PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 464, 22 July 1899, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT.

As we anticipated, notwithstanding the plethora of entertainments of late, the concert given in the Volunteer Hall, Hamilton, on Thursday night in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church attracted a crowded audience, aud we must say in ail earnestness that it is some years since such a varied and highclass musics! programme has been presented in Hamilton. The local Orchestral Union rendered valuable assistance, and their selections, "Sea Songs" and airs from " Martha," were keenly appreciated. Miss Butcher, of Ngaruawahia, was first to appear, and this young lady was heard to advantage in the song " What Might Have Been." Mr Browne sang " Oh, Hear the Wi'd Wind? Blow " in capital style, and Miss C. LeQuesne followed with a charming little concert Bong, entitled "In Mellow Autumn Tide," which suited her admirably, and it was rendered most feelingly. Dr. Douglas, who appeared for the first time in this town, was most successful with his song " Sound the Pibroch," aud in response to an undeniable encore he gave " Ho, Ho, My Nut Brown Maid." Mrs Brewis, who was in excellent form, sang the old-time favourite, " The Song That Reached My Heart," in a manner which elicited an enthusiastic encore, and " Whisper and I Shall Hear " was substituted. Mr John Gordon, of Woodlands, made his debut, and his reception was a flattering one. For the song " Castle 3 iu the Air " ho was compelled to submit to an encore, and he gave " My Nannie's Awa," which suited him even better. Later on in the evening this gentleman sang " Hearts of Oak'" in a spirited manner, for which he was deservedly applauded. Miss Reid was happy in her choice of songs, and a certain encore awaited her song " We'd Better Bide a Wee," which was pleasingly rendered. As an encore number Miss Reid sang " Robin Adair " The vocal duet "Nocturne," by Misses G. Butcher and M Soppett, was nicely given, and this item brought the first half of the programme to a close. Mr E. Gaze created a most favourable impression with "Oh Promise Me." and Miss Cussen, who followed Eang " Island of Dreams," tastefully and with expression. •'The Deathless Army," was well sung by Mr M. H. Quick. A r-iadiug by Miss Gillespie, entitled "A Change of Treatment," from the book "Many Cargoes," amused the audience throughout, and the reader was loudly applauded at its conclusion. The vocal duet, " What Are The Wild Waves Saying," by the Misses Crawley, elicited a vociferous encore, and " Life's Dream is O'er," was given. Both duets were sung in a taking manner, evidencing careful training on the part of the singers. Mr J. A. Young was most successful in " The Village Blacksmith," and " Love's Old Sweet Song," by Miss Scorgie. was most favourably received. " Echo," which was nicely interpreted by Mr Gm. Edgecumbe, concluded the lengthy programme. The accompaniments were played by Miss Soppett, Miss M. Soppett, Mrs Gordon, Miss Newell aud Miss Broome.

The Rev. J. M. Mitchell, who presided, publicly thanked Miss Soppett, to whom, he said all the credit for the success of the entertainment was due, and asked the audience before departing to sing the first verse of " The National Anthem." This invitation was heartily responded to, We are pleased to say that the church funds will benefit to the extent of about £lO. _______