ROXBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 184, 17 August 1871, Page 6

ROXBURGH.

(Fiom our own Correspondent.)

The 9th of August being the centenary of Sir Walter Scott, advantage was taken of the occasion by the Roxburgh Quadrille Club to give a concert and ball, the proceeds beinu; devoted to the benefit of the school. There was a very good attendance, the schoolhouse beimj well filled. Mr. Rob rt M. Smith, president of the club, conducted t c arrangements, and in opening the proceedings announced that Mr. C. Nicholson had volunteered to deliver a prologue, but a message had been received intimating that he had been taken seriously ill. Considerable credit is due to Mr. Nicholson ior the happy combination of ideas embraced and effectively s-efc forth in the prologue, very aptly pointing out that although the f.ir-fanW Toviordale had been left be iind thousands of miles away, yet by a strange coincidence we have a Teviotdale here of our own, and that in order to make the illusion more perfect, we have in Roxburgh and Ettrick. and other names of places in this locality, a constant reminder of home. Mr. Grant, who, although suffering from a cold, delivered the prologue in a, most effective manner, and was loudly c Nee red by the audience. After the prologue, the Roxburgh Glee Class made their first appearance in public in the favourite glee, " Since first I saw your face." It was remarked that the rendering of this piece wus very creditable, yet there was, as mii^ht be expected, not so much confidence shown as in other pieces which were sung later in the evening by them. Mrs. Macpherson then accompanied herself" on the harmonium iv her favourite song "Excelsior," which, together with "Little drops of beaming dew," suns; by her later in the eveuing, were rendered \vith great taste, elicited deserved applause. By special invitation, Mr. Grant delivered an oration appropriate for the occasion- -an intere.tinir portion of it being derived from reminiscences of contemporaries of Sir Walter, with several of whom, although comparatively a younii man, he had the honour of being acquainted. Mr. Grant illustrated his .oration with numerous anecdotes pertaining to the early life of " the great unknown," which [ do not remember to have met with in Lockhart's hitherto considered exhaustive life of the illustrious author. He also ensured success to his able review by appearing in the costume of one of those remarkable grotesque characters so vividly depicted by " The "Wizard of the North ;" but I regret to say that my limited acquaintance with Sir Walter Scott's works prevented my being able to identify the particular personation intended "to be portrayed.

TMr. James .T. Smith was quite at home in several of his favourite comic songs — "I've lost my child" bein# flinch appreciated.

Mr. Colin Reid, in addition to performing the arduous duties of conductor, sung several soloh with {jreat effect — " Good-bye, Colin " being in character, the quaint chorus of which was taken up by the Glee Class. The duett " Huntingtower," by Mrs. Francis Woodhouse and Mr. Reid, fairly took the audience by surprise, and procured a most hearty encore.

After a short interval the second half of the programme was introduced by the Glee Class singing, in a most efficient, manner, " Lonsr live England's future Queen " (the Danish National Anthem). Mrs. Woodhouse again made her appearance in the" son<r "The Scottish Emigrant's Farewell." and in response to a prolonged encore, sang " 'Tis hard to give the hand where the heart can never be."

In course of the evening Mr. K. M Smith in the recitation of " Home," anrl Mr. 1)> Cornwlc in that of "Mary Queen of " Scotts," greatly contributed to the success of the" entertainment. The Glee Class, in addition to the other pieces, gave "Ring the bell, watchman," " When Johnny t comes marching home," "A. motto for every man," and several other popular «ongs and choruses.

Tbe concert was nroperly brought to a close with &ie National Anthem, the solo part being taken by Mr. Reid. '' ■ Before dispersing, the company accorded hearty votes of thanks to Mr. Burton, who presided at the harmonium, and al8(> to the several ladieß and gentlemen who took part in the concert.

The ball shortly afterwards commenced, mid was kept, up until near daylight. '