CONCERT AT BOATMAN'S.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1471, 17 November 1884, Page 2

CONCERT AT BOATMAN'S.

The tea and concert at Boatman's on Friday evening proved a great success, surpassing the most sanguine hopes of its promoters. The 10-*rl committee kindly granted th** use of the schoolroom, giving thr children a half holiday in order to expedite the pi*eparations. Mr Russell also goodnaturedly allowed his house to be utilised, not to say, turned upsidedown in the good cause. The tea tables were quite a sight, being beautifully decorated with flower?, and for hungry people perhaps more beautifully decorated with the greatest, variety and abundance, of. eatables. As the tables were filled up four different times there could not have been less than one hundred and tifty catered for, who gave evident tokens that they appreciated the efforts of the ladies. The four tables were loaded with good things, and were presided over by :— *- Ist table — Mrs Archer aud Miss King "}'< 2nd, Mrs Ban* and Mrs Wilson ; 3rd, Mrs Currie and Mrs Ross; 4th, Mrs Tavuski and Mrs McEntee. Ample justice having been done to the tea, a clearance was made, and preparations for the concert, iucludiug a neatly arranged stage, lining completed by half-past eight, Mrs Hugo opened with an overture (piano), which was much appreciated. The accoustic properties of the building seemed to be very good, allowing the performers to sing with expression. It was, however, unfortunately too small to accommodate the numbers who came, and many had to remain outside. The Boatman's Glee Club sang " The Fisherman's Glee," and " Lordly Gallauts." The singing of the Glee Club was very good, and shows that Boatman's does not lack r^iiiging talent, Messrs Borlase and Gilbert, members of the Glee Cluh acquitted themselves well in their solos, and fully deserved the rounds of applause which they received. •• Silver Rhine" was sung with great taste and received well merited applause " Who's thatTappii.g" Was very sweetly sung, and happily in such a manner that the audience' fully entered into the spirit of the song. " The Dear Little Shamrock " is always a favourite, and most certainly was appropriate, the audience signified their pleasure in a. marked manner— **Oaller Herrin " fairly brought down the house. If it would be just to institute a comparison where all were so good it might almost be called " the . piece "of the evening, a sort of "primus inter pares" Mr Pitt's songs were, as usual, exceedingly well sung, and provoked prolonged applause. Mr North also in " The Scout" acquitted himself well. Mr D. M'Kenny, although not in " character 'V managed to look "a weather beaten tar," and was well received. The " cornet duet " was a novelty, and it was a pity that there was not more of the cornet in the programme ; one "piece," at least, with the piano accompaniment, would have been a real treat to the lovers of instrumental music. Mr Lawry in " I'm Still a Friend to You," and Mr Martin in •'Leaf by Leaf" were well received. •• Twickenham Ferry" is a beautiful song, and in the hands of such an accomplished singer was sure to Wring down tho house " Come Back to Erin" was su'ig with great taste, and was most fully appreciated, as was :proved by repeated rounds of applause. It^ould be superfluous to say that " Sweet Rosa Jane " by Mr C6oper, was appreciated. I think we may venture to predict that the comic side of that gentleman's character will always command for him a favourable hearing. " Money Katters " was an excellent conclusion to an. excellent programme, and Sent everybody home in the highest spirits, more than satisfied with the evening's entertainment, as repeated ' loud spoken expressions of approbation as the various groups pursued their several ways was fully testified. Votes of thanks were passed to the Ladies, the School Committee, Mr Beeche, Mr Wyldp, Mr Campbell, to the Performers and the Visitors. The National Anthem - brought the entertainment to a close.