POPULAR CONCERTS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3282, 14 August 1889, Page 3

POPULAR CONCERTS.

The first of a series of popular concerts under tho auspices of the Mastertou Mutual Improvement Society was given in the Temperance Hall last evening. Long before tho time for commencing tho programme tho Hall was packed to excess, so that standing room was unobtainab'e and numbers of pooplo had to be turned away. The public undoubtedly appreciate tlio importance of encouraging such a deserving institution, Tho programme was an exceptionally good one, and reflects great credit on the indefatigable secretary, Mr R, Hornblow. All the performers were in good form, and gavo their respective items with frankness, which showed tlioy were in thorough accord with the objects for which the concert was promoted. The concert opened with • a glee under the direction of Mr 11 F. Temple, which was rendered very creditably. Sung, "The Pilot" by Mr Bray, was sang in that gentleman's usually successful style. l)uet, violin and piano, by Master A. Elkins and Miss Fanny Elkins, was received with the fullest approbation and they had to submit to an encore. Musically, this piece, a nocturne, " Sweet Memories," was played exceptionally correct, and with such good taste, by children 60 young, that it would have done credit to performers twice their age. "I cannot sing tho old songs," by Miss Pelling, was sung pleasingly. Duet two violins, " I know a bank," by Mr Mueller and Master A. Elkins, again brought oiit the capabilities of tho child violinist, who exhibited all tho confidence displayed by a much older performer. Master Elkins is a pupil of Mr Mueller, and undoubtedly does his tutor great credit. A new song, " The Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock," written and composed by Mr W. J. Devers, and forwarded to Mt Coloman with the authors compliments immediately on leaving the press, could scarcely have been placed m better hands. The Bong has been written as a protest against the present clamour for the disruption of tho British Union, The music is effective and remarkably befitting a song which is to assume to somo extent a national character, and if the persistent demand for its repetition last night can bo taken as a criterion, the song will bo well patronised; Mr A. Thompson next contributed somo ventriloquail sketches which proved highly amusing, A pianoforte duet by Misses Williams and Galloway proved that the musical education of these young ladies has not been neglcctod. A song, "Goodwin Sands," by Mr Jackson, received well merited applause. A duet, " Golden Love," by Miss Tumor and Mr Bray, was a marked success, and it is to be hoped that Miss Turner will again favor the public at an early date. Miss Lowe's song " Gwendoline," can bo considered the gem of the evening for which she had to respond to an encore, A song "The first Violet" (Mendelsohn) by Mr Gant was fairly characteristic of that gentleman's success as an interpreter of music. . Songs by Mr T. Rowse, Mr E. H. Eton, and a humorous reading by Mr Dalrymple, were each received with applause. The funny portion of tho programme was entrusted to Mr Boagey and Mr R. Temple, who sang a comic duet •' The upper ten and the lowc fivo," which brought down the house and secured an irresistible encore. A piano and .violin duet from the " Bohemian Girl," by Miss Jessie and Alice Corbett was very nicely performed. Miss Alice Coriett is a violinist of great promise. Mr Keisenberg's string band played an overture in tho interval in their usaul accomplished style. Mr Pearson's brass band generously played several selections outside tho hall. Tho Misses L. Lowes, White, Corbett, Williams and Mr Rathbone were the accompanists. The Rev Mr Rowse, who occupied the chair, addressed the audience at the close of the programme. He was glad the public had been so ready to appreciate tho laudable efforts of the Mastertou Mutual Improvement Society, a Society which was inaugurated for the mutual instruction, advancement and edification of its members, This concert was an experiment and ho wished to heartily convey the thanks of tho Society to all those who helped towards its success, whether it was by their attendance or by their assistance in compiling such a creditable programme.