McFarlane’s Hall.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1013, 17 December 1881, Page 2

McFarlane’s Hall.

Last night a delighted audience was drawn together in the above building to witness one of the best programmes submitted to the public for some time. The entertainment was in aid of the Day family, whose domestic misfortunes have not appealed in vain to the practical sympathies of the public. The occasion brought forth once more several of our best singers, and we were glad to welcome, amongst others, Mrs Arthur Cooper, whose voice retains it pristine sweetness and power, and she sang, if anything, better than on any previous occasion in Gisborne. This was specially observable in her rendition of “Vashti,” the modulation of her voice, and the clear, ringing power of expression for which this lady is so distinguished, added to her timid, yet impassioned, utterances of the unaccompanied cadenzas, lent a charm to the whole, that delighted her hearers, and stamped her as a musician of more than ordinary ability. The “ Murmur of the Shell ” was given in response to an encore, and was most pathetically rendered.

“ Once Again,” in the second part of the programme was also sang by Mrs Cooper with a verve, and such tenderness of feeling as to win a rapturous reception, and the lady sang the last verse ovei - again. Tor emotional singing, Mrs Cooper is without a compeer in Gisborne. Madame Stewart was also delightfully expressive in the “ Magic of Music,” and “ Bosabelle,” for which she was rewarded by marked demonstrations of approval, and a redemand in both songs, on the second occasion she substituted “Won’t you tell me why, Bobin ?” Madame Stewart was underlined for “ Come back to Erin,” but the music got mislaid at the last moment.

Miss Macdonald sang “ Thy Eace ” in the first part, very prettily, and “ True till Death,” in the second, and each time in submission to a re-demand, sang the last verse. This was Miss McDonald’s first appearance on the Gisborne stage, and she evidently made a most favorable impression. Captain Chrisp was down for two songs, but his son Edwrnrd did duty for him in one of them, giving promise of better things in “ Don’t Forget Me.” Mr J. B. Scott sang a local song, “ Never believe all you hear,” introducing some election hits, which answered their purpose of creating amusement. Mr Seeats “ Bunaway Musketeer,” was also provocative of much mirth, not forgetting Mr W. Batcliffe’s new song “ Give me a grip of your Hand.” “ Wrecked and Saved ” w T as in very good hands, on being confided to Mr S. J. Cohen, as was also “ The Four Jolly Smiths.” This style of song is adapted to Mr Cohen’s sonorous voice.

The first part concluded with “ Bumble’s Courtship ” by Messrs J. Bourke and M. Smith, who kept the house in roars during the whole of their funny business. Mr. Simpson sang “ Captain de Wellington Boots ” hi a way which showed that he is “ all there,” at “ La de da with the ladies.” Messrs Scott and Seeats gave “ The Black Brigade,” which was also very amusing in its way. In instrumentals, Mr Hall played a Clarionette solo, and the Battery J Band also acquitted themselves in their usual creditable style. But it was reserved for Mr Walter Hydes to carry off honors in this line in rendering a selection from the overture to “ Maritana,” and it was a skilful performance such as has never been heard before in Gisborne. Under such masterly manipulation it is no wonder that this gentleman holds his audience’s attention from the beginning. Mr Hydes presided at the piano the entire evening, and rendered very able assistance to the singers. A “ screaming” Farce brought the entertainment to a close, and sent the audience home in good spirits. We are glad to find that the proceeds will result in something substantial being handed over to the Day family, there being over £BO in the house.