The Concert.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5059, 9 March 1900, Page 2

The Concert.

A mosb successful concert was, in the evening, hold in the railway grain shed, kindly lent for the occasion by the Government, Before the shed could be used a large quantity of grain had to be troyed out, and this tho townspeople did by means of a working beo. The building was afterwards profusely dporated with fligs and evergreens. A platform was erected at tho southern end for the performers. The building was packed to its utmost capacity, and it was estimated that between one and two hundred wece unable to find even standing room, Tho entertainment provided was of the best. The so-called oomic songs, which too frequently verge on broadness, were entirely absent). Mr C. Doherty occupied the chair. The programme opened with an overture of patriotic and other airs by the Ashburton Orchestral Society, under Mr H A Gates. A chorus by the Tiuwald schooS children, "The Bed, White and Blue," was much appreciated. The little ones had sashes of the national coloura and waved minature Union Jacks. They were excellently trained by Mrs Tippett. Miss Clark accompanied them on the piano. Two pianoforte eolos, €l National airs," by Mrs Donald McLean were a decided treat. Recitations were given by Mr G Culverhouse «• The Call to Arms," and Misi Lewis " The fight for the armoured train." The latter was a spirited piece, descriptive of the recant fight at Cheveley* Mr H A G*tes i sang the late Mr Vincenb Pykes composition—«• The old flag," to a new setting by Mrs Donald MoLeao. This was a very popular item. The mu«ic suits the spirited words admirably. Its gees with a splendid swing and is bound to become popular, fta ib j his a rousing' onarua, easily picked up, as was shown by a good many of (he audience being swung into the chorus of the last verse. Mrs McLean aocompanied the singer on the piano. Mr Schwartz mang "The absentminded beggar!' to the uiual coin. »o<jpmpmi«

mont. The last verse was rc-dtmanded. Later in the evening he sans; 'Soldiers of the Queen." The aiulunce joit.ecl iv the c l orua and wound up with cbeen>. Mrs T Williams sang '• Red Coats aud Tars" oapi a'iy. Mr Trrm-U'i was c cored 'or Ib*■ ei'gr-ff of ''England will see it through." &!•« Bugi couiri'jutcd thu tsong " Tho soldiers tear" very eucccs?fiilly. Mr D-ruM McLean, who appeared in fu 1 Highland costume of McLean t»rtan, fairly biougHt down the house with hia Highland ilanciaf, and a repetition was dimanded, Mr T. Wiiiiams con!ribu cd " Comrades " tha t.udience joining in the chorns. Mrt i ippett c itstributed the song 'Sens of the Houthera Grots" Vf-ry successfully. Sfimo Ir'oh daDoiog by Misses La gin and Filzgcraid atid Messrs Pi z;erald was luthusto - tioalty er.cored. In a sub'J'q'.iecfc dace*. Mr Frz^erald, senr., took punt Ihti Itfge liudieace was a most enthusiastic obe^ joining in the choruses, (sheering and waving the natioaal fliga and colours wi h great enthusiasm. During the evening the following ladies acted aa aoootnpanißts — Mesdiimes McLean, Gates, and Tippett, and the Misses A. Meharry and Clark. Mr G. A; M. Buckley, who was received with cheers stirred their patriotism to its depths by an unusually elc quest speech in which he Mid he was pioud of whab Tinwald had done that day. The proceedings terminated about) 11 p m., after which the room was cleared and a balF held, when dancing was kept up till about la.m.