OPENING OF THE GOOD TEMPLAR HALL, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1152, 15 March 1884, Page 3

OPENING OF THE GOOD TEMPLAR HALL, GERALDINE.

Although the Good Templar Hall has been finished and meetings held therein for some little while past, yet the formal opening was delayed until Wednesday evening last, when the celebration consisted of a tea meeting in the hall itself and a concert by the members of the Philharmonic Society in the Oddfellows’ Hall. THE TEA MEETING, which took place in the new hall, was a decided success, the tables being several times refilled. The latter were presided over by Sisters Dunlop, Dunford, Shernitt, Kirby, M. Dunlop, M. Ward, Freeman and Fleming. The tea was provided by Messrs Williams and Son in their best style, and those who partook thereof were highly satisfied at the manner in which the caterers had laid the tempting viands before them. THE CONCERT. The concert given by the members of the Philharmonic Society in aid of the building fund, took place in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Everything passed off very smoothly, and was a decided treat, as the many vociferous encores amply testified. All the chorusses were rendered with great care and precision, the voices blended very harmoniously. The programme opened with the chorus “ To Rome’s Immortal Leader,” by the Society, followed by the song “ The Gallants of England,” by Mr Lodge, who will, should he take the necessary pains to cultivate his voice, become a great acquisition to the Society. Mrs Glass’ song, “ Strangers Yet,” was given with her well known pleasing ability. The glee “Foresters Sound,” by the Society, received a well-merited encore, and in response thereto it was sung again. Miss Kirby sang “ Yesterday” very nicely, receiving an encore, which was responded to, and Mr Willoughby followed with “The Tar’s Farewell.” Mr Willoughby is a universal favorite at all such entertainments, and although he has not entirely recovered from recent indisposition he threw bis whole energy into his song, which was greatly appreciated. Miss Fish’s song, “Dream Faces,” was a gem, and an encore being demanded, was responded to with the song “ You Stole my Heart Away.” Misses Taylor and Bosswell then sang the duet, “ The Wind and the Harp, and the glee by the Society, “ Sweet and Low,” terminated the first part of the programme. After the usual interval, the Society rendered the glee Hark, the Lark,” followed hr the song Auld Robin Gray,” by Mrs Dunlop, and the song “ The River apd the Maiden,” by Mr Lloyd. The Misses Fish in their duet, which was rendered with great taste and correctness, received an encore, and repeated the same piece, Mr Edmonds’ song, u Never More/' was met with an outburst of applause, the encore being responded to by that gentleman singing “ Man the Lifeboat.” This was’ listened to with rapt attention, and greatly applauded. Miss Andrews was also encored in her song “ Fay Away,” “ Dreamland ” being o'iven in response. quartette, “The Chorister,” ty Miss psh,'Mrs Edmonds, and Messrs Gurr and Edmonds, yyas the pivps dc vcststancc ot the evening, and fairly brought down the

house. Several of the audience spoiled the effect of the singing by stamping their feet, keeping time with the song, and at its conclusion Mr Edmonds administered a well-timed rebuke to the offenders, remarking that it was in very bad taste. This had the desired effect, and during the repetition of the quartette the offence was not repeated. Messrs Lloyd and Willoughby’s duet, “ Albion, on thy Fertile Plain,” was a treat to listen to. The chorus “ Now Tramp,” was given by the Society, and the National Anthem, “ God Save the Queen,” brought a most enjoyable concert to a close.

We have to congratulate the Society on the success of their third concert, which was a most decided improvement on their previous one. The hall was litei’ally crammed, betokening the increasing popu I cvi!y i f Urn Philharmonic Society, At the conclusion of the concert, Mr Maslin came forward and in tbe name of the Good Templars of Geraldine thanked the members of the Philharmonic Society for their kindness in assisting them by means of such a capital concert. He hoped that in return at future concerts of the Society the Good Templars and their friends would remember what they had done for them, and assist them with their presence.