SERVICE OF SONG.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2711, 13 September 1894, Page 2

SERVICE OF SONG.

“DIBB8.” It is within the memory of some of our younger generation that Temuka waa recognised as a town replete with musical taunt and the services of local residents were not only eagerly sought outside of its boundaries but appreciated lolly by their neighbours in the town. Such hardly be said to be the oaae now, when such a pretty service of song as M Dibbs,’* which was given in thc>‘ftrish on Tuesday evening, only attracted a moderate attendance. The serviced son? itself is of a very interesting character. It recounts the experiences of a veritable London street arab with a, phenomenal voice, who is introduced into a Sunday school by a chum, shows how much of the lessons isre made attractivein -the hands of an esrnest, although perhaps illiterate, teacher, and depicts the singles of s high-spirited boy who desires to reach his teacher’s ideal, although unimpressed with its moral standard. He has a difficulty in dissociating the Christian’s struggle for the crown of life with theprizeoof'the ring and the turf, but. eventually, on his deathbed, shows such appreciation of the teaching of those who have Interested themselves in him as to justify-perhaps the hope of his pet teacherrihel; he will himself receive the crown of (those : vihb endure to the, end. “ Dibbs,” is hardly the strongest of moral lessons, batit troduces some little humour, much kindly feeling, and some good mosie.> ToMn Hodgson is mainly doethe-succsssiof 4he ■- service.. She undertook its introduction; and with- the assistance ofMrHarrison as organist, and Mr Langridge as violinist, together with other voluntasra, oarried the eotertainmsnt thrbugh most acceptably. Sir William Blnhdsn very ' kindly gave the connective readings., and brought out folly the humour end pathos that is inddental to the pisoa. ,Of the general performance one cannot speak too highly.' The choruses were in all instances well sustained, and the solos, wars ; really sh unexpected treat. The opening didraa, “ Audi see the King in a Golden Crown/* prepared the audience for better things later on, and they were in no wise disappointed. Mr Whitehead' gave the recitative, “Boys of the Street,”, vscY-weD indeed, and the refrain waa taken up freely. Miss E. Pilbrow was very, successful in “ Singing from the Hiiart,? and i Bliss Lemon’s singing of “ A Melody of Love ” left absolutely nothing to bo desired. This is, we believe, this lady’s first appearance in Temuka. Her next will be welcomed The boys’ treblssolos were taken by Masters H. and J. Lae very creditably, and’ Mias Sweet also sang the' solo in “ Gome unto Me ” with fading. Perhaps the sweetest item of the peofonf anoe was “Hark, Hark, my Soul,” the first and thlrd t venes of -whhdi lhrlid' sung as a dost by Missss Lemon and Wethey, and : the remainder in unison. This was universally praised Th efiusl chorus, “ Oar * Watohwocd/ ,n was given with much; spirit. -Prior to the service, the children attending the Sunday School sang oneortwovevy pretty choruses, and Misses Lemon and Pilbrow a duet To the latter; which was much appreciated, Mrs Booth (of Christchurch) played thta accompaniment. Mrs Booth also played an organ solo in a vsiy artistic manner. Altogether the entertammsnt was most enjoyable, and those present spent s very pleasant evening.