THE " EVA " ENTERTAINMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 18

THE " EVA " ENTERTAINMENT.

This entertainment, given in the Garrison Hall on the 2nd, drew one of the largest houses seen in the city. 1500 tickets were sold before the doors opened, and something like 700 people paid for admission. There must have been 2000 people present. This large attendance proves to what an extent the people of Dunedin feel sympathy for the sufferers by the recent lamentable occurrence in Dunedin, and we think we are suggesting what will not be gainsaid when we state that for none of the sufferers more than for the two Misses Wilson is such sympathy deserved and given. The lot does not happily fall to many, even in a world so full of sorrowful change as this, to retire to rest on the peaceful Sabbath evening, as did these two youug girls, and to rise to the consciousness of the loss of all most near and dear to them by such a death as on that feaiful morning met their parents, their sister, and their three brothers. Money cannot repay or palliate such a loss as thi« ; but, outside what tender pity intimate friends may show, the general public have no way left to them to offer condolence but to open their purse>strings and avert the want that might arise from the Lie? of a parental provider. The attendance, therefore, was not surprising ; it was a thing of certainty. But besides the presence of S3 numerous an audience, the affair was marked by liberality and generosity in every particular. To the performers, one aud all, great praise is due for their kind services. The hall was given free of charge ; the printers did not ask lor pay ; Professor Jonas most kindly gave up his right to the hall for one night, and removed all his cumbersome furnishings ; the muHic-merchants gave instruments without hire; and everybody united to reduce expense 3to the lowest ebb and to swell receipts to the highest pitch. We are sure the publio will be happy to hear that at the 3 east Ll2O will be the proceeds of the night's rviformance, and quite possibly it may be mor.s And here it may be mentioned that the Midole District ■School has been the mainspring of the whole thing. The idea of it originated there, and from the] head master downwards to the humblest scholar, all connected with the school have worked with a will to command succoss in this their tribute of nympathy to a scholar and schoolmate. That the public thought they deserved it was abundantly testified.

Tho concert opened with selections from "The Bohemian Girl" by the City Guards Band, under the con -luctorahip of Mr Watt. The music was admirably rendered, and the recent sddition to the band of a couple of rood instruments was a noticeable improvement. Too clarioiaeb solo, with cornet accompaniment, of " Then you'll remember me," was charmingly played, and the whole performance was thoroughly successful. Miss Hesford thea sang '' One summer's eve," and Mr Win. Rose followed with " Never more," both songa being done full justice to. Mies Kinvig scored a great success in "Rock ma to sl'.ep," giving the ballad with charming expression, and in response to a warm encore, sapg "Tho Graces " with quite as good effect. Miss Kinvig has seld«m been heard to sxich aiivantigo. Miss Hesford took tho place of Mr Miller on ihe programme, and delighted the aiulience with the ever- welcome '' KiJlarney," and on a recall gave an excellent rendition of '•Bideawfie." Tho service of "Eva" tlien begau. Tins service is well known iv Dunodin, aiul ia a great favourite. Mr W. Millar coa ducted ; Mr H. G. Mooie officiated a3 or^nuist; and Mr A. B.wn tl", head roaster nf !,k« Middle District School, performed thu onoroua duty of reading the text. The principal solos, such a« " Home, sweet home, " Angels ever bright and fair," and the solo in the "Vital Spark " chorus, were entrust ed to Miss Flana gan, as on the previous performance!? of "Eva," and she sang them with telling effeel; snd with particularly graceful expression. The beautiful duet, "He wipes the tears" was in the hands of Misses Kincwd and Napier, who made it one of tho moat pleasing items on the programme.

Mr Rose took the difficult solo, "Waft her, angels," with much success ; and Mr Millar also contributed a number. The concerted pipces and choruses were all well given, and betokened careful practice. The audience were liberal in their applause, and evidently enjoyed the entertaiment thoroughly. Mr Barrett read with all his usual elegance and carefulness. To Mios Chapman also is due a meed of praise. She played the pianoforte accompaniments throughout tastefully and with correctness.

At the close his Worship the Mayor came upon the platform and returned thanks on behalf of the Misses Wilson totho audience, and to all concerned in the getting up of the entertainment,