LITERARY SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 28, 17 July 1875, Page 2

LITERARY SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

The second of a series of entertainments in aid of the Patea Literary Institute Building Fund, took place at the Albion Hall, last Wednesday evening, before a moderate audience. Major Turner occupied the chair, introducing the several musical performers in his usual felicitous mannerIn his opening remarks he regretted to observe that so few people had responded to the committee’s invitation, as that body were doing their best to provide attractive amusement for the public. The receipts from these entertainments are devoted in aid of the building fund, and he trusted in a short time the proceeds would enable the committee to proceed with the erection of its reading-room. The Constabulary

Library wouhl sbt rtly be banded over to tin; committee, and would be available to members o( J the I. s Hute. The first item on the programme was a tea ling by Mr Cowern, entiib d “ Priv; t; Theatricals,” wliich was fairly given, but we would suggest on the occasion of that gentleman’s next reading, that be should :• >nd a little louder, as the most app-e----ciab’a parts of his selection fell Hat owing to hia inaudibility. The “Fairy B L,” sung by Mr Tenuent, produced such a stonafc of applause between each verse as to conn-■ pM that gentleman to wait for a cessation of the acknowledgment before proceeding with the next. He was tastefully accompan! al by Mrs Hirst on the pianoforte. Mr Hutton’s reading “ How do you prove that? ” exhibited a similar defect to that of Mr Co worn’s. This was followed by a recitation, “The Felon,” by Mr Ivcss. Mr Hirst, attired in a senior’s custom", sang “The Bay of Biscay,” with good effect, at the coiTT'lusion of which an encore, was absolutely demanded, and ho eomplh d with “ Hearts of Oak.” Both songs showed that gentleman’s bass vui e to advantage. Mr Tennent’s “ Misadventures at Margate ,r created great mirth, and at its conclusion was loudly applauded. An overture on the pianoforte by Mrs Hirst was tastefully played. Mr Adams opened the second pari .of the entertain nent by singing “Never give way to sorrow,” but we do not remember ever seeing that gentleman so iiennan ; this impei i ne.nt, added to the absence, of music, greatly assisted in detrading from the merits of his excellent voice. Sketches of character sustained by Mr Sherwood, gave variety to the entertainment. The make-up was excellent,, and his Dutch accent and comicalities fairly brought down the house. In response to an encore ho sang 1 Mother kiss me ’etc I die" in falsetto voice d la Turner. Thu next item was a recitation, “ David’s Lament,” by Mr Dyer, which was delivered with great pathos. “Courting in the rain,” by Mr Garwood, was a great bit, and deservedly elicited an encore , that gentleman responding with “ I always was a swell.” We trust to hear that gentleman again. Mr Hutton brietly reviewed the progress of the Soeieiy since its -inauguration, stating- that the committee had rented the premises about In bo quitted by the Bank of New South Wales for 6 months, and trusted at the expiration of that period the committee would be in a position to erect a si i able reading room, as it was intended to devote the grant of ASO lately voted by the Council, and the receipts from the entertainments in aid of that object. The first verse of the National Anthem brought the entertainment to a close. Mr Hirst moved a vote of thanks to the chairman.