CONCERT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1233, 30 August 1884, Page 3

CONCERT.

One of the best, if not the best, concerts ever given inTemuka took place in the Volunteer Hall last Thursday evening, in aid of the St. Saviour’s Church Choir Union. The programme was the longest we have seen, and the best local talent took part in it. It was a programme that ought to have attracted a very large audience, in fact, when we saw it we expected that the house would be crowded. But, strange to say, this was not the case, for the attendance was not great. However, the programme was gone through faithfully, and those who absented themselves lost a treat. The piano used on this occasion, a first-class Brinsmead, was kindly lent by Mrs Hargreaves, to whom the thanks of the Union are due. To Mrs J. T. M. Hayhurst, who accompanied all the singers, with two exceptions, too much praise cannot be given. Her arduous duties were performed in ft manner that gave satisfaction to all. Prior to tbe concert commencing, the Rev; T. A. Hamilton addressed a few words to those present explaining the objects the,Choir Union had in view. He said the funds accruing would be devoted to the purchase of books and music required by the choir, and a new organ for the Church. Mrs J. T, M, Hayhurst opened the concert with an overture (Mendlessohn’s “ Hymn of Praise”) which she rendered in excellent style. She subsequently, at the commencement of the third part, played “.Agathe.” in a very finished manner. The choir then sang the anthem, “Lord, for Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake,” in very good style, the voices blending well. Mr Pilbrow rendered a very nice solo, “ Footsteps of Angels.” Mrs Rout then gave, “With Verdure Clad,”—a delightful, but, as is well known, most difficult piece—in a style that could not be surpassed, and was listened to with pleasure by all present. Tbe duet, “ Polaski’s Banner,” by Miss Ladbropke and the Rev. T. A. Hamilton was encored, and a verse was repeated. Mr Rutland’s rendition of “David singing before Saul,” was much applauded. The sacred part concluded with the solo and chorus, by;Mr Whitehead and the Choir, “ Incline Thine Ear,” The Rev. T. A. Hamilton then came ferward -and, in announcing the conclusion of the sacred part of the concert, said that he had a very pleasing duty to perform, that of presenting, on behalf of the members of the choir and congregation of St. Saviour’s and a few friends, a silver-mounted conductor’s baton to' Mr Rutland, their choirmaster. Por many years past Mr Rutland had given his services freely, and cheerfully both to the members of his choir and to others of all denominations. This being so, it was thought only right that his services should be recognised. Mr Rutland had been in the habit of using a short piece of stick, and, strange to say that evening he had lost it, so the present came in most opportunely. Mr .Rutland, on receiving the baton, briefly returned thanks to the donors. He said that the presentation took him entirely by surprise. As Mr Hamilton had said, he had that evening lost the stick which he generally used, ina manner he could not account for. In the past he had given his services with pleasure ; to him it had been a labor of love, and he hoped ha would long be ■pared to wield the baton in that hall. Tbe second part of the programme was thpn eotomonced by the choir with “Oh, Who Will o’er the Downs.” In the course of the evening they also gave “Now Pray We for our Country,” “Seethe Chariot at Hand,” and “May Day.” The whole of them, taking everything into consideration, were very creditably given. Mr Gurr sang “ The Arab’s Farewell to his Steed,” every old and popular song, and was applauded at its conclusion. A song by Mrs Hargreaves, “ Only s Little Mountain Lad,” secured the sympathies of the audience, and it was encored, the last verse being repeated in response. Mr Pilbrow then gave “Fate Decrees,” and Miss Rutland followed with a very pretty little song, “ Yesterday,” which she sang very nicely. After a glee by the Choir, an interval of ten minutes ensued. The third part commenced with an overture by Mrs J, T. M. Hayhurst. Miss Brown gave “ Dream Faces,” very well indeed, and merited all the applause she received. The audience entered into the spirit of Mr Gurr’s next piece, “ Our Jack’s Come Home,” and loudly demanded an eucore. A verse was repeated. “Love Not,” by Miss Ladbrooke, was one of the greatest successes of the evening, and was encored. In response this lady sang a very popular piece at the present time, “ No, Sir,” and was again encored, but only bowed her acknowledgments. Mrs Rout followed with “ Under the Daisies,” and received an encore she richly deserved. She sang in response, in a very taking manner, “Auntie.” Miss Rowe followed with “Far Away,” and then came a very enjoyable duet, “ The Two Cousins,” by the Misses Ladbrooke and Rutland. This being encored a verse was repeated. “Carrissima,” a sweat little song, by Mrs Hargreaves, was the next piece on the programme, and at its conclusion was encored. Mrs Hargreaves responded by repeating a verse. Mr Rutland gave “ Will-o’-the-Wisp” in fine style, and was encored. After a part song by the choir, “God Save the Queen ” was sung by those present, and the proceedings came to a conclusion. It might not be out of place to suggest jtbat the time at which any entertainment is advertised to commence should be -strictly adhered to. This was not the case last Thursday night, and the consequence was that many were in the hall from shorty after seven o’clock till about a quarter to eleven. Unfortunately, a heavy shower of rain occurred at that time, and many of those taking part in, and present at, the entertainment must have been drenched.