THE MILITARY CONCERT.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 448, 15 June 1899, Page 2

THE MILITARY CONCERT.

The cotertaiument given by the Waikato Mouuted Rifles in the Volunteer Hall, Bamilton, last evening, .was very well attended. The hall waa comfortably filled, and the items, without exception, were received with enthusiasm. The programme opened with the song, " Soldiers of the Queen." sung by Mr A. Livingstone, about a score of his comrades in uniform joining in the chorus. This was one of the best numbers of the eveniog, and it was very well received. The Hamilton Band, under Bandmaster Munro, rendered several choice selections, including " The Young Recruit " and *• The Jolly Band," for which they were deservedly applauded. Miss Cussen, who was in excellent form, sang " Whisper ahd I Shall Hear," and was encored for her effort ; but could not be induced to re-appear. Miss Reid said " Arrah Go On " with the greatest success, and being undeniably encored gave " There'll Come a Time." The comic element was supplied by Mr A. Reid, whose contributions appeared to give a portion of the audience the greatest possible deliglit. We do not wish to find fault wich Mr Reid as a comic artist, as he undoubtedly possesses talent in that direction, but he was not happy in his choice of songs. The first suited the gods immensely, aud we have no hesitation in saying that at a football dinner or at the tail-end of a smoke concert it would be most acceptable, but when singing to a representative audience in future he wonld do well to choose something a little more refined. Several most interesting military tableaux, " On To March " and •• Fighting Zulus," were introduced. They were admirably staged, and by no means the leaßt interesting portion of the programme. A number of phonograph items, including selections by the Guards Band, " The .Laughing Polka," a cornet eolo " The Swanee River," the song '' Killarney," and an Irish reel on the piccollo were given in capital style. Capt. Reid manipulating the instrument. This is one of the clearest phonographs we have had the pleasure of listening to, and Captain Reid is fortunate in securing such anjexcellent'recorder. The accompaniments were admirably played by Misses Sage and Reid, v» ho left nothing to be desired in this direction. The performance concluded with the sparkling comedy, " Ici on Parle Francais," by the Humilton Comedy Compauy, the fame members taking part as on the previous occasion. The parts were well sustained throughout, and there was a constant ripple of laughter and applause from the audience from the beginning to the end.