just about to begin, the annual meeting being held a little later in the month. He was very glad to know that their society and the Caledonian Society of Motueka were working together in complete harmony, the happy results of the day being in no small measure due to the inspiration and practical help of their friends across the Bay. The Mayor of Nelson (Mr W. J. Molfatt) presented the prizes and trophies won at the sports gathering and in folicitious terms on behalf of Nelson, welcomed the competitors to the city. Nelson, he said, was always glad to welcome visitors, and he concluded a brief address by reciting “The Sportsman's Prayer,” which was much appreciated by the audience. The concert itself was an excellent exposition of what a popular holiday concert should be —every item was so well received that encores were demanded for each one. Master Charlie Stewart (the young Scotch comedian and singer) from Wellington, was given a rousing reception, as also’was Miss Beatrice Aydon (who is visiting the city), and Mr Hugh Smith (from the West Coast). At the conclusion “Auld Lang Syne” and Cod Save the King were sung by the performers and audience. The concert items were as follow's: Pipe Band selection; Reel of Tullocli; song, Miss Beatrice Aydon, “The Keel Row”; song and recitation. Mr Hugh Smith; Irish Jig; song, Mr D. M.Bishop, “Hail Caledonia” and “Alton Water” ; humorous song, Mr Chas. Stewart, “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’ ”; Highland Fling, Miss Rita Miller; song, Miss V.

B~Pipe selection, Mr A. Guild; song, Miss B. Aydon; duo dance, Miss Flo Taylor and Mr B. Bothwellj recitation, Mr Hugh Smith (one of his own composition); song, Mr D. Bishop, “Braes of Mar”; Sheauntriubhas, Miss Gladys Smytlie; song, Miss V. Bell, “Annie Laurie”; recitation, Mr IL. Smith, “You Never Know”; dance, Sailor’s Hornpipe, Mr D. Guild; humorous Scottish songs, Master Charlie Stewart. Mr R. Harrison was the accompanist during the evening. The Nelson Highland Pipe Band was in attendance and played several selections outside the theatre prior to the concert and several more during its progress. COMPETITORS ENTERTAINED After the concert the competitors in the sports were entertained at supper. There were present visitors from Oamaru, Palmrston North, Mastcrton, Wellington, Christchurch, Blenheim, Motueka and Inangahua Junction. With the Nelson Chief were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Moftatt) and Mr Thompson, Chief of the Motueka Society. The toast of Kindred Societies was proposed by the Mayor and replied to by Messrs Thompson (Motueka), McFarlane (Blenheim), Hughie Smith (West Coast), and A. Graham (Wellington). Chieftain Duncan Mullocli proposed “The Judges.” The toast was replied to by Messrs Topp (piping judge at Motueka), McFnrlane (piping judge at Nelson), and O’Hara (dancing judge at Nelson and Motueka). The toast of the champion dancer, Miss Gladys Smytlie (Wellington) was given musical honours and the Cup which she won was handed round for the winner’s health to be drunk. The Nelsonians then sang “Will Ye No Come Back Again,” and the happy little function came to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”