CATHOLIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2676, 5 September 1889, Page 2

CATHOLIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Tim concert and dramatic performance, in aid of tho Catholic Church, Hamilton, took place on Tuesday evening, in the Oddfellows' Hall, and was a complete success. There was a large audience, amongst whom wero Mr Crombie, Deputy Property-tax Commissioner, Father O'Gara, Father Fox, Captain Jackson and a number of visitors from other parts of tho Waikato, and of other denominations. Whilst tno musical selections wore of a high order, and tho performers did their several parts in a manner that gained them well merited applause from tho foremost portion of the audience, the effect of the vocal and instrumental contributions were terribly marred by the defective acoustic properties of the hall. This was particularly noticeable in the flute solos by Dr. Egau, and also in his songs. Tho violin accompaniment by Father Lenihan was quite lost. Tho state of this hall is always a ground of complaint on the occasion of every concert held in it. Local performers are used to it, but when such talented performers as Dr. Egan and Father Lenihan come all the way from Auckland to aid a local charitable object, it seems a thousand pities that they should be .subjected to such a drawback. The lower portion of tho audience was quite unable to follow and appreciate the concert, and we can, in consequence, forgive them for indulging in unnecessary noisy demonstration. The concert opened with an overture L'Airde Louis XIII., on the flute, by Dr. Egan, accompanied by Mr Connell on tho piano and Father Lenihan on the violin. There is no doubt that the doctor has perfect mastery over the instrument, for his playing was scholarly ; but, unfortunately, all the players stood too far back on the stage, and tha beautiful notes of tho flute were almost drowned by the piano, which was too loud. In a better hall the sound of Dr. Euan's instrument would have been clear and resonant. The violin was not heard. Father Lenihan then sang " Forget and Forgive," and received loud applause ; lie has a fine, well-trained bass voice of good compass. Miss Smythe and Miss Taylor next contributed a duet, "Pulaski's Banner," in a creditable manner. Dr. Egan again gave a flute solo, " L;i Verginella " (Bertoni), and as he stood more to the front on this occasion, his splendid playing was heard to greater advantage, and he received a spcond call and responded with an encore. Miss McPherson sang a very nice song, " Robin's Return," and did so with great taste. Next followed an instrumental trio, "Song of Welcome," by Dr. Egan on the flute, Mr Connell on the piano, and Father Lenihan 011 the violin, and was a capital performance. Miss Cassidy sang, "Only to See Thee Again," her strong, young voice filling every corner of the building. She was loudly encored, and repeated the last verse. Dr. Egan sang "The Good Shepherd," a sacred hymn of great beauty. Although the rev. gentleman's voice did not appear a strong one, he sang in a manner that showed he was a thorough master of vocalisation, and was fully entitled to his honour of Mus. Doct. The Mioses Coombes sang a charming duet, "Friendship," the elder young lady's voice being an excellent contralto, and we would be glad to seo more of her at local concerts. Mrs Ccinnell's song, "It was a Dream " was given with that lady's wellknown ability, her notes in the higher register being clear and sweet. This brought the musical part of the evening to a close, and then followed the comedy " Chcckmato "in two acts. This was decidedly the best of the entertainment and thoroughly delighted the audience ; the players all did their parts remarkably well and each character was well sustained. Considering there had not been very much time for practice, it is most creditable to thein that they did so perfectly. It was certainly the best performance given in Hamilton for some time. Mr Philips (of Auckland) made a very good Sir Everton Toffee and was well up in his part. Mr Gubbins, as Sam Winkle, who was substituted to play the gentleman and make lovo to the heiress, was ono of tho clevercst amateurs we have seen in the colony. He acted without a fault and provoked tho audience t:) laughter at every turn. When ho put away his glass of wine at supper and said, "I 'ate 'ock, give us some of won Stunner's wine," the house just fell into convulsions at the hit. Mr Gubbins would be a treasure to any amatour dramatic club. The young lady who acted the part of Charlotte Russe, possesses ability of no mean order ; she was cool and collected, and performed in a perfectly natural manner, and looked well besides. She understands the art, evidently. We cannot speak too highly of the acting of the lady who represented Martha, the maid, and who assumed the role of mistress, and received tho attention of Sam, the supposed baronet. Her acting was capital, and it is clear Hamilton has, within itself, more talent than it seemed aware of,and that,like thegood wine, it is bringing it out at the last. Dr. Volckman (of Nottingham, England) as the waiter, and afterwards as the gardener, was quite at home in his parts, and deserves praise for his performance. Mr Harry Hume made a good Cheeks, in buttons, and Mr C. Knox did service as Bottles. The evening closed with the audience departing in good spirits and well pleased.