CONCERT AND DANCE AT GAPES' VALLEY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1809, 30 October 1888, Page 3

CONCERT AND DANCE AT GAPES' VALLEY.

A concert in aid of the prize fund of the Gapes’s Valley School was held in the schoolroom on Friday evening last, The room was not so crowded as is usually the case at the Valley concerts, but all available sitting room was taken up. The entertainment provided, however, was one of the best the Geraldine district can produce, the list of performers including some of the ablest local singers. Major W. M. Moore, Chairman of the School Committee, occupied the chair. The first item on the programme, a pianoforte overture by Miss Slack, put the audience into a good humor to commence with, and Miss Andrews, following with a capitally-rendered song, “ After Sundown,” was awarded an encore, but did not respond. Miss Dean’s rendition of the favorite song “Auntie” also elicited an encore, and the last verse was repeated. A recitation by Miss Nellie Bray, “ What’s the Hie of Grumbling P” was very good, and was followed with a song by Mr Cochrane, “ My Heather Hills,” which was given by that gentleman in his usual popular manner. Miss Dunlop, who was in capital voice, was heard to advantage in the well-known song “La Bouquetiere.” Mr J. Aitken’s fine tenor voice did full justice to the song “ Hope, the Hermit,” for which be was loudly applauded. Miss ; Miller, who came next, was in splendid voice, and carried off the palm of the evening with her rendition of the song “Rothesay Bay.” An encore was unanimously demanded, but not responded to. A comic song, “ Those Girls at the School,” was capitally rendered by Mr Coventry, and in response to an encore he substituted “I’m Such a Simple Young Man.” Miss E. Dean, who was also in good voice, rendered the somewhat pensive song “ The Golden Shore ” in excellent time and with true expression, winning a hearty, round of applause. The duet “ The Grookit Bawbee,” by Miss Dunlop and Mr Aitken, was another enjoyable item, which was well received. A capital recitation by

Miss Fraser, “Don’t Judge by Appearances,” was followed by Mr Menzies, with the splendid song “ Four Jolly Smiths,” to which he did full justice. The next item on the programme was an interval of ten minutes, which was endured by the audience as best they might. A welcome relief was afforded by the children opening the second part of the programme with the action song “ The Little Drummer,” the rendition of which reflected great credit on the children and their teacher. Miss E. Dean caused considerable amusement by her naive rendition of the wellknown song “ No, Sir,” and an encore being demanded, she responded with the lasl two verses. “ The Pilot ”

was ably rendered by Mr Men/ies, who was followed by Miss Andrews with the beautiful aong “ Killarney,” for which an encore was demanded, and “ "Where has Scotland Found her Fame?” substituted. Miss Miller was again very successful with the song “ Love Not 1” The next item, a comic song by Mr Coventry, “A Man Can’t be Always at Business,” was loudly encored, but the Chairman intimated that Mr Coventry would sing again later in the evening. Miss Dean came next with the song “A Summer Shower,” for which she was

loudly applauded. Miss Nellie Howe contributed the recitation “ Boys may Whistle, but Girls must Sing ” very well indeed. Miss Dunlop rendered the pretty song “ Dream Faces,” and was followed by Mr Cochrane with the patriotic song “ Standard on the Braes of Mar,” for which he was encored, and substituted “ Scots wha hae.” Miss Menzies and Mr Aitken rendered the amusing duet “ Prythee, Pretty Maiden,” charmingly, and an encore was demanded, but the compliment was merely acknowledged with a bow. MrHerdman next contributed the Scotch song “Cornin’ Thro’ the Bye,” and was encored. Mr Coventry contributed the last item on the programme, a comic song, “The Twins,” for which he had to respond to an encore. The national anthem closed the concert. The singers were accompanied on the piano very efficiently by Miss Menzies aud the Misses Dean (2). A dance held afterwards was well attended, and kept up for several hours with great spirit.