NGARUAWAHIA

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 57, 17 November 1896, Page 3

NGARUAWAHIA

])]'.r..\TiN(; Society's Coxckkt.—The 1896 session of the Ngaruawahi.i Debating Society was brought to a successful issue by a concert and dance on the evening of the 13th November. The programme was unusually good, and tlr: numerous items were, without exception, rendered ill a highly effective nvuitier. The Public Hall was well filled by an appreciative and courteous audience, and Miss J. M. Wilson (Ngaruawahia) accompanied the vocalists in a finished manner. The lirst item was a pianoforte duet by the Misses Fitzpatrick, and was much appreciated. Mr 11. Williams then sang " The yeoman's Wedding Soul;,'* and his interpretation of this I cautiful composition resulted in an encore. Mr Williams courteously acceded to the request and repeated "the la*t verse. Miss Butcher was next on the programme and saug " Don't Go, Jack" (encored), with much expression. Mr Patcrson sang " Down by the River Bank I Strayed," and received a well-merited recall. The next two items were contributed by lady visitors to Ngaruawahia—Miss K. Wilson (Hamilton) and Miss Troughear (Huntly). Miss Wilson recited " Nothing to Wear," and, in acknowledgment of the prolonged applause, a touching interpretation of "Evelyn Hope." Miss Tronghcar, of Huntly, sang " The Song That Reached My Heart," and was enthusiastically encored. As an encore she sang " Scenes That Are Brightest." The next so.ig, " The Old Sexton," was sung in an appropriate manner by Mr K Fuelling, and was loudly applauded. The first half of the propratnmc was concluded with ore of Mr Sinimclhag's inimitable comic ditties. He saug " The Football Match " in splendid style, and, on being encored, he gave "Enoch He Knocked." The audience, which was convulsed with lau"!iter at Mr Sinimclhag's efforts, would not be content with one encore, but ar,ain recalled him. His "make-up" was a special feature of his performance and contributed greatly to bis success. AfUr the usual interval of ten minutes, Mrs Talbot commenced the second part of the concert by p'aying a. pianoforte solo in i>n artistic and pleasing maimer. Miss Sopj ett, of Hamilton, then capably rendered " Dream Voices," wiih a violin obligate contributed by Miss J. M. Wilson, in her usual finished manmr. Mr S. James, who has just returned to Kgaiuawr.hia if tor a protracted visit South, was cccored lor his unexceptional rendering of " Sally in Our Alley." As an encore he sang " The I ami of the Deal." The next item, " White Wings," was centiibuted by Miss G. Butcher and was encored in a manner which testilied to the acceptability of this lady's efforts. She was applauded to the echo and sang " The Faiiies "as an encore. Mr T. W. Davics next recited "The Coster's Dog," ami in response to a recall " The Wives of Wcin.-herg." The latter recitation caused much amusement. The Misses Troughear, ot Huntly, saug the beautiful duet "The Wind and the Harp" in a manner which rendered an encore n necessity. Their voices blendi d in a most harmonious manner, and the audience fully appriciated the effort. The next item, " The Bugler," by the Rev. A. M. Bradbury, was well received and was encored. The conceit was brought to a close by Miss l'atcrson's son" "Ben Bolt." This item was one of the pronounced successes of the evening ami was sung in a faultless manner. Miss l'atcrson's voice was heard to advantage ar.d the last verse was repeated in respouse to an imperative encore. 1 Wincing was then jomincnccd and kept up till 1 "(I l» in., music being provided by Misses Wilson and Soppet and Mrs Talbot. At midnight refreshments were dispensed under the management of a number of the Indies. The president of the Society (Rev. Bradbury) made a statement as to the financial state of affairs. This showed a satisfactory surplus to be bit ught forward to r.oxt session, alter handing a portion over to the library funds. Cie.it credit is due to the menbers of the committee for the energetic manner in which they have attended to the interests of the Society during the session ; also to Mesdames Wells, Williams, Fitzpatrick, l'lilham, Morris and Christie for the capable manner in which they provided the refreshments. The thanks of the committee are accorded to all who, musically or otherwise, assisted to make the concert so great a success.—Own Concsponi'clifc