BENEVOLENT FUND ENTERTAINMENT.

West Coast Times, Issue 666, 12 November 1867, Page 2

BENEVOLENT FUND ENTERTAINMENT.

! 4 I Tho entertainment given last night at tho Court House, for tho purpose of establishing a fund for benevolent purposes in Hokifcika, was a success — a success so marked, thai wo have no hesitation in saying that it has not hitherto been equalled in Hokitika. Tho entertainment vras under the patronage of tho lion. John Hall ; Mr JBonar, tho Secretary for the Goldfields ; the Under-Secrotary, Mr Sale, and His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Shaw), and the Corporation. Tho liour for commencing had been fixed at 8 o'clock, and at half-past seven the drum and fife band under the leadership of Mr Norberg, assembled in front of the Court House and performed several pieces of music. When the hour for commencing arrived, the house was crowded to overflowing, in fact it was the most brilliant audience which has as yet assembled in Hokitika. The Hon. John Hall was present on the occasion. Ilis Worship the Mayor occupied tho chair, and briefly stated the object of tho entertainment. PAET T. This part commenced with the recitation, by Miss Eosa Cooper, of the scene j between Jeanie Deans and Queen Caroline, from Scott's " Hears of Midlothian." A song by Mr John White, splendidly vocalised, and accompanied with great taste and judgment on the piano by Mr Cullimore, followed, and to this succeeded a duet.J" Convent Bells,' 1 very pretlily sung by the Misses Eitzsimmons. Then came a song well rendered by Mr W. Poeook, And now came the gem of the night — Keutzer's part song " Sabbath Morn," which was superbly given by the members of the Hokitika Philarrnonic Society. Whilst listening to the rendering of this beautiful composition, we almost faucied ourselves once more in " The Vatlievland " — the laud of music— the laud which gavo birth to Handel, Haydn, and that giant ill harmony — Beethoven. This lovely piece of vocalization formed an appropriate termination to the first part of tho entertainment. PBBSENTATION XO MISS EOS A COOPER. A very interesting ceremonial now took place, viz., the presentation by tho Mayor, in tho name of a number of the citizens of Hokitika, of v gold watch to Miss Eosa Cooper. r Hia Worship said that he felt greatly gratifiod at seeing so brilliant an assemblage that evening more especially as they had distinguished visitors amongst them who would thus bo enable d to form some idea of the social life of the citizens of Hokitika. He had now a very pleasant duty to perform, viz., to present, in iho namo of several of the citizens of Hokitika, a gold watch to a lady who hod long reaided amongst them, and who was highly esteemed hy them. Tho lady in question, Miss Rosa Cooper, was an actress of great versatility of talent, and was equally pleasing and eit'ective in tragedy, melodrama, and comedy, whilst in private lifo she had won the esteem of all ; those who had the pleasure of her acquaintance, Handing tho witch to Miss Cooper, His Worship sail : — Miss Cooper, may you long live to wear this, and when you are absent from us think on those friends who hold you iv deep rospoct, and who heartily wish you success in your career wherever your lot may be cast. (Loud and prolonged cheering ) Miss Rosa Cooper replied and said : — Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gontlomen, — I can scarcely trust myself to thank you, nor can I find words adequate to express my deep feeiing of sincere gratitude for the high and flattering compliment you have to night paid me, and for the very handsome testimonial you have presented to me. Believe me I shall ever cherish the memory of this night, as one of my most happy recollections ; and when those near and dear to me in the old country far away, read of the high honor you have conferred upon me, their hearts will respond with miue in thanks to you. This gift, Sir, I have received from you and the Ladies and Gentlemen of Hokitika. I will ever cherish as a sweet remembrance of the kind friends who gave it. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) PAST 11. The second part of the entertainment commenced by a recitation, most effectively given by Mr Button, and entitled "The Champion of Spain." Mr Waters theu sang '• The Wolf" with great spirit, and this was succeeded by the recitation by Miss liosa Cooper of "" The Bridge of Sighs." Balfe's song "' Eiflemcn, form"' was capitally given by Mr H. Friend, and was succeededby " JJinnigan'sWake," sung by Mr P. Flannagan. Miss Eosa Cooper then recitod, with great pathos as well as spirit, "Tho Fire' Brigade," and the members of the Philharmonic Society sang, with beautiful effect, L. Der Call's "Evening." The national anthem, by the members of the Philharmonic Society, tho audience joining in the chorusj concluded tlte entertainment.

The overflowing audience then departed to their homes, but we know that they will long remember with pleasure the most brilliant entertainment ever given in Hokitika. An entertainment given for a benevolent object, and which has been crowned with comj>leto success. a So those ladies and gentlemen who so lundly gave their services on tho occasion the thanks of the coinmu ?,\ lty ai>o cllie - The members of tha Pnilharmomc Society, which under the able leadership of Mr H. Friend, has only just started into existence, have every reason to be proud of the success which has attended their efforts, and we cannot withhold due praise to Mr Cullimore.-vrho as pianist, by Ms skilful accompaniments, contributed so much to the ecldt of the entr-rtaimnenl. From tho first to the last the whole affair had been judiciously worked, and this, in a grent measure attributable to the efforts of Mr G-. Beaver, the agent employed in getting up the entertainment. We understand that upwards of £40 in cash and tickets was received at the doors, aud this does not include several outside tickets.