NGARUAWAHIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2972, 1 August 1891, Page 2

NGARUAWAHIA.

The conceit and ball so much talked of came off on Friday evening 24th instan\ and as Bhowing what liny be done 111 a small place for a good cause this concert deserves more than a mere cursory notice. It was given in aid of our public school funds ; and the sum of £20 taken for admission speaks for itself in regard to the number of people present, irrespective of the host of "complimentaries" whose active services fully entitled them to " open "esame." Notwithstanding the advanced prices, and a little headwind (figuratively), every seat and standing room w is liter,illy packed. Tho chairman of the school committee (Mr James) presided, aud the prograintnee was so a ranger! as to give the affair such a "go" at tho beginning that soldom fails In keep it going sprightly to the finish. The first part of tho programme was opened with a part song by the children ; followed by a violin solo by Mr T. H. White, whoso masterly performances never require any commendation ; and after hitn came the inimitable Mr Dalston " With my 'ammer in my 'and " as president of " our 'armonic club." Tins item put the audience in splendidly good humour which was continued throughout tho whole proceedings, and Mr Dalston had to respond to an irresistible recall on "McCartys Mare." Tho third item was the recitation "Mary, Queen of Scots," by Mrs Tat ley. which was exceedingly well recited, and would have been better appreciated had the pioce not been rather stale here. Tho fifth number, and first genuine song was "The Death of Nelson," by Mr T. W. Brownwell; and though, he himself was not satisfied with his own performance, no one else found fault, and he must have felt amply cjmpensated for the shortcoming by the manner his splendid rendering of "Tho Scout" wa<- received in the second part, and his reward was well merited for his singing was simply surpurb. The next sons was 11 The Wishing C ip, by Miss Clayton, whose fine voice was at its best, and she received great praise. Number seven was half song half recitation, The Girls at the School," by Mr Ellis. This and "The Awful Little Scrub" were something new and refreshing to a Ngaruawhia audience, and "took" immensely; and if Mr Ellis proves himself as fit for the school as ho apparently is for the stage—lie will do. The noxt was a duet, 'The Child s first Grief," by the Misses Butcher; a lovely song and very sweetly rendered The ninth to be called upon was Mr Geo. Mayes, "The Stage-struck Hero." This gentleman received quito an ovation, and his popularity was emphatically demonstrated in tho usual orthodox manlier, and the deafening calls for "Toby" brought him back as " The Butteifly dude, a piece which I have 110 doubt would at any time be highly appreciated by a Hamilton or Huntly audience; but to the unsophisticated of Ngaruawhia its beauties were scarcely perceptible. The tenth on the list was Mr H. Williams (S.M.), who sang "Jack's Yarn," aud undoubtedly the best item hitherto on tho programme. Mr Williams was in splendid form and sang grandly, aud had the yarn been a comic one, it would certainly have had to be recapitulated. The excluding item of the first part was that which mostly all had como to hear, »i*., the Misses Tattley on the violin, and our " great expectations " were amply justified by their charming performances. Tli.-uifih evidently, as yet, but learners, their unassuming manner won for them golden opinions and a most enthusiastic applause. After the usual ten minutes interval, the second part was again opened : with a chorus by tho children. Besides those who had already appeared in the former part, the fint was Mr T. W. Simpson, who this ovening made his debut as a singer in "The Parson and tho Clerk," and it "goes without saying that anything he undertakes upon the stage is always " done to a turn." "The Parson and the Clerk' had to be done over again. After him was called Miss E iith Tattley, whose charming little Rong (in character), " Oh, You Men," I was most fascination?, her cle«u* and distinct articulation of the words being particularly refreshing and duly recognised by the audience. The next item was also in character —Mr Arthur Williams as an eccentric vendor of medicine. Dr. tjnack was very kindly received, and, notwithstanding lus grotesqueuess, the audience, true to their natural instinct, gave preference to his ' nostrums over more genuine medicino, and insisted upon his calling again. The last item but one on our longthy programme was a beautiful song, "It was a dream, by Miss Gertie Tattley, and after such a I satiety of the comic element, this song was a delicious morsel, and had the young lady's manner been ju*t a little less statuesque, and had a little of her younger sister's vivacity and distinctness of articulation, she would have received a much heartier recognition. But, after all, the defect may not be hers, but mine qui bono ? And, last of all, Mr White's violin gave the finishing touch to the very best and most successful concert ever given at Ng.iruawahia. Of tho ball I can only say that it concluded about six on Saturday mornui", and its fame is still the talk of tho town. 'The brass band was in full force, and conduced greatly to the success of both concert and ball by playing overtures outside and for all the dances gratuitously, and to whom the School Committee feel under a deep obligation, as well as to those ladios and gentlemen, too numerous to particularise, who s i kindly and promptly responded to the call for their assistance.—(Casual Correspondent).