ENTERTAINMENT AT NGAPARA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1291, 27 May 1880, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT AT NGAPARA.

On Monday evening last (Queen's Birthday) a concert and ball was held in the Schoolhouse, Ngapara, in aid of the Public Library, and to commemorate its first anniversary. The room was comfortably filled by an attentive and very appreciative audience. In the absence of the President of the Library (Mr. Menlove), the duties of Chairman devolved on the Vice-President (Mr. W. H. Walker), who filled the office with credit to himself and the institution which he represented. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, dwslfc upon the necessity that existed for a suitable building as an Athenaeum, stating that the President had given a section of land to build one upon, and all that was wanted 'was money to start the building. Hence the retail for the entertainment being organised. The speaker's remarks were well received, and at the close he called upon Mr, and Mrs. Lord to open the concert with the overture to Sullivan's operetta " Trial by Jury"—piano and English ccmoerfcina — which seemed to be appreciated by the audience. Mr. Atkinson followed with " Silver threads amongst the gold," which he sang exceedingly well, Mrs. Lord and Mrs. Atkinson, (Agnes. Sorrell Quadrilles), Mrs. Collie, Messrs. B. W. Hayes (recitation), Walker, Murdoch, Fred. Holt, and Gonlan (violin solo), contributed to the enjoyment of the audience. During the course of the evening the Secretary read the report and balance-sheet £qv the pa st year. The Anthem concluded the concert. Mr. Atkinson, leader and instructor of the brass band, then said he had a few words to say before the room was cleared for dancing. It had been suggested to him that, as the instruments of the late band were lying idle, and there was no chance of reorganisation, with the consent of those who subscribed to purchase them, they should be sold, and the proceeds handed over to the Athenosum Committee. The reason of his mentioning it then was that he saw so many of the subscribers present. He would make it a proposition, and ask the Chairm.m to lay it before them, and abide by their decision. This was accordingly done, and was carried.

Mrs. Atkinson and Mrs, Lord presided at the piano the whole of the evening. Yotes of thanks were passed to the chair, to the visitors who had tal?eu part in the programme, to Mr, Menlove for his grant of land, and to Mr. Gruar for allowing the use of one of his rooms for the past twelve months for library purposes free of charge. A special vote of thanks was also passed to Mr. Atkinson for kindly lending his piano.

The room having been cleared for dancing, the amusement was kept up till 2 a.m. Mr. Ardagh acted as M.C. with his usual courtesy.