GRAND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT OTAHUHU.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1714, 13 August 1862, Page 3

GRAND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT OTAHUHU.

Ox Monday evening last this concert, which had been long promised, came oft' with the most marked success. The weather, which for many days previously had become quite notorious by a succession of severe squalls, was all that could be desired, aad the prospect of a clear moonlight night gave the scattered settlers around a promise ot a pleasaut and comfortable return to.thcir homes. For some years past the church at Otahuhu had sufficed for tho wants of the parishioners, but since the rapid advance this township has latterly made—owing to the cstablishmant of a military camp in its neighborhood—the present building has been found too small. Moreover the site of the present church is such that its approach is utterly impossible during the winter months, while in summer, when it is approachable, the building is unable to contain the usual congregation; it has been thought advisable, therefore, to erect a new church on the half-acre (a short distance from the main road, and in a central position) granted by Mr. Fairburn for that purpose, while it is intended to apply the material of the existing building towards erecting a school-house and master's residence upon another halfacre adjoining the portion granted for the church, and which may at the present time be purchased for this purpose. It is contemplated that the whole expense will not exceed £450, including tho repayment for debt incurred in tho erection of the present edifice. We were not surprised, therefore, taking into consideration the good work to which the funds realised from this concert were to be applied, to find the attendance so numerous, or that the little town of Otahuhu was quite in a state of excitement at so unusual an event as a grand instrumental and vocal concert in its new assembly rooms, which form a portion of Mr. Rogers' new and magnificent hotel. The bands of the 14th and 65th were in attendance—a quartctt of amateur sin-gers from town lent thir assistance—and, to crown all, the energy and attention of Mr. Street, carried the afFair oil' successfully, the large assembly rooms, capable of holding 250 people, being literally full to overflowing, many of the visitors having been supplied with scats at the doors. More than £4O, we were informed, was realized by the sale of tickets. The concert commenced with an overture from "Zainpa," performed by the band of the 65th. The waltz •'Dreams of Childhood," by the 14th band, was much admired, and deservedly so; but the favourite piece of the Ist part was evidently the duett of Mr. and Master Beale on the violin, a masterly piece of performance, which was enthusiastically received at Otahuhu as it has always been at our city musical entertainments. The band of the 14th led off the 2nd part with Aubcr's well known overture " Massaniello," and was followed by a trio "Oh lady fair," which was warmly applauded, the talented lady amateur who took the soprano being ably supported by both alto and bass. In a subsequent song, " Lily Bells,"—the audience having by this time become thawed—the lady amateur was encored, as was also the quartett" Health to my dear." A medley of considerable merit followed, and tho national anthem concluded tho evemng's entertainment.

Lecxdbe. —We were glad to seo a good attendance last evening at the lecture delivered by the Rev. J. F. Mandcno, on the " Credulity of Infidelity"; Thomas Macfailanc, Esq., occupied the chair, and, prayer havin"' been offered, briefly introduced the lecturer. The subject of the lecture, though certainly not attractive on the score of being "something new," can never be considered inappropriate while the delusion itself continues its baneful existence. On tho present occasion, the eloquence and forcible arguments of the reverend lecturer secured the deepest attention throughout the whole delivery, and could not iail to edify as well as please those who were so fortunate as to hear it. Coloured Opera Troupe.—This popular Company will perform this evening, and Saturday evening the 16th, at the Odd Fellows' Hall; on Thursday next, the 14th, at the Criterion Assembly Rooms, Otahuhu, when an attractive and startling programme is announced for that evening's performance. On Monday evening next, the last performance in this city will take place, after which this sable company will transfer their charms, vocal and instrumental, to more favored climes. Miss Harriet GoRDON.—We were again delighted on Monday evening with tho exquisite performance of this lady. The entertainment commenced with the laughable sketch of the Irish Actress, tho racy humour of Mr. J. P. Hyde, as Charles, forming a pleasing contrast with the rich melody of the charming heiress, Kate Brieu. "Come iutotho garden, Maud," brought

vividly back to us Home reminiscences, which we certainly never expected would ever have been awakened on this side of the line, nor was Miss Gordon less successful in the other songs that followed, "Gentle Annie" and "Love launched a fairy Boat." The musical melange which followed was warmly received, indeed how could it be otherwise, and many a Scot, we venture to say felt the blood tingle in his veins when he heard the magnificent song of Burns " Scots wha hac" so thrilllingly rendered. We never could understand why the attendance, comparatively speaking should be so meagre, and were delighted to find so great a change in this respect on the present occasion. We have always gone early anticipating a crowded hall, the present opportunity of hearing good music is such a one as Auckland may not have again for years, an opportunity, too, by which our own amateur singers, may form a correct and excellent model. The concert last evening has been postponed. We trust that the courtesy shown by Miss Gordon in surrendering the hall for the necessary preparations for the Subscription Ball will be gratefully acknowledged by the liberal patronage of those for whose convenience Miss Gordon's arrangements have been disordered. Land Association No. 4. —Wc perceive that this Society has run the prescribed term of existence and that its beneficial operations are now brought to a close. The eight half-yearly meeting of members is called for Friday evening, at the office of the Secrecretary, Mr. Batger. Baking a Mail—Wc have been informed that while a portion of the mail brought from Taranaki by the Lord Worsley was being conveyed on board, the boat was struck by a heavy sea and swamped. For, tunately the mail was tied to the bottom of the boat, otherwise we should probably hare lost some of our Taranaki letters; as it was, they were thoroughly saturated with salt water. On being conveyed to the shore again, they were at once unpacked, and underwent the operation of " baking," by which they were restored to their original state, and rendered perfectly readable. Many of these " baked" letters have been received by people in this community; but if they happened to contain anything unpalatable or indigestible, they will not be able to complain of their not being sufficiently " cooked." Herr Werner's Concert.—Pressure of time and space compelled us abruptly to cut short our notice of this concert in our last issue, after offering a few comments relative to the great improvement of the 14th's band. It is not, however, merely to the instrumental department that Herr Werner confines himself; on the contrary, he has several highly promising vocalists among his bandsmen, a portion of whom sang Parry's glee, "Come fairies trip it on the! grass," with due emphasis and discretion; taking part afterwards in Bishop's celebrated quintett " the fox jumped over the parson's gate," in which they acquitted themselves so well and so much to the taste of their audience (the basso in particular) as to elicit a most vociferous encore. These songs and glees caused a most agreeable variation; and in their solos and duetts the lady amateurs contributed materially to the evening's entertainment. " Her bright smile haunts me still" was given with great feeling by a young lady gifted with a beautiful voice, a pupil, we believe, of Mr. Werner. It would be a great improvement were those young ladies to take a little more pains in articulating the language set down for them; the eloquence and pathos of music becomes doubled when melifluous sounds are accompanied with touching words clearly and intelligibly rendered. Among the instrumental varieties performed by the baud, were selections from Mendelssohn's grand oratorio of St. Paul, Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera, and Mr. Werner's new fantasia " A day in the Camp at Otahuhu," all given with great effect; although, no doubt, the immense volume of sound in some of the mora forte passages, might have been quite as spirit-stirring and less startling (to front rows) if delivered in the open air. The great musical achievement of the evening was Herr Werner's clarionet solo, " Adieu a Berne," which he introduced for the first time. It was an exquisite raoreceau; and they who have seen and heard in what eloquent tones this accomplished professor can cause the clarionet to " discourse" will feel no surprise that in this instance his performance was one of surpassing beauty, probably superior to any previous effort, and greeted with long continued and rapturous applause. As a whole, the concert of Friday evening was a most successful one; and, taking the inclemency of the weather into account, the number and class of the audience must have been accepted as very gratifying evidences of the high estimation in which Herr Werner's musical proficiency is held.