CONCERT AT MAURICEVILLE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4495, 5 August 1893, Page 3

CONCERT AT MAURICEVILLE.

(From Our Own Correspondent,)

To say that the people of Mauricevillearo musically inclined is to utter a truism, and when an entertainment of a musical character is announced—especially if it is for a good purpose—they turn out as one man, and for tho matter of that as one woman, to give it their support and encouragement. Consequently the exception which proves the rule was conspicuous by its absence last overling, when a larga and particularly appreciative audience (judging by the enthusiasm) assembled in the old school room, at Mauriceville West, the occasion being a concert and dance in aid of the funds of tho Sohoel Library. Considerably, over two hundred people put in an appearance in spite of tho steady downpour which prevailed during tho evening. The programme was large and. sufficiently diversified in iis arrangement to afford scope to the numerous talents of the performers, consisting, as it did, of instrumental music, Bongs, recitations, readings, dialogues, etc, and was carried out in a manner which left nothing to be desired. Miss McKonzie presided at the piano, and opened the concert by playing a duet with Mr McKenzie, senr,,(violin) with good effect. A number of children then Bang "The Mocking Bird," after which Miss Duff gave the audience a treat by singing" Apart," which was beautifully rendered, The.Bong " It's Another Colour Now," by Mr Croxton (in character) was a decided hit, and ho received a hearty encore, to which he responded, Mr Smith gave a recitation, selected from the Pickwick Papers, which was duly appreciated, The next iletu, "The Mill Wheel" by Mrs Bannister,,wasrsdemanded. The duet, " All's Well," by Mr and MrsKeene was particularly flue, the lady's sweet bird-like voice being heard to advantage, Miss Brooks sang " Always lake Mothor's Advice," and bowed in response to an encore. " Pleaso give mo a Penny," as a part song by three tiny little girls, was loudly applauded, after' which came a dialogue from the " School of Scandal," in which Miss Franklyn and Master Jensen personated the characters of Sir Peter and Lady Teasel'in a very creditable manner. Miss J, McKonzie then sang, " No I Sir," and had to respond to an imperative encore. Mr George Tillotaon gave "Angels without Wings" iu his happiest style," and in rosponso to a re-call sang," He Never Smiled Again." A number of young ladies sang "Tho Gipsy's Warning" very prettily, and Mr Oottisa ronsed the enthusiasm of tho audience by his faultless rendition of " Thy Face." After an interval of ten minutes, the audienoe were favoured with another musical selection, and MrTillotson brought down the house with the song," The Tipperary Christening." " The Vacant Chair," by a number of ladies followed,-and the boys sang the popular ballad " On the Ball." Mr McKenzie (the head master) sang " The Diver" in a very brilliant manner, The other songs were: "RidingonaLoad of Bay," MreKeenej "A Long Time, Now," Mr Croxton; " Kate O'Shane," Miss Duff; Mur« mar of the sea," Miss Brooks; " Our Jack's Come Homo To-day," Mr Cottiss; " Robin Adair j" Mrs Bannister; "The- Anchor's Weighed," Misn J.'McKeiwlej "Won't you buy my Pretty Flowers" by some little ones and were all well rendered, The singing of the National Anthem brought to a close one of the most successful concerts ever held; in the district. .

Ol' the laiy singers Miss Huff, who is a stranger to • Mauriceville, Las, a rich clear voice of great compass and sweetness, and during her stay here has' endeared herself to the hearts of everybody by l)erkintli)M». end tact.,

Her singing .of /'.Kate -O'Sbane. "was ia thing to be remembered. Mr MoKerizie's'rendering, of" The Diver" was also a triumph of vocalism, and a word of praueis also due to Mr Smith, who came from Eketuhumi ; at Bomo inconvenience to contribute his share to the success of tlie entertain-' inent.

After the concert tho' inevitable dance succeeded, and iwaneedlesß to say that its voiaiies made the most of their opportunities. It is truly wonderful to witness the utter, abandon with whioh young and'old throw themselves into this charming and innocent'pastime. Time Mr Gundor--Ben apparently forgets his fifty and odd years, as he glides through the mazy waltz hia arm encircling the waist of some fair charmer and chatting away like a youngster. And lie is not at all singula 'in this respect amongst our ".grave and reverend Signors", aud I notice these juvenile patriarchs usually select the nicest girls to dance with, and I have noticed one other thing too, and that is tho alacrity with which some or these fair damsels respond to their courtly (may I have the pleasure) to the too palpable dismay of some young rustio Lothario, who gazes after their receding figures with the look of one into whose soul the iron has entered. But while I havo been observing these things it is getting daylight, and so I retire. There is uo question whatever that the Library can—and will—bo considerably augmented as the result of these last efforts. Already it possesses a goodly number of standard works by our beet English au'hors, ami when it is further supplement d it will be alike creditable.to the school and to the community,