CONCERT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 331, 21 December 1880, Page 2

CONCERT.

A concert under the auspices of the Local School Committee, and having for its object the raising of funds to provide prizes for the successful candidates at the late examination, look place on Friday evening last, in the Volunteer Hall. The weather, which previously had been very threatening, cleared up, and in consequence the large hall—more especially the front seats —was well filled with a select and appreciative audience. A. Cox, Esq., introduced the various performers, and from what we have been informed, this gentleman was mainly instrumental in bringing the concert to a successful issue Before the concert commenced, Mr Cox ref erred’to the fact of free tickets being only issued to the first, second, and third classes ; he had been requested by the managing committee to explain how this came about, previous concerts showing that the hall was too small to admit of toq many children. The concert commenced with a selection from the Brass Band, and we were struck by the excellent time kept throughout, the addition of a clarionette having a pleasing effect, and the audience seemed astonished at the improvement shown, and at the conclusion accorded them a most flatting encore. Mr Mossman followed with a recitation, Paradise Regained.” This gentleman is a decided aquisition to the district, possessing as he does rare firmness combined with clear articulation, and he has the happy knock of enlisting the attention of an audience. He was exceedingly well received, The quartelle “Sweet and Low,” in which Mrs Gumming, Miss Campbell, and Messrs Pilbrow and Rut land took part, showed want of practice ; nevertheless it was much applauded. Miss Tombs in the song “Why do Summer Roses Fade ” was encored, and with her voice a little mure under cultivation, we shall expect to see her take a foremost place in our concerts. This was followed with a recitation by Master Charles Fauvel entitled “ Blind Man’s Buff” and if one may judge by the genuine applause which followed, this boy is an especial favorite, and he well deserved the encore given. Miss B. Brown was pretty successful in her song Fading Away,” , and was applauded. Mr Rutland came next with “Will O’ the Wisp,” and being in excellent voice, fairly brought down the house. This was followed by a duet on the pianoforte by the Misses Cox, which was listened to throughout and received an encore. Mrs Gumming received hearty applause in her song, followed by the,Brass Band which received an encore. ';' V!'

The second part of the entertainment was commenced with a reading by Mr Cox, followed by a quartette, “Star of the summer night,” by Mrs Gumming, Miss Campbell, and Messrs Pilbrow and Rutland. This was a decider! improvement on the first piece, the voices of the ladies

blending in a charming manner, the whole having a pleasing effect. This was encored but not responded to. The' Brass Band then played a selection, in excellent time, receiving quite an ovation. Miss B. Brown and Mr J. Harrison were very happy in the A. 8.0. duet, and aa encore being demanded, they sang part of it again, the singing of Miss Brown being greatly admired The concertina solo by Mr S. Burrows, “ Write,roe a letter;from home,” fairly brought down the house, and the encoie .being persisted in, that gentleman played “ The Chimes,” the effect of whjch at a distance was grand, and in our ppiuion was the gem of the evening. Master Arnold Cooper followed with a recitation entitled “ Clever Jack,” which was exceedingly well received. Mr Mossman was very successful in his song “ The Hills Resound,” aqd the applause he received \yas well deserved. Mr A. A, Adams, in his recitation of ‘ ■ The Maniac,” was much applauded, and although being a very difficult piece, the author, did not suffer at the hands of this gentleman ; our only regret being that the boys at the back of the Hall did not observe better order. >The Brass Band then played another selection, followed with a farce entitled “ Temuka School,” the role being sustained by Messrs Levens, Burrows, Gapes, Mason, Heap, and Bolton. In concluding our report of the concert and entertainment, we feel that great praise is due to the ladies and gentleman for their invaluable assistance, many of whom came from a distance ; to the Brass Band for their gratuitous exertions; to Mrs Gumming for the use of the pianoforte ; to Mr Diddams who kindly officiated as treasurer ; to Mr Geo. Davey, who volunteered his services to the committee in carting all necessaries to the Hall; and last, but not least, to Mr A. Cox, who is a host in himself, and through whose endeavors the Committee will have the necessary funds for the purpose stated. The gross receipts amounted to £9 10s.