COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2566, 20 December 1888, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

There was a crowded audience on Tuesday night at the Hamilton Volunteer Hall, at the vocal and instrumental concert given in honour of Mr Mettam. the able bandmaster of the Hamilton Light Infantry Band. Col. Forbes occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings said he was thankful to Captain Reid for giving him an opportunity of explaining how it was that he bad severed his official connection with the corps. Immediately after he had been appointed to the honorary command ot tho corps, the New Zealand Government suddenly discovered it was not advisable for a field officer of the Imperial Service to hold an honorary appointment in the Volunteers, and at their request he sent in his resignation. He would still, however, always take an active interest in the company, which had been so highly praised that day by Col. Hume. They were there to-night fco do honour to Mr Mettam for his eminent services as a musician, and who had done wonders with the band. It was not a Band of Hope, but was the most hopeful band in the Auckland province. Col. Huine and Col. Shepherd were present amongst the audience. The concert was very successful, and we trust will be equally satisfactory to the one for whose benefit it was given. It is painful to us to find it necessary to refer to a matter that marred the complete pleasure the entertainment would have afforded the public, and which should not have been permitted to take place. This was the rude conduct of a number of young men at the buck of the hull who created a disturbance and set dogs barking whilst the performers were, rendering their parts. Some of the disturbers, we regret tosny, were in uniform, and should have linen checked by the officers present. A uniform is always associated with ideas of chivalry and gallantry, and it should never bo disgraced by misconduct before an niemy or in the presence of women. A true British soldier honours the fair sex and will put down promptly any approach to disrespect towards them; for has he not swoin allegiance to his Queen—who is a woman ? The entertainment opened with an overture " Golden Rr.se " by the band, which wys a finished performance. Miss Murray's fine song, " The Goldon Portal " gave great satisfaction. A quintette, " Reaper's Chorus " by bandsmen was received with loud applause. Then followed Miss Sage's song " Alas! Those Chimes," very sweetly given, |but in too soft a voice. The young lady was evidently discomposed by the unseemly internptions at the. end of thfl hall. Mr Meachem'ssong, "True till Death," was admirably suited to his tenor voice. Mr Montgomery sang a capital song " Taken From" Life," in a spirited style that procured him vociferous applause, and an encore had to be given. Then followed a cornet duet, "I Know a Bauk" by Messrs Mettam and Mil pro, which was excellent, and an instrumental trio from "Maritana" by Miss Newell piano, Dr. Mnrch violin, and Mr J. B. Edgecumbo. (cello), which also was a splendid performance. In the second part, the band gave a fantasia "Purity." Lieut. Edgecumbe sang " Rank and File " effectively and with expression. Mrs H. Coniiell's beautiful song, " The Lark Now Leaves His Lowly Nest," was enthusiastically received, and in response to an encoro she sang an exquisite song, " Birds in the Night Lullaby. Mr Mettam's euphonium solo, "The Last Rose of Summer," was, we need hardly say, a musical treat. Then came " Golden Love" by Mrs Pannell, who has a well-trained soprano voice of considerable power. This lady i=l recently from the Old Country, and thus made her first appoaranco before a colonial audienco. She received an ovation, and was loudly called on for an encore. Capt. Reid sang, "Willie Brew'd a Peck of Mant," and in response to an encote, sang "Rantin Robin." Miss Cassidy then sang "Barney Take Me Home Again," with which she brought down the house, and had to respond to an encore. She has a very powerful voice, possessing timbre and expression, but needs training under a master. We advise her to give it careful cultivation, for she has a voice to be proud nf. Mr Pascoe recited, "The Execution of Montrose" with histronic ability; and Mr Steele's song, "Plymouth Sound." concluded the programme. Tho National Anthem by the band brought the entertainment to a close.