ROMAN CATHOLIC CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2556, 27 November 1888, Page 2

ROMAN CATHOLIC CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI.

On'UU again the inhabitants of Kihikihi have bean afforded a pleasure that will not be soon forgotten in the shape ot amusements. The hall was crammed to its utmost capacity on Wednesday evening last, to hear the high class concert in aid of the .Roman Catholic Church. Major Jackson, who occupied the chair, bespoke for the performers an attentive hearing—a request that all lovers of music readily acceded to. Such names as those of Misses Allen and Swan, Dr. Egan and Father Tjenihan and Mrs Hutchinson as accompanist, are sufficient guarantee as to the good quality of the entertainment. The Rev. Dr. charmed us all with his delightful rendering of several Irish airs, with variations an his sweet-toned fiute, accompanied by Mrs Hutchinson on the piano. Father Lenihan and Father O'Gara in turn assisted iu the accompaniments on the violin, as did Dr. Egan also with his flute. Before the concert and during tha interval, Mr Sibley and Mr Tristram, together with some of Mr Sibley's pupils, played several selections very nicely. The singing of Misses Allen and Swan is so well and favourably known that it is unnecessary to eulogise it. Special mention, however, may be made of tha " Kerry Dance " by the latter lady, and the " Gipsy Duet" by Miss Allen and Dr. Egan. Father Leuihan's fine voice was heard to advantage in the " Two Voices," a very beautiful song, accompanied by the piano and flste. I regret very much that we had not the pleasure of hearing Father O'Gara sing, as the rev. gentleman was suffering from a relaxed throat. Besides the sentimental songs there were several comic pieces by Dr. Egan, which elicited hearty laughter, not the least amusing of which was an address on temperance delivered at first with mock hesitation, and finished with an excellent imitation of the style of a well-hnown American temperance lecturer. At the conclusion of the programme the chairman thanked the audience for their attendance and attention. He said it was the fashion

in some countries to call snch a thing a "allow," but show or entertainment, it was evident from the hearty applause, they had had a good evening's {amusement, and he had no doubt if he was asked, that Dr. Egan would again give something. This brought out loud applause, and when the Dr. in response came out he said the chairman lmd just stated that he (the Dr.) was about to make a show of himself. This prepared the audience for something funny, nor were they disappointed, for the versatile performer treated us to a capital imitation of the voices of several varieties of street singers from the gruff tones of one and the oracked tones of another down to the melodious treble of the penny ballad female singer, winding up with tho " laughing" song. The following is the programme Piano solo. Dr. Egan ; song, " Kerry Dance, " Miss Swan, (encored, "Merriest Girl,") song, "Forget and Forgive," Father Lenihan; flute solo, " Irish Airs," Dr. Egan; song, " The Better Land," Miss Allen, (encored, last verse); song, "In Happy Moments," Dr. Egan, (encored, "I'm Not Meself at All,"

encored again, "Temperance Speech.") Interval of ten minutes. Waltz trio, Cceur Fidele, Mrs Hutchinson, Dr. Egan, and Father Lenihan ; " Gipsy Duet," Miss Allen and Dr. Egan ; song, "Dear Little Shamrock," Miss Swan; (encored, "Killarney") song, "Two Voice-!," Father Lenihan ; flute solo, " Irish Airs," Dr. Egan ; song, "Dashing White Sergeant," Miss Allen; (encored, last verse repeated) song (comic), "Father O'Flynn," Dr Eean. In response to an encore the Rev. DrEgan began by playing very softly on the piano " The Last Rose of Summer," which prepared the audience for the tender passages of a love sceno, of which he was an eye witness, if I may judge from his fidelity in rendering some of the most tender and endearing parts, the principals being an amorous Thomas, and a bashful Miss Tabby Cat, the scene being rendered in that very feline language so dear to pussey's heart. The oliairman oalled for votes of thanks for the performers and for Mrs Hutohinson, and the call was responded to with enthusiasm. Another comic piece by Dr. Egan brought the entertainment to a close. The room was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up till near morning, Mr Sibley's band, assisted by some gentlemen amateurs providing the music. A very substantial repast was provided by the ladies of the congregation in the supper room, on the ground floor, to which visitors did ample justico. The children were not forgotten, and were supplied witli abundance of tea. coffee, and cake. The committae worked very energetic illy, and it must be very gratifying to them to know their efforts were so thoroughly appreciated.