PATRIOTIC CONCERT TO-NIGHT.

The send-off to the Gisborne Contingent at the Theatre Royal this evening promises to be one of the greatest occasions that has ever been w itnessed in Gisliorne. Not only is the object one of such extreme worth, but the excellence of the piogramme is in itself sufficient to warrant l,be bumper house that has been assured to the Committee. The addresses to he delivered by the clergy and the leading townsmen will be all of a very stirring and patriotic nature, and as they form part of a programme made up ot so many items, it has been arranged that uo address shall exceed the time limit of five minutes. Mr Theo. Cooper, the wull-know n barrister from Auckland, who is now on a visit to our town, has consented to appear on tbe j platform, and will add his voice to the other speakers in bidding farewell to our contingent. The speeches will be interspersed by songs and recitatioi s all of a character most appropri ite to the occasion. Tbe City Band will play selections outside the Theatre before the beginning of the performance, and the Orchestral Society in full strength will assist in the inside musical portion. They will play " God Save the Queen " at tho beginning and conclusion of the performance, and their opening item will be a selection of popular airs from the well-known opera " Mikado," which has always met with much favor. Mr Cargill, who is always well received as a reciter, will deliver a stirring piece entitled the " New Zealand Rough Riders" which cannotf ail to excite interest on the present occasion. The song 3 are all of a spirited and patriotic natuie. Mr Dalrymple will sing that time honoured sor.g "Rule Britannia," Mr Hookey "Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean," Mr J. East, " Let Me Like n Soldier Fall," while MrF. Teat will sine the ever popular "Soldiers of the Queen." Mr A. Webb, a young reciter of great promise, will make his first appearance this evening, and will recite the magnificent and stirring poem " The Dandy sth." Mr Des Barres, whose name is sufficient to attract nn audience, will sing a patriotic aong from the Emerald Isle, entitled "The Ballylooby Horse." In the second part of the programme the Orchestral Society will play as an overture the very stirring piece entitled the " Watch Parade." The music represents a military band at first heard faintly far away. The band is approaching, and the air becomes louder and louder. At la3t a regiment of soldiers bursts into view, and we see them inarching past and gradually disappear, while the music of the band grows fainter and finally dies nuay in the distance. The Society in the second part of the programme will also play a very excellent setting of Kipling's " Absent-minded Beggar" (Sir Arthur Sullivan's music), specially arranged for the Orchestral Society on this occasion by Mr Mainland Foster. The solo will be sung by Mr A. F. Kennedy. The hall will be gaily decorated by flags lent for the occasion by the masters of the ships in port and the Harbor Board. The whole of the singers and speakers will be accommodated on the stage, and behind them on a raised platform will bo seated the Gisborne contingeut of the Rough Riders. No trouble has been spared by the promoters to make the gathering in every way a success. Reserved seats have been filling up rapidly, and those wishing to get admittance had better present themselves early on the scene. The piano to be used to play the accompaniments to the various songs has been kindly lent for the occasion by Messrs Chrisp and Son.

Owing to the late arrival of the Elingamite, the Committee have had to alter their arrangements slightly. The procession will assemble at the firebell at 6.30 p.m., instead of 6 p.m. The steamers will leave the wharf ai, 7 p.m. In addition to the City Band, the Whataupoko Band will take part in the procession, and will accompany the contingent in one of the steamers.

At the conclusion of the public meeting to-night the contingent will bo entertained at a supper by the Gisborne Club. The Mayor will preside, and the members of the selection committee have been invited.

At a meeting of the various Friendly Societies held at the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, it was decided to fall in with the farewell to the contingent. Members are requested by advertisement to meet at the different lodge rooms to-morrow eveninß at 6 o'clock.

A most enjoyable social and dance look place last night in the Opou Hall, in honor of Messrs Richardson and Fowlds, who take their departure to-morrow for the Transvaal in the contingent of Rough Riders. The two young men, who are well known in this district, were heartily congratulated on being picked from here. Numerous were the wishes for their safe return.