THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2444, 29 December 1892, Page 2

THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

The weather no doubt militated against the success of thg Temuka Caledonian concert on Monday evening. The day was boisterous, and about 6 p.m. thero was a slight shower. This, no doubt, together with the recollection of last year's fearful . storm, had the effect of sending many to their homes who would otherwise have waited for the concert; but, notwithstanding this, there was a good attendance. The chairs and front seats were well filled, but the back seats wero not sq well patronisod, The arrangements in the hall were excellent. A very neat stage was erected, the flags, mottoes, &c, of ihe society setting it off to great advantage. The concert on the Y/hole was a capital one, and though no big stars from $ had been secured still we are not sure that it was not equal, if not superior, to former concerts. The programme promised to open with a bagpipe selection, but for gome unexplained reason this} was cje-

parted from, and an overture by Messrs S. Wolf (piano), R. Wood (violin), C. Wood (viola), and E. Wood (cello) introduced the evening's entertainment. This was a delightful performance, and was greatly appreciated. It was a selection of Scottish airs, entitled " The Gathering of the Clans," and as it was played in a very finished way it was a treat to listen to. Mr Gilchrist, of Timaru, already known in Temuka as a fine singer, gave a splendid rendering of that beautiful ballad " Jessie, the Flower of Dumblane," and at a subsequent period he sang "The Highlandman's Home," with still better effect. He also sang the duet " Crookit Bawbee" with Miss Donn, and in all gave great satisfaction. Miss Donn made her appearance at one of the society's socials last winter, and then gave evidence of being a sweet singer. Since then, however, she has greatly improved, and judging by the way she sang last Monday evening she can now take a foremost rank. She has a splendid, full, musical voice of great flexibility, and entirely free from any suspicion of harshness. This, together with a graceful presence and pleasing manners, would secure for her a good reception anywhere. She sang " The Auld Scotch Sangs" in a way that olicited " Whistle and I will come to you my lad" as an encore; but she was heard to better advantage in " Kate O'Shane," to which she gave as an encore the pretty little ditty " Kitty of Coleraine" She was the recipient of a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Mr T. McKay danced a Highland Reel well, with Piper Fraser supplying the mußic. Mr Wood played "Ye Banks and Braes" in his own peculiarly finished style. Miss McOullough gave the pathetic ballad " Terence's Farewell to Kathleen" a capital rendition. She also sang " Cam' ye by Athol" with equal success. Miss McCullough had only just recovered from an attack of the " prevailing epidemic," and until the eleventh hour had decided on not singing. She was therefore at a great disadvantage. She proved herself, however, possessed of a good voice and capable of throwing a good deal of feeling and expression into her singing. Mr Stewart, who was set down to recite " Tarn o' Shanter," commenced by telling a story about " a Meenisther " and the whale that swallowed Jonah. He told it well, and announced that it would take three weeks to recite " Tam o' Shanter," after which he attacked it with great vigor. Mr Stewart can recite well, but after having gone about halfway through it the back seats became impatient, and after some humorous remarks Mr Stewart left poor Tam amongst the bogies and witches and retired. He subsequently told another story, after which he looked contemptuously on a splendid bouquet of flowers thrown to him and retired. If he had taken the flowers he would have left a better impression behind him. "Mr Early elicited an encore by his rendering of "The Scottish Emigrant." This is a new song, written and composed by Mr and Miss Robertson, of Timaru, and the fact that it was encored proves that it will yet become popular. Mr Early did not do it justice, but in his next song, " The Frenchman," he was immense; we doubt if it could be improved upon, and as an encore he gave " Ta-ra-ra-boom de-ay " with great effect. A sword dance by Mr McKechnie was also well appreciated, and then was introduced Miss Wood, who shared the honours with Miss Donn in the evening's entertainment. Miss Wood's voice is weak and thin, though of good range, but it is beautifully cultivated and is delightfully pleasing to listen to. She sang " Forget and Forgive," and " She Wore a Wreath of Roses " in a manner that elicited great i applause and won for her a floral tribute. Mr Wood danced a sailor's hornpipe well, and Mr Puckle recited the " K'rect Card" with emphasis, and the whole entertainment concluded with " Auld Lang Syne." Miss VVethy and Mr Wolf accompanied the singers on the piano alternately, and played to the entire satisfaction of the audience. On the whole the entertainment was very good, and the Caledonian Society may be congratulated on its results.