CONCERT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2359, 8 October 1880, Page 2

CONCERT.

The last of a series of winter evening entertainments was given in the Wesleyan School building, Bank street, last night. The heavy rain of the afternoon rendered a journey on foot in the evening rather undesirable, but notwithstanding the unpleasant state of some of the approaches to the building a large number of people were attracted a fact which speaks volumes for the interest taken by the Wesleyan body in those very enjoyable evening amusements. It was considerably after eight o’clock before a commencement was made, and by this time the building was crowded. Mr Tichbon expressed his regret that Mr Statham, owing to an accident, would be unable to take the prominent part in the entertainment that he originally intended, but he would do his best to accompany some of the songs in the course of the evening. He had also much pleasure in stating Miss Ball had kindly consented to supply any deficiency in the accompaniment. The concert was introduced by an overture on the piano, very creditably rendered by the latter young lady, which was followed by a song from Mr Tichbon. A reading from Shakespeare and Lord Macaulay’s “ Virginia ” were given by Mr Kirby, whose elocutionary powers shone with some advantage in the grand tragic Roman poem. “ Coming through the Rye ” was fairly rendered by Miss Lines, who received an encore, and responded with that exquisite Scotch ballad, “ Robin Adair,” the music of which was carefully given and suffered little in its rendition, Mr P. Foster was also successful in his singing of the fine old song, “ I Dream of Thee, sweet Madeline.” After a humorous reading by Mr Tichbon, Mrs Gray sang. “ Let me Dream Again ” in a manner that deservedly elicited an encore, to which she responded with “ Barney O’llea," which was given with a piquant archness that took greatly with the audience. This lady is the fortunate possessor of a trained voice of no mean order, and we hope to sec it exercised in the grander musical flights which it is fully capable of reaching. A glee, “ Here in Cool Grot,” capitally given by the choir with Miss Ball as accompanyist, brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. After a few minutes intermission a piano duet was given by Miss S. Clarke and Mr Statham, the little lady keeping very excellent time to her partner’s playing, and the duet deserving the encore which it received. A song and chorus, “Just after the Battle,” was given capitally by Mis

Simmonds, accompanied by the choir, whose voices blended beautifully in the chorus. Mr J. C. Bowie introduced the audience immediately afterwards into the abode of departed reason with “The Maniac.” Mr R. Foster’s powerful voice gave “The Reefer” full justice, exhibiting a good song well sang. “ Tell me my Heart” was effectively given by Mrs Gray, who by the way is a decided acquisition on these occasions. She elicited an imperative encore, and responded with “ The Land o’ the Leal.” The glee “ Swiftly from the Mountains brow,” was effectively and tastefully given by the choir, and the National Anthem brought a capital entertainment to a close. Some disappointment was felt at the omission of Mr Oliver’s cornet solo, the conductor being unable to account for that gentleman’s absence.

It would be well that the attention of those concerned should be drawn to the unsatisfactory state of the approaches to the Wesleyan buildings especially during wet weather, the slippery nature of the clayey soil rendering an ascent from the roadway positively 7" dangerous. Several accidents to ladies would have happened last evening but for the prompt assistance of the gentlemen present. One lady, however, fell heavily.