TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2320, 24 May 1887, Page 2

TE AROHA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Ti: Aroha, Monday. : The entertainment given in the Public Hall on Friday night in aid of the organ fund of St. Mark's Church afforded to those who were present much genuine enjoyment, but it is to be regretted that owing to the inclemency of the weather, and other circumstances, the audience was not at all so numerous as it would have been under more favourable conditions. The somewhat meagre attendance was the more to ,be, regretted as the performance was mainly got up by visitors, who spent considerable time and took much pains to make it a success. It must, however, have afforded them some crmtitication to see their efforts sb appreciated by those present, and it must be allowed'that the appreciation was fiilly merited, for in point of general excellency it was one of the best amateur entertamincnts of the kind that lias ever been given here. The first part of the programme commenced with the " Loved and lost" waltzes, excellently played by Mrs Wright and Miss McClatchey, witih an accompaniment on the bones 'by Dr. Wricrht, who as a .timest displayed remarkable precision. The second item vvas the old favourite " Come whore my love lies dreaming, which was fairly well rendered. This'was followed by the nautical song " Yo heave ho," capitally sui'o by Dr. Wright. The next number was° the duet "I would that my love," to which full justice was done by Mrs Wright and Miss Hadfield, whose rich voices were heard to great advantage in this somewhat difficult piece. Mr Green-, wood contributed the song "Poor Jack Brown," which lie sang with much taste and feeling. One of the most noticeable items in the programme was the glee " All | among the barley," which was excellently rendered by the company, and a repetition of which was' loudly called for by the audience. The song "Told ill the twilight," sung by Mrs'Wright, gave that lady an opportunity of- displaying the admirable qualities of her voice, and the applause which followed testified to the; pleasure afforded to the listeners. Another most pleasing number was the song "Parting" given by Mrs Burgess, whose full, rich voice was here heard with charming effect. Tn response to an enthusiatic encore, she next sang '" When sparrows build'.' which, was also most warmly received; Next followed the national song " Rule Britannia" with chorus by the company, and a recitation " The Angel's Chair;' well rendered, by the Rev. Mr Marshall. . This concluded the first part of the programme. In the second part the most noteworthy features were, "Robin's return," charmingly sung by Miss Marshall, and a repetition of which was loudly called for by the audience ; " The old church,*' sweetly rendered by Mrs Wright; the- nautical song, "Tom Tough," capitally given by Dr. Wright, who had to submit to an encore ; and the duet, "The sea of glass," by Mrs Burgess and Miss Marshall, in which the rich blending of their voices told with most pleasing effect. A ■ cornet solo by Mr Cottier, and the glees, "O, who will o'er the downs," by the company, and "Tho Wreath" by Mr Smith, Mrs Burgess and Dr. "Wright were also deserving of notice. Mr Holloway, who acted as conductor, presided also at the pianoforte aud played most of the accompaniments with artistic skill and finish. ' The Rev. Mr Marshall tendered hearty thanks to the visitors aud others who had taken part in the performance, and tlio entertainment closed with tho singing of the National Anthem,

There is not likely to be much rejoicing here on the Queen's birthday to-morrow. The only thing announced in the shape of festivity is the soiree and entertainment in connection with tho Weslcyan Church. It will take place in the evening in the Public Hajl and promises to be a great success.

At Waiorongotriai tlio votaries of Terpsichore are taking time by the forelopk.anii will hold a grand fancy dresa ball in the Hall there this evening.