CONCERT AT HAMILTON.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 150, 24 June 1897, Page 2

CONCERT AT HAMILTON.

TitK members of the committee of the Waikato Amateur Athletic Club, who were instrumental in organising the concert in aid of the club funds, have every reason to be proud of the success which attended their efforts. As we predicted in last Suturdiy's issue, the performers received a most enthusiastic reception, and by 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening almost every available seat in the Volunteer Hall was utilised. Every item on the programme was thoroughly appreciated, and without doubt it was one of the best entertainments of the sort that lias been held in Waikato for some year.- - . All the performers who promised to contribute appeared with the exception of Miss (J L-.Quesne, who was suffer'ug from a very bad cold, and much disappointment \vil3 expressed at her inability to sing. Nevertheless this young lady played most of the accompaniments in a thoroughly efficient in inner, and the thanks of the club are also due to Miss Walnutt for her services in the same direction. Miss Hilda Graham opened both portions of the programme with a pianoforte solo, which was played in a charming manner, and secured her rounds of applause. Miss Cussen, who was in excellent voice, sing " I Dreamed a Dream" and "The Castle date," her efforts on each occasion being rewarded with rounds of applause. Miss Davics sang " Adieu Marie" and "The Song of Sleep " very sweetly and with great feeling. This young lady is an old favourite, and a warm welcome always awaits her in Hamilton. Mrs Whitaker has not been in better form for years, and her rendering of " By the Fountain " secured her an undeniable encore, and " I Trust You Still " was given. Mr Wilfred Manning awoke the sympathy of the audience fiom the first ; he possesses a powerful baritone voice, and knows howto use it »o advantage. His first song, "My Life for Thee," won for him golden opinions, and in response to an encore, which was demanded in a most imperative manner, he sang " Will o' the Wisp." His next item, "Anchored," was equally successful, and as an encore number he gave " I Fear No Foe," in excellent style. To say that Mr lamest Schatz curried the house by storm with comic and coster songs fails to give a true idea of his rcccpt'on. His first song " The Tin Gee Cec," with its charming litt'c dance fetched the audience in a body, and the pretty little melody "Love's Serenade," given as an encore number failed to satisfy his hearers, who eagerly clamoured for more. On his re-appearance at the close of the second portion of the programme ISA- Schatz received quite an ovation. This time ho pourtrayed the coster to perfection, and in "It's a tJreat l>ig Shame," he was greeted with louder applause than ever. He responded with a very catchy little Nigger melody entitled " His Friends Haven't Seen Him Since." The demand still rc--I)lll'tied unsatisfied, and although the singer assured them he had not brought alio'her song and the lights were turned out to allow the limelight pjrtion of the entertainment to proceed, the jeis had to be re-lit an 1 the uproar continued until Mr Suhatz repeated the last verse. In the intervals between the songs limelight views of Indian life were givi n by Mr Jus. Moid, the description being read by Mr H. F. Sandcs. A'iews of a number of local celebrities created no end of fun and merriment. The thanks of the club are due to all the pi-rfotmers who so kindly contributed towards the succss of the show: but more especially to Messrs Nehai/. and Manning, who journeyed all the way from Auckland to oblige. 'The conceit closed with the National Anthem, which was heartily sung by all present.