TEMUKA MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2892, 9 November 1895, Page 2

TEMUKA MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

A concert in aid of the funds of the Temuka Mechanics’ Institute took place in the Volunteer Hall, on Thursday evening, The attendance was perhaps the smallest we have seen in the hall, which is greatly to be regretted, as the committee had arranged a splendid programme. The concert having been postponed a few times probably had something to do with the small attendance, but we are inclined to think the committee had perhaps settled on the worst time in jthe year, it being “ Carnival week” in Christchurch, and a large number of people were out of town. We were sorry to notice that a good deal of conversation was indulged in while some of the solos were being given, greatly to the discomfort of the singers and the annoyance of those among the audience who wished to listen to the numbers. It is time that offenders in this respect gave up so objectionable a habit. Mr Salmond, the president of the institute, presided, and made a few remarks anent the conceit, some of which were of a grimly humorous description. He was very sorry to see so few present. The concert was for one of the best institutions in the town, and the only drawback to its successful working was the want of funds. It had been suggested as a means of keeping the institution going, that the committee should form themselves into a christy minstrel club and give an entertainment annually; this, however, was not found to be workable, it not being considered compatible with the dignity of thejlnstitute or the members of the committee. Another suggestion was that the Government should be appealed to to guarantee the committee against loss, and in the event of refusal that the institute should liquidate. In this they were forestalled by another institution in a similar plight, so there was nothing left but to fallback on the oldfashioued-concert. He was afraid, however, that the benefit the institute would derive from it would be infinitesimally small. Mrs Farley then opened the concert by playing a pianoforte solo in a very finished manner, and was followed by a song by Mr Hawkes, I’ll conquer or die.” Master Cecil Brown played very successfully a violin solo, “ Home Sweet Home,” and in the second part a selection from “ The Bohemian Girl,” for which he was loudly applauded. The latter item was the best rendered of the two Miss McCullough (of Timaru) was in splendid voice, and sang “ The Toilers,” fcr which she was recalled, responding with “ Polly, the cows are in the corn.” This lady also sang “Daddie” later in the evening, and this song also being encored she responded with “ Home they brought her warrior dead.” Mr Strachan (of Timaru) sang “Mary of Argyle ” fairly well, but was much more successful in a violin solo “ Scotch airs,” later on. This was a very pleasing item. Miss Campbell sang “ Jessie’s Dream ” splendidly, and being recalled responded with “ The Broken Pitcher.” Later on Miss Campbell also contributed “ Beyond the Gates.” Mr Strong’s song, “ Wonders of the Deep,” took very well. Mr and Miss Hoare were recalled for their duet, “ Money Matters,” responding with “ The Gipsy Countess.” Miss Goughian sang “ The Crystal Sea,” very nicely, receiving an encore, and responding with “ The Scottish Blue Bells.” Miss Lilian Brown was very successful with her song, “ Whisper and I shall Dear,” with violin obligato, and was also recalled, singing “ Sweet Marie.” Miss Brown also contributed “ Love Tide ” in the second part of the programme. Miss M, Smith’s song “ Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers,,’ pleased the audience, and in response to an encore gave “My true love is parted from me.” Mrs Farley and Miss Wethey opened the second part of the programme with a splendidlyexecuted pianoforte duet. v 'r Hawkes followed with “ A Fine Old English Gectleman,” giving this favorite old song with much spirit. He was heard to advantage, and encored, but did not respond. Miss Hoare sang “ Three leaves of Shamrock, and Miss Goughian “ Maid of Athens,” Miss M. Smith ending a rather lengthy programme with “ Jock o’ Hazeldean. Mrs Farley accompanied most of the items in a very pleasing and satisfactory way, a large share of the work of the evening devolving upon her, and no little praise is due to her. The other accompanists were Misses Hoare, Goughian, and L. Brown, and Mr Harrison. Mr Salmond proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the performers. It was a discouragement to them to sing to such a poor audience, but what few were present fully appreciated their efforts. The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, and this concluded the concert. The thanks of the committee are duo to Mr Salmond for the loan of his piano.