The Hospital Concert.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 170, 22 July 1904, Page 2

The Hospital Concert.

Thero jvas a largo audience at tho Theatre Royal last night, when Cornwall's Bunjo and Mandolin Club gave a concert in aid of tho fund for thq ejection of an annexe for tho treatment of consumptive patients at the New Plymouth hospital. The repn- ; tation of tho promoters, combined with the knowledge that the cause I was a deserving and popular one, had the effect of filling! tho stalls and circle, whose occupants came in expectation of a musical treat. Long ere tho closing item had been given the audience h«d'been satisfied with the excellent ' ijrograniine submitted, every number being tendered wi til a charming delicacy and sympathy that plc'ased the public to tho utmost, In fact, it is 'doubtful whether a better musical programme of this kind has ever bt<en given here before. The gvm of the evening was the trio by Messrs I\ Cornwall and Tutschka (violins) and A. L. Cooke (viola), who played several movements from lleethovcn. The i tem was perhaps rather classical and lengthy [or a public concert, but was a perfect rendering of the best chamber music. The items b.y_ the Mandolin and Guitar Hand were"treated most artistically, the tat being the couplet " Egyptian Midnight " and " Evergreen Waltz." The " Coon Melodies " were also very pretty. A banjo quartette by Messrs I''. Cornwall, liayley, Medley, and Whitcombe was votud as exquisite, whilst the " Allegro " movement from Mendelsohn's Sonata, for piano and violin, was so treated by MessrsH., J., and I''. Cornwall as to earn an umunimous encore. All the other instrumental items were of a decidedly high order of merit. Of the vocalists Mrs liasham (nee Miss Daisy Taylor) secured a most flattering reception of her song " Vashti ■' (JBordese), responding with " 'Tis 1 " (Pinsuti) in u manner that left but little room for criticism. Mr Ivistle Cornwall's singing of" My Pretty

Jane "was well received, the ballad being well suited to his voice. Miss (Jladys Cornwall's encore number, a coon song, was even belter than her programme number "In a fairy float," though tills was sung in a captivating manner. Mr McEwen sang "Maid of Athens" with rather good effect, though this singer's voico Is hardly strong enough for the building. He was heard to,better advantage in the humorous catch

" Celiu's Charms," with Messrs IC„ 11. J. and F. Cornwall. The Tickling Trio," a laughable glee toy Mrs Connop and Messrs K. and F, Cornwall was loudly re-demanded, and was oven improved on in the encore number' Sobbing," Miss G". Cornwall assisting. The humorous glee " Little Jack lloruer," by the same performers, was the acme of harmony, and was enthusiastically encored. Miss Ada Dickson treated the audience to a dainty rendering of the quaint setting " Norwegian Bridal Procession " as a pianoforte solo, and this item was much enjoyed. Tho accompaniments were skilfully played by Mr H. J. Cornwall, and Mr A. L. Cooke supplied a violin obligato to some of the vocal selections.—During the interval Dr. Valentine took tl opportunity to thank the audience for their hearty support of tho annexe proposals. It is understood that the funds will benefit to tho extent of about £4O.