CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2627, 14 May 1889, Page 2

CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI.

The concert in aid of the school funds was held in the hall on Friday evening, Major Jackson being in the chair. In his opening remarks, the chairman explained that the object of the concert was to purchase an apparatus for scientific education, such as chemistry, which the Board did not supply. He also said there were two parties to the entertainment —one to provide it, and the other to listen. Ho could answer that the former would perform their part, and he hoped the latter would do theirs; and ho spoke plainly about the nuisance of whistling and stamping of feet. There was another uuisanco much worse than either of these, which he might also have spoken of; that is, the selfish and vulgar habit of talking, which some undorbreol people indulge in while some of the songs are being sung. On Friday evening this nuisance was indulged in, and not by the male hoodlums either, but by ladies (save the mark !) Especially was this the case while the song of the evening (" When .Sparrows Build ") was being sung by Mrs Burgess, People of this sort can surely keep their choice bits of scandal for a more convenient season, and not annoy those who come to listen, and offer an affront to the singers. The attendance was very large, Te Awamutu, Ranginohia and Alexandra being well represented, making the concert a success financially, as it also was musically. The ladies who sang wero thoroughly appreciated by the music loving portion of the audience, for each when announced was received with rounds of applause; especially was this the case when Miss Allen's name was mentioned. This young lady is a favourite with Waikato audiences ; and such names as her's, Mr and Mrs Burgess', Mrs Long's, Miss Carley's, and Mr Vause's are enough to attract a large house. Miss Allen sang "Caller Herrm " beautifully, and was vociferously encored, when she sang " Within a Mile of Edinboro'Town." "Apart" was also well sung, as were "The Silver Cup," and the duet "Excelsior," and "Oh! fair Dove. Oh ! fond Dove," but I think the gem of the evening was "When Sparrows Build." Mr Vanse is one of the b3st comic singers who ever appeared before the public in this district; his make up in the character songs as well as his acting were perfect. He was down for two items, but thatdid not satisfy the audience, who made him come out again each time. Mr Christie's comic song, "An Awful little Scrub," created a great deal of merriment, the refrain eliciting shouts of laughter. Tho poison who received, perhaps, the most applause was pretty little Miss Maud Dinneen, whose perfect selfpossession and wonderful memory were apparent in her recitation. In all the songs enunciation was perfect, every word being distinctly heard. This is a quality too often disregarded by singers, who appear to think the sole merit consists in singing the notes and leaving the audience in ignorance as to tho words. Tho farce "Anti-phat" was fairly good. "Plummy." by Mr Christie, was the best sustained character of the pieco. "Joe" was very well dune indeed, there was very little in tho character, but the most was made of it, and the young man wlio was cast for it would do well in a better character. The others with more practice, and a little coaching, will do much better if called vn again. When it is remembered, however, that this was their first appearance, they deserve great credit for doing it so well. Mr Christie and the committee desire to express their thanks to the ladies and gentlemen ivho assisted, some of whom c.uno from a considerable distance, and with much inconvenience. It must bo pleasing to them and to Mr Christie to know that the entertainment was a success in every respect. I had nearly forgotten to mention the piano duet of Miss Maud Archer and Miss Maunders, both young children. Miss Archer played the accompaniments', and also for the dance afterwards. The following is the programme :—Pianoforte Duet, Miss Maud Archer and Miss Maunders; song, of the Earth," Mr Christie ; song, "Apart," Mrs Long; song, (comic in character) " The Parson and the Clerk." Mr Vause, enc ired, last verse repeated ; song, " Caller Herrin," in character, Miss Allen, encored, "Within a Mile"; song, "The Silver Cup," Mr Burgess, encored, but not responded to. Recitation, " CVour do Lion at the Bier of his Father," Miss Dinneen ; song(com : «), "An Awful little Scrub," Mi- Christie, encored, last verso lopiated. Duet, "Excelsior," Mr and Mrs Burgess; song, "Oh failDove, Oh fond Dove," Miss Carloy ; song, "When Sparrows Build," Mrs Burgess; song (comic in character), " The Poor Chinee," Mr Vause, encored. After a short interval, the amusing farce, " Antiphat, or how to get thin," was placed on tho boards. The following was the caste :—Plummy, Mr Christie; Mrs Plummy, Miss Tristram ; Dr. Dulcet and cousin George, both taken by Mr J. Tristram ; Slide. Mr C. A. Ogle ; Marjory, Miss Archer ; Joe, Mr W. Burton. After the farce, dancing was begun and kept up for several hours.