ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH FUND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8534, 12 September 1907, Page 5

ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH FUND.

CONCERT AND DANCE. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, last evening, there was a large audience at the concert in the Town Hall in aid of St. Patrick's Church Fund. The programme was an attractive and varied one, and that those present appreciated it was evident from the applause throughout. The Convent Glee Class, to the number of twelve, opened the entertainment with an excellent rendition of "The Happy Hunter," which was generously appiauded. The Class appeared later in the programme and scored even a greater success in the vocal chorus, "Angels That Around Us Hover." Father Hills, who is the possessor of a delightful tenor voice, achieved a decided success in each of his two items. The first was "The Arab's Farewell to His Steed," and in response to a vociferous recall the singer rendered "Old Ireland's Hearts and Hands." On his next appearance Father Hills sang, "Anchored," and in "response to an encore he rendered "Romany Lad" in fine style. A feature of the entertainment was the flute solos by Miss Nellie Simpson, a young Wellington lady, who proved herself a flautiste of exceptional ability. Her playing was vociferously encored on each occasion. In addition she received a handsome floral tribute from one of the audience. Her opening solo was "Graceful Dance," excellently rendered, the encore number being the intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticara." A pretty selection, "La Dele catisse," was the item on her next appearance, ar,d, another encore being demanded, Miss Simpson rendered the evergreen "Killarney" splendidly. Mrs llawson appeared in two songs, "Beautiful Land of Nod" and "Abient," both of which were des?rvedly applauded. A welcome addition to these items was the flute obligato by Miss Simpson. Mr S. J. Johnston's fine tenor voice was heard to advantage in "Sally Horner," and Miss E'lkins gave a capital rendering of "Promise of Life," which was well received. "The Meeting of the Waters" and "I Was Dreaming" were sung very nicely by Mrs F. P. Welch. An Irish stepdance in costume was contributed by Mr T. Pickett, who was encored. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Bunny and Miss E. Richards. The piano was lent by the Dresden Piano Company. There were about seventy couples present at the dance which was held in the Drill Hall immediately after the concert. The floor was in good order, and the dancing, which was kept up until well after midnight, proved enjoyable. The music, was supplied by Mr F. McKenzie, extra waltzes being played by Miss M. Savage and Messrs S. tiailard (2), R. Mcintosh (2), and N. H. McEwen. The duties of M's.C. were carried out by Messrs J. Kelliher and T. McCracken. An excellent supper was provided by a ladies' committee comprised of fhe following : —Mesdames Bunny, O'Conneli, Dolan, McCracken, Dwyer, A. Hoar, Williams, and Misses Donovan, L'ashion, Chapman, O'Conneli, Hourigan, Hanley, Stempa and O'Leary. The secretaries, for the concert and dance were Messrs F. Dupre and V. G. Darroch, who worked in a commendable manner to ensure the success of both functions.