Concert at Otama.
Mataura Ensign , Issue 218, 21 November 1896, Page 3
About this newspaper
Concert at Otama.
The Otama Brass Band held a concert in the hall last night, there being a very good attendance. Mr John McKinna occupied the chair, and explained to the audience that the Band was in want of funds to buy instruments, and so instituted a concert to " raise the wind." The Band opened the programme by playing a selection, " Alas, Those Chimes," in good style aud time and with good expression. Mr Wayte sung '■ The Lass That Loved a Sailur," imd was followed by Miss Stewart and Mr McEachern with a duet, " The Gipsy Countess," which " caught on," and was encored, the performers bowing their acknowledgements. Mr Beath Rave " Maid of Athens " very well indeed. Miss Forbes sany the " Land of the Leal," and was encored. Mr D. Millar gave the " Beign of the Boses," after which Miss Archibald and Master James Stewart appeared in a duet, " Where are you going to, my Pretty Maid," which was vociferously encored. Mr Alex. Archibald saug the " Farmer's Troubles," which came in appropiately thess times, receivinp an encore. Mr McEachern sang the " Ehine Wine," Miss Stewart following with " Jessie's Dream," which received an encore. At this stage the band ng.iin played a selection, and showed tint undur the training of Mr Hartley, the conductor, they had made veay good progress since this time last year. Miss Millar contributed a pianoforte solo, " Heather Bell." " Father O'Fiynn " was next sung by Mr Wayte, after which Miss Archibald saug " See that my Grave's kept Green." This young lady is a singer of great promise, and received a decided encore. Mr Beath gave the "Scottish Blue Bells" in five style, after which Mr D. McEachern sang " Paddle youc own Canoe." Miss Stewart gave "Fiddle and I," and Mr D. Millar finished the musical part of the programme by singing "My Pretty Jane." Nearly all the singers received encores, but did not respond as the programme was quite lf-ngfc!iy enough. The last item was a little farce liy " a sundowner " (Mr A. Hope), iifcu which refreshments were handed round. The bandsmen are to be congratulated on the success of the affair, the takings at the door baing over £10. Of course a dance took plac? afterwards, which was very enjoyable, the band playing for several of the dances. A band is very good recreation for the young people in a country district, and if all their concerts are as great a success as this one it is to be hoped they will give one soon again. — Qwn correspondent.
