LIVINGSTONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 736, 19 August 1878, Page 2

LIVINGSTONE.

(FROM 0171-1 OWN CORRESPONDENT.) A concert in aid of the Oamarn Hospital Funds was given on Friday last in the school here. Tiie weather was propitious though the attendance was not so large as might have been expected from the nature of the occasion. The Rev. H. L. Gilbert was voted by acclamation to the chair, and in the course of his remarks said that having met to promote the interests of so benevolent, and necessary a scheme, he hoped tlie tenor of the songs, etc., would be strictly in accordance with propriety and decorum, and that in the sentiment expressed good taste would be a prominent feature. He considered that meetings of this nature, for whai ■ hj 'ct, tended to promote a '...-ii:' v '■■•!.' in social feeling, and to re- . ~.ve the petty prejudices often common to small communities. Referring to hospitals he might remind them that the institution was an ancient one, dating back to Bethesda's curative pool, while in the present day there was to be found no mineral lode or stratified formation but yielded valuable reagents to the student of the healing art, and Providence had caused the very fields to be redolent of materials for the amelioration of suffering humanity, and it was clearly our duty and privilege to supply means for the study and practice of this noble art. The hospital would be a great boon to many a necessitous wanderer in a country among strangers, and those who contributed tonight" would have the pleasure of knowing that though their songs could not-mend broken limbs, their money might; He had now great pleasure in calling upon Mr. Osterberg, a well-known resident, to open the programme with a song, "The Drummer Boy at Waterloo." Mr. Osterberg was in his usual good voice and sang with considerable taste. Mr. "W. Sutherland then gave a solo on the pipes, which was well received, and the Chairman remarked Mr. Sutherland had the advantage of the singers, since in his perambulating action he could accommodate both extremes ot the room. Mr. P. Botting followed with "The Angels are Whispering," and in his song he had made a happy selection, the sentiment being good and the music adapted to his range. It is refreshing to observe the taste, qf the local talent improving in this particular. Mr. Bloomfield now gave- " The Battle Field," and was enthusiastically encored, to which he responded with a motto song " Hand and Heart." Next came " Strathspey and Reel," Mr. Sutherland, which appealed powerfully to. the dancing proclivities of the audience, and the Chairman remarked the whole

audience seethed to be doing their part ; those who did not perform musically gave .a rhythmical action to their heels which ?semmded him of an anecdote by the Mr. Gough, which he related greatlyHto the amusement of all. -■, '■ :.:' Mr.pQarling then sang you'll' rememtitir me;" and Mr.'/ Wolf gave )''■ of the Tide," and responded to __ f ; :';--; ■ :..;r .reiuleved by Miss Mary Gallagher, Master Harry Roberts, and Mr. Anderson. Mr. Sutherland sang " Duncan Gray," and was encored. Mr. Oliver gave " My Bonny Home in Airly," which was much appreciated, and responded to an encore. Mr. Anderson gave during the evening "I cannot sing the old Songs," "The Friar," and " You and I." The Chairman here remarked that he thought all were doing well, and related a racy anecdote of a storekeeper who pushed his trade at every conceivable opportunity till he became quite a bore, his motto being "that what was worth doing was worth doing well." Mr. Kermode sang "Ye Banks and Braes of Bonny Doon," which of course drew forth a spontaneous chorus, and responded to an encore with " Ever of Thee." Mr. Bloomfield gave by special request " Bnrke and Wills," the tragedy in which was well rendered. Mr. W-ird followed with " The Bonnio Hills of Scotland." Mr. Sutherland gave another solo on the pipes, and after the usual votes of thanks the meeting dispersed. Dancing then commenced, and continued till about 3.30 a. m. Proceeds will probably amount to between L 7 and LS.