ST. JAMES' ENTERTAINMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2605, 23 August 1878, Page 3

ST. JAMES' ENTERTAINMENT.

One of the most successful entertainments of the season was given last evening in Lome-street Hall,by the St. James' Church choir, under the auspices of the flourishing St. James' Literary Class. The choir was under the direction of Mrs Mitchell, assisted by Mr W. J. Rees. The object of the entertainment |being to assist the funds towards the erection of a new Sabbath-school building. The hall was crowded with sympathising friends of the cause, and lovers of melody. The first part of the programme consisted of music and song, opening with an operatic selection by Mr Meyer and Mr Mason, which was correctly performed, and applauded. The choir rendered very harmoniously the part song of "With Fair Ceres ;" "The Sisters of the Sea," a glee ; " National Anthem of New Zealand ;" and the "Huntsman Chorus." Mr J. MoCoskrie sang the solo " Sweet Spirit," in a pleasing and effectiye style. Mr A. Smith's ability was recognised in " The Parson's Address" and " The Labourer's Complaint." " Day Dreams" (Claribel), by Mrs Mitchell and Miss Kennedy, was a touching duet, given with much tenderness and sweetness of expression. Mrs Mitchell's rendering of the pretty ballad " Apart" was encored, as was Miss McMillan's " Killarney," which was sung with true appreciation, j \ The whole was highly creditable to the choir. The burlesque of "Borrowed Plumes" formed the second part, and |kept the audience in roars of laughter throughout. Mr J. Gow, as Dick, ostler and boots, was a capital pourtrayal of ;that boisterous, ale-loving character, who could drink and sing with anybody, but lacked the gentle suasion of the educated lover, and failed to win the heart of Miss Violet (Mr McCroskie.) Mr J. C. Macky, as Squire Bibbins, of Pbppleton Hall, acted his part fairly—indeed creditably. Mr R. Mason represented Mr Tottleton, but he was scarcely calm enough, still he was very passable and ready. Mr T. Hanna was Emma, the maid-servant to the life, exhibiting alternately humility and passion. The voice of Emma was cleverly feminine, and Thomas sustained it thoroughly. In a word the entertainent was successful, and as many persons could not gain admittance there is a generally expressed wish that it uld be repeated.