THE HAMILTON ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE CONCERT.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 381, 22 October 1874, Page 2

THE HAMILTON ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE CONCERT.

The entertainment of Tuesday evening was most successful in every respect. Many of the audience came a considerable distance to indulge in that which is not only a harmless recreation, but is also an intellectual one. The musical part of the programme was wonderfully well sustained ; we are warranted in saying this, more especially as there had been on this occasion, as on every other of a similar character, little or no practice to ensure protiency. It was gratifying to listen once more, after so long an interval, to the finished yet natural vocal efforts of a lady whose performances were ever welcomed in Waikato. There was a charm about the song chosen by her that laid hold of both the adept and the tyro, and, indeed, left nothing to be desired. We do not, however, on this occasion intend to violate the rule we have previously laid down, that amateur performances should never be closely criticised. It may be presumed that all do their best, not only to amuse or delight, but to maintain their reputation; at all events tjiey appeared to dp so on Tuesday evening last. Tlip part songs were not new to a Hamilton audience, but this was somewhat compensated for by the excellence of the compositions themselves, and the manner in which they were produced. The readings were deserving of consideration, as they consisted of judicious selections from Shakspeare and other authors, more than ordinarily well given. The grave-digger'« act from Hamlet, and the excessively comical account, comically delivered, of making love under difficulties, were calculated to please all sections of the audience. It is seldom that we have the pleasure of having an instrumental trio at entertainments in this district, but that pleasure was afforded us the other evening, when we listened to a pretty melody in which the flute, violin, and piano took part. Thei-e were also rolos on violin, flute, and piano, which met with a considerable amount of approbation. We would urge upon the people of Waikato the desirability of instituting and maintaining similar entertainments to that we have been commenting upon in each township. They break the monotony of the settlers life and better prepare him for a season of toil. In fact, to those who have been in the habit of enjoying the pleasure of civilization in other parts, these means of amusement render country life more tolerable. The price at which admission is granted to those entertainments place legitimate amusement within the reach of all, and frequently diverts many from channels of evil to those of usefulness. The funds, at present, are being directed to the purchase of a piano ; when that object is accomplished, another useful purpose will bo found to which to apply the proceeds. The building of a Public Hall, in which to hold meetings and entertainments is very much wanted, and wo learn that the next efforts of the committee are to be in that direction.