PARISH FESTIVAL AT WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1570, 19 April 1887, Page 3

PARISH FESTIVAL AT WINCHESTER.

The annual parish gathering in connection with St. John's Church, Winchester, was held in the aohoolroom on Friday last. The celebration took tbe form ot a tea and concert. At 6 30 p.m. the doors wAre thrown open, when tbe eyea of the expectant multitude were gladdened by the sight of a feast which would have satisfied (he greatest epicure, Tbe tables (three in number, and capable of seating 90 persons) were presided over by Mesdames Francis H. Barker, Ensojr, lawood, Klee, H. Smith, and . Philp ; and Misaea Mansell, Cox, Bighop, Gimeon, Shsllord, Young, and B. Young, Tbe tables were quickly filed, and, after the Rev. T. A. Hamilton bad said “ grace,” the onslaught commenced, and continued until the wants of all wore satisfied. Tbe remnants of the feast were then disposed of by auction, after lyhjph the tables weye quipkly cleared away, s stage erected, a no the seats arranged for the concert. The chair was taken by the Rev. Mr Hamilton, who, in a few wellchosen remarks, explained the object for •which they had met, and apologised for the absence of the Revs, Messrs Preston and Smythe. Mi s Co* opened tfie pooogrt with apisqoforte solo, tybisb was most

efficiently executed and fully appreciated. A glee, “See our oars like feathers spray,” was next rendered with much feeling by the church choir. Mias brooke followed with the song “Tie dear little Shamrock of Ireland,” which rec-ived a well-merited encore, Mies L«dbrooke complying by repeating the last verse. A recitation by the Rev. Mr Hamilton caused considerableamusement, after which Mr Rutland sang “ Consider the lilies" in his usual finished manner. A trio, “Breathe soft ye winds,” by Mrs F. Barker, Miss Shallard, and Mr Rutland, was the next item on the programme, and wan one of the best songs of the evening. Mrs F. Barker followed with “ Three young maids of Leeds,” and, being encored, sang “ Old fashions " very pathetically. Mr Rutland added one more to the laUrele he has gained by his singing of “Nazareth” (Charles Gounod ). This concluded the first part of the programme, and an interval of five minutes followed. The second part opened with a pianofoile, solo by Miss Cox, followed by the glee “ Oh, who will o’er the downs with me?” by. the choir, which was appreciated by the audience. Miss Ladbrooke next sang “The miller and the maid,”and an encore being demanded, sang that well-known song “ Killarney.” A dnet by Mrs F. Barker and Miss Cox, “ Two wandering stars,” was the gem of the evening, Mr Rutland again favored the audience, choosing “Oh, oh, hear the winds blow." Miss Ladbrooke next sang “ The wishing cap," and, receiving an encore, gave “ No, Sir,” with much expression. Mrs F, Barker concluded the musical part of the programme with “ Cinderella," the last, but by. no means the least, of a well-selected programme. This song literally brought down the honse. The Chairman then addressed the meeting, and, referringto th* Queen’s Jubilee, suggested the erection of a lamp at the church in celebration of the Jubilee. He next referred to the choir, eulogising their efforts, and expressing himself much pleased with their singing, not only at the concert but at church. Hearty votes of thanks to the ladies and all those who assisted in providing the excellent ten; and special votes of thanks to Mr and Mra Ensor for the use ef the piano (a really excellent instrument, and which materially assisted to the success of the entertainment), to Mr and Mrs In wood for their trouble m bringing the choir to its present state of efficiency, and to Miss Cox for accompanying • the singers, were proposed by the Chairman, and most heartily responded to. The singing of the National Anthem in its entirety by the choir brought one of the most enjoyable and successful gatherings ever held in Winchester to a close. Before dispersing th* usual Vote of thack* to the chair was proposed by Mr Cooke.