Concert at Waitoa.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42779, 16 September 1905, Page 2

Concert at Waitoa.

On Thurday night last, a most successful concert was held in the Waitoa Chinch in aid of the Wesleyan Church trust funds. The weather being favourable, a specially good attendance resulted. The first item on the programme was a pianoforte duet ‘ ‘ Fairy Queen,” tastefully rendered by Miss Taylor and Mrs McLean; this was followed by “Ora Pro Nobis,” sung by Miss Snell who played her own accompaniment. The next item, a vocal duet, “ Life’s Dream is o’er,” was given by Miss Biggs and Mr McCall with pleasing effect. Mr Mclndoe then gave an excellent rendering of ‘ ‘ The Mighty Deep,;’ and this was followed by a diversion in the shape of a mandoline duet skilfully executed by Messrs Calder and gjirst. A captivating exposition of the song “ Because I love you,” by Miss E. Biggs, and “ The Soldier’s good-bye,” sung by Mr McCall, preceded the vocal duet, “Blessed is He,” by Mrs and Miss Snell. A song, “ Tlie Fisherman and his child,” given by Mr Maclean, and a vocal duet, “Ceme o’er the Moonlight Sea,” by Mrs Annan and Mr Liddell, concluded the first part of the programme. The Rev. J. Blight gave a short but interesting address entitled ‘ 1 A trip to the Trig.” Mr Blight described how, in company with an Australian friend, he had ascended to the “Trig Station” at the summit of the Te Aroha mountain. It was a foggy day, and at first they were doubtful whether| to begin the ascent or not, but as it was his friend’s last day in Te Aroha, they decided to commence the climb, and reaching the higher levels, were rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding country for many a mile. This trip, said Mr Blight, reminded him how very much compaionship influenced us in our way through life; for, the journey being commenced in a fog, the higher we rise the clearer we can see, and there is no doubt that in eternal matters, if sacred resolves wore not on a low level, we should find that we had a clear vision. On the way up they noticed many trees circled with a clinging plant called rata, which gradually tightens its grip upon the tree, preventing the circulation of the sap, and thereby stunted its growth. This said Mr Blight reminded him of the force of evil habits, which, something like the rata on the tree, had captured the will of a young man he had known. Mr Blight said he was not altogether against smoking, but this young man was a very heavy smoker, and was under the influence of the power of the habit. Finding his health in poor condition, he consulted a medical man who said “You are a heavy smoker. You must give up smoking.” The you man, however, was unable tc give up the habit, and later on went to see the doctor again, who asked if he had given up smoking. On the patient replying that he had not, the doctor said “Then I can do nothing for you.” The result was fatal. He laid heard many stories of men too, good fathers and husbands, who were turned into fiends by the drink curse and its wretched habits, which claimed the attention and remarks of others.

a Steadily climbing - , in course of time they arrived at the top and found a wonderful -view before them. On the clearest of days could be seen the - snow-capped Ruapehu, and Tongariro, and out towards the sea, Tauranga. Turning the opposite way was seen Thames and Paeroa districts, and Morrinsville. Why could we see so far ? Not only do we get a better view as we rise, but we also get a broader view. It was much easier to come down than to go up. Going up needed a resolve and determination. The mountain, Mr Blight said, is a really wonderful asset to Te Arohn, and the Go--1 vernment should make a really good path right to the summit, so that visitors could more easily make the asoent, and enjoy the natural beauties of the mountain. This concluded the address. Refreshments were then served in a spacious tent which had been erected beside the church. Many expressions of approval were heard with regard to the excellence of the catering, and the good things provided were very much appreciated by all. Mr Burrows, Presbyterian preacher, was on the programme to give an address, but owing to indisposition, was unable to be present. Mr R. C. Allen then recited, in finished style, the glowing account of an old-time sea tight The song. *‘ A sail in a Piping Breeze,” was, like Mr Mclndoo's previous contributions, much appreciated. One of the gems of the evening was undoubtedly Mrs G ranger'ssvmpathetic rendering of * * Daddy, ’ ’ which received a well-deserved encore, which was responded to by a lullabv song given in an equally finished manner, The song, ‘•Toll her 1 love her so,” by Mr Me.lndoe, was followed by a pleasing vocal duet by Miss Hirst and Miss Mayses, and Mr McCall then gave “ The Promise of the King.” The most item being “The Plight of Ages,” sung with much expression by Mrs Annan. Masters Sherlock and Blight acquitted themselves particularly well in a duet, the former on the violin and the latter on the pianoforte, ouch produced his own part in a pleasing manner that gives great promise for their future as musicians, A pathetic mutation, " The Lifeboat,” by Mr 0. Kennedy, and song, ” 1 was dreaming, M by Mrs Snell concluded the concert, the National Anthem being sung. Mrs Wigg. Miss Hirst and Miss Taylor each played accompaniments in a pleasing and suitable style. Mr Blight, at the close, moved a resolution on behalf of the committee, thanking those ladies who had so kindly provided refreshments, and to all those who had so readily assisted them either by contributing to the programme, or by attending the concert, and at the same time tendered thanks to Mr .1. C. Allen, \yho bad favouml them with his services as Ohainnan that evening. Ties was carried with loud applause. Upwards of lot) people attended the concert, and the sum of Lit was taken at the door, although a largo number of tickets had previously been sold. Several brakes and buggies run from To Arohsi by Mr John Bradley, were largely patronised, and the night being moonlight, atfordod a pleasant, tfrtye.