MUSICAL DISPLAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 29 August 1907, Page 2

MUSICAL DISPLAY.

"BRITANNIA" AT THE WIIITELEY s HALL. ' The Whiteley Hall was well filedd last t night for the first performance of "Bri- c tannia," a cantata written with the object of showing the immense resources 1 and the unquestionable loyalty of Gleat \ Britain's oversea possessions. The ef- c feet was a little marred by the rather ( small stage accommodation, and more t brilliant lighting would have heightened i the success from a spectacular standpoint. Musically, ".Britannia" was most | successful, most of the solo work being good, and the,choruses splendid, whilst the orchestral portion was rendered by the Whiteley orchestra, under Mr Lawn. Particularly line choruses were "Britannia," ''Three Cheers for Canada" "Glorious is India," "Advance Australia, and "Stretch Forth." The successful soloists were Misses Olive and Olafice Buckman, and Miss Lena Aiuswovth. Miss Olive Buckman sang "The Bird that Leaves the Parents' xNest" very sweetly, despite the effect of a severe cold. Miss Ainsworth contributed "When on a Broiling Christmas Day," and also, with Mi&s Sole, sang a duet in the final chorus, this item being perhaps the best on the jnogramme. Other good items were Canada's trio by Messrs Asher, J. Ambury, and Jenkinson, a duet by the Maori representatives (Miss Okey and Ml*. Jenkinson), and solos by Mr Mnldoon. "Britannia" is a little ambitiuus in ita scope, but the company interpreted it well. Miss Ambury was "Britannia " receiving ; the homage of her subjects with a state- ; ly dignity and composure that well svul- , ed the part. The various "Daughters of the Empire" were represented as fol- ( lows: Canada, Miss Olive Buckman; In- . dia. Miss Heldt; Africa, Miss Clarice ' Buckman j Australia, Miss Lena Ainsworthjand Kew Zeakund, Miss Ivy Buckman; lord hi waiting, Mr V. Griitttlw. Each ambassador was accompanied by representatives of native races and of the various industries in character, and * set forth in glowing terms the advan- ] tages to be gained by settling in that portion of the Empire, the lines being well spoken. The dressing was brilliant, more particularly in the case of the gor- ' geous Indian Embassy. Altogether the entertainment was very enjoyable, and 3 at the same time instructive. "Britannia and Her Daughters'* is to be repeat- ? Ed to-night.