REV. CHARLES CLARK AND MISS CHRISTIAN AT THE CHORAL HALL.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1622, 27 April 1875, Page 3

REV. CHARLES CLARK AND MISS CHRISTIAN AT THE CHORAL HALL.

It any proof were wanting of the popularity of the -Rev. Charles Clark as a literary entertainer, and Miss Christian as a singer, the immense meeting last night in the Choral Hall furnished that proof. It had been announced that it "would be Mr Clark's final appearance in Auckland, and consequently every one was anxious to hear the last exhibition of Mr Clark's remarkable elocutionary powers in this city. The entertainment of last evening was the most successful, especially in point of numbers, that we have yet seen. The vast hall was filled from one end to the other, and yet, everything was so well arranged under the able direction and management of Mr Smyfche, that the utmost order prevailed, and no orushing or disorder was observable. The only persons who had been overlooked, and which was very excusable, were the reporters, who occupied conspicuous standing places at the opening of the orchestra with the brilliant assemblage of animated faces before them. Theprogaamme opened with the shooting adventure

of the immortal Pickwick, in company with his friends in the breezy fields of Kent. This somgwhat long extract was given in a truthful, humorous, and mirth-inspiring manner by Mr Clark, and was listened to with close, and almost breathless attention. Miss Christian, the eminent songstress, was next led on the platform by Mr Vincent Rice, who accompanied her on the' pianoforte. Miss Christian's first soilg, was the "Threo Fishers," given with a sweetness and pathos which we believe went to every heart. This ditty, beautiful in its human utterances, seemed to some present to possess mournful associations in. the fact thdt its author, Rev. Charles Kingsley, the hearty English clergyman and healthy writer, had so recently passed from a world which; by his literary gifts he adorned. This lady was recalled and gave " Kate O'Shane," an Irish ballad, in an equally truthful manner. Mr Clark's next performance was the return of Enoch Arden, from the pen of Thompson, to the village of Arden's youth and first love. This was introduced by a sketch of the plot of the poem which perhaps1 was netiessary, as some persons might have been present who were not acqiiainted with Enoch Arden. The return was delivered with that pathos and clearness which is a distinguishing features of Mr (. lark's evenings with the people. Bob Cratchet's Christmas Dinner, so tenderly dished up by Dickens in the Christmas carol, Was highly flavored by the reciter, and richly enjoyed by tile audience. Bob Cratchet, Scrooge's apparently miserable clerk, is not the least influential portrait in the grotesque, and yet human portrait gallery of Charles Dickens. Mr Clark's readings, or recitals, concluded with " Boots at the Holly-tree Inn, "extracted from another of the Christmas books of the same entertaining author, and this was greatly erjoyed oy the listen ers, who appeared to drink in every syllable of the fairy-like tale. The beautiful melodies of Miss Christian met with equal favor, as her soft sweet voice bounded through the hall. The song of " R,est," profoundly pathetic in its character, drew forth the sympathies visibly by the hundreds in the hall. The little ballad possesses much human interest and awakes a response in many a mother's heart. The song describes in the most natural way the gentle passing away of her child in the otherwise gladdening dawn of a new year ; at a period when the earth is overlaid with a silver mantle of snow, and the bells from the old steeple ring merrily and yet sadly through the frosty atmosphere. "Once Again,'' another pretty sentimental ballad was followed by—"Take me to thy heart again," which was given in compliance with the wish of the hundreds present. The entertainment was in every respect a success. and thoroughly appreciated. We cannot close this notice of a first-class entertainment without a good word for Mr Vincent Rice, whose accompaniments on the piano to the songs of Miss Christian were ably and effectively rendered, and formed a model which many accompanists might profit by. As the Hero does not start before Sasurday, a similar farewell entertainment will be given on Friday evening, including Dr Marigold's prescriptions and other passages from great writings, interspersed with lays fro the sweetest poets of En»l nd.