THE FORESTERS' CONCERT.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 135, 20 April 1881, Page 2

THE FORESTERS' CONCERT.

The members of Court Manawatu are to be warmly congratulated upon the success of their efforts with regard to the entertainment given to inaugurate the opening of their new hall, which we feel convinced was as great a success m a pecuniarj point of view as it certainly was m another sense. Id a previous issue we gave ft somewhat detailed account of the many and great improvements waich were being effected m the bnildinf, but even to us, who had seen them while being carried out, the appearance of the hall on Monday night was somewhat of a surprise. By the erection of the new stage the building, or rather the space allotted to the audience, has been increased by about twenty -four feet, and as it now stands, the hall will be fully able to accommodate tie amusement-seeking pnblic of Palmerston and its surroundings for many years to come. One of the greatest drawbacks or grievances which hitherto existed— the want of proper lighting power — has been remedied, for beside the side and footlights, of which there is no stint, the building also contains three chandelier*. A new green baize curtain has been provided and a very pretty " drop scene "— an Italian sketch — serves to break the monoitanrvof «the intervals, and furnish fciod-f or inspection, ■,- or * Criticism.

That and two other scenes— on* a parlor and the other a mort enticing looking garden — beside the flat* and other decorations—are the handiwork of Mr. Palmer, of Foxton ; and although at the conclusion of the concert he had the honor of being called before the curtain, that tribute would not apeak nearly ao highly of the appreciation of the audience, as the commendatory* critioismd which were passed darinfe; thu evening. Before passing oc to a noticed the entertainment, we ieel constrained to ■ay that the acotntH properties of ithe-' building are very far from what are to-be desired, and decidedly a p-oacenium win hare to be built to prevent the voices of the aingert or speakers from ascending to the flies of the stage insteal 61 beingthrown out amongst the audience The concert commenced bj a pinafprJte^.spip, " The Carnival of Venice," brilliantly exeootel by Miss>Bella Budd, followed by the very, appropriate glee, by the Wesleyan | Cnoir, •• Forester's Sound and Cheerful | Horn." There was by no means the full strength of the choir represented, nevertheless it was' most efficiently rendered, and was warmly applauded. Mr. John Swift was set down m the programme to^deliver an original prologot, but he recited instead that humorous selection from the Ihgolds'y i Legends, !• The Jackdaw of Uheims." M-. Palmer gave the ballad immortalised by Sims Beeves, "Come into the Garden Maude/ and notwithstanding that he at first appeared somewhat nervous, acquitted himself most creditably ; still his first effort could not compare with " Lore's Bequest," giren by the sarnie gentleman m the second part, m really excellent style. Miss Atkinson was most vociferously applc.ud«d for her pianoforte solo, " The Auld House," and those 7 who hare had the pleasure of hearing that lady's execution upon other occasions will Tealise what a treat was given -when we say that on Monday night she was at her best. The pathetic though patriotic recitation 4< Edinburgh after Flodden," w»i ! very creditabl.yjread by Mn Allen, considerable allowance being claimable on account of the difference betwten reading and reciting from memory. "Twickenham Ferrf," is the name of a sprightly little song which, m the hands of Mrs. Bnelson lost none of its attractiveness ; although we mutt confess we have heard that lady to better advantage on previous occasions, still Mrs. Snelson's worst is better than a*: good many people's best. We have never heard Mr. Blade m such grand voice, and his " Wilbo* the-Wisp " was only surpassed : by " Aileen Mavourneen," which he sang m the second part of the programme, and upon both occasion! he was>onored with an encore. The next item served to introduce to the audience a lady new to Palmer-, •ton, m the person of Mi«s Doiery, who, m the most finished manner gave the pretty song T « Olarine." " The Three Jolly Sailors" was given, injcapital style by Mr. Pcikins, although we confess we do not consider the song itself a success, there apparently bsing no second part, and the harmony ending m a most abrupt manner. After the well-known trio " Mynheer Tan Dunk 1 ' had been given by Messrs. Stubbs, Grace, and Hartley, Mrs. Shore, of Foxton, sang with touching pa th )B the plaintiff ballad '• Won't You Bny my Pretty Flowers." This brought 1 the first part of the entertainment to a close, and after an interval of ten minutes, the Misses Dodery. and Atkinson treated the andience to one of the greatest treats m the way of instrumentation which jlhey have jet received — a duett being selection from the opera of " Der Freischuts." It was simply grand, was listened to by the whole housn, — gods included — with wrapt attention, and at its close met with unrounded and deserved applause. After the quintette "Blow, Gentle Gales" by the Wesleyan Choir, Master Hartley evoked much ap plauio aud secured an encore for a humorous comic song, recounting the mishap of a pair of old fogies. " The Lily and the Rose," c. pretty duett between the Misses Grace and Parsons, gave evidence of much study and careful training ; but candor compels u« to say that the Witches trio from " Macbeth'' was not wfcat it might have been. We confess also that we did not admire the selection made by Mr. Fowler, as " The Sea Sarpint " had very little to recommend it either m the matter of worda or music. However, any shortcouvng m the piece wa« amply atoned for by his rendering of the popular nautical song, " Over the Boiling Sea," later on m the evening Next to the duett between Miss Atkinson and Miss Dodery, the pianoforte solo " Moonlight on the Danube," comes next m point of excellence ; nor can we conclude without paying »^ marked tribute to the duett from "Lucia di LammermoroJ" "Though Boiling Seas Divide us," given m splendid style by Miss Dodery and Mr Perkins. Mrs. John Davis and the Misses Atkinson and Dodery officiated during the evning with the accompaniments, while Messrs Srielson and Perkins did. I ' the honors" between them. Before the fall of the curtain, Mr Coleman came forward, and on behalf of the Court returned thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who bad given their assistance; and |to the public for the liberal patronage bestowed. Taken altogether, the entertainment Was, ai we have said, a most enjoyable one, and reflected the greatest credit upon all connected with it. ,