Farewell Ovation to Mr J Edwards

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 218, 16 September 1886, Page 2

Farewell Ovation to Mr J Edwards

Fancy Dress Bull, Concert, ana Tabloaux

Vivants

Tiik grand fancy areas bull and operatic concert which wore projected eomo months since as fitting inouna of affording tho public an opportunity of bidding good byo to Mr J. Edwards (the popular tenor) prior to hie departure for Australia, and at tho same time of demonstrating tho esteem in which ho is held, took place lost night in tho City Hall, and proved a brilliant success. JSo ainuteur musician in Auckland was over before honoured with such a proteusious felc or received a public farewoll of so cordial and eplondid a character. Still tho demonstration wad by no moans disproportionate to the deterta and popularity of tho recipient and guest During tho last eif;ht or nine years no figuro has been rnoro frequently seen upon our concert platforms, and no voice bas been more regularly heard with satisfaction than tho figure and voice of Mr Edwarde. But tho origin of his extensive popularity must bo soughtin his own unassuming character and generous disposition. It lies in the fact that M r Edwards's sorviccs havo never been refused for any deserving causo—for any charity, however humble - and that ho was always to bo deponded upon, at however short notice, were vocal assistance was needed. In theso respect* he ha? probably been far too indulgent and unselfish co far as his own interests aro c .nccrned. It is not in tho nature of the gentleman to be otherwise. Regarding the fete in its entirety, wo havo no hesitation in pronounc ing it the greatest triumph of tho kind that has. been achieved in Auckland, at any rato for a long stretch of years For this result tho Managing Committee aro ontitlod to tho full credit. Their arrangements wore conceived and elaborated in good taHto and with excellent judgment, and tho details were most faithfully carried out, no troubio boing spared to promote tho comfort or to enhance tho enjoyment of the assemblage. The gentlemen to whom this meed of praise is due aro as follow: — Messrs Keith Wilson, Manager and Director ; \V. J, Kee?, Master of Ceremonies ; L Coupland, Treasurer ; A. \V. Farquhar, Secretary ; J. B. GilGllan, Business Manager ; and tho stewards —Messrs G. M. Barclay, JR. VV. Cornyns, J. &. Cooper, Percy Dufaur, Frederick Earl, E. J. Falkiner, J. Guthrie, J. B. Gilfillan, F. H. Lewiason, Owen Mahon, A. L. Parsons, Geo. H. Powley, 11. G. Payne, W. E. Pay no, W. W. Robinson, J. M. Sibbin, R. Yatos, H. Walpole, and Dr. Walker. If special Ltul-oa was deserved by anyone, it has been honourably earned by Mr Keith Wibon, who, from first to lust, has oxorted himself untiringly to ensure tho succesi of the affair.

Before proceeding to Eketoh t!io programme, n brief description of tho decorations is cilled for. Tho entire front of the drofe circle was festooned Kith a broad chain of coloured paperlooped up at short intervals and surmounted at each par.ol by a shield \ supported by national tt-iRS, while mid way between each pair of panels there hung a Chi-nc:-o lantern. Upon that portion ofthecircle balustrading immediately oppesite the stage was displayed in bold pcarlet letters upon a white ground the inscription, "Goodbye, Jack ; good luck." The stage front waa garni-od with chcico pot and foliage plante, while over each of the two proscenium doors wag displayed a shield supported by flags representing the leading football clubs of tho city. A temporary stand, neatly carpeted, had been erected for tho musicians on the northern tide of the hall, between the stage door and tho drcs?-circlu pillars, and bohind tho curtain on the stage the caterer and his staff were busy. Between 7 and 5 o'clock tba visitors were arriving in a steady stream, and the stewards were very attentive. At 8 o'clock tho dress-circle was filled to it] utmost seating capacity, and a gay aetemblagoof ladies and gentlemen —the majority in fancy costume—occupied the ballroom. At its upper end was a reception dais approached by steps, and the riret item of tho programme centred around it. About half-past eight, Mr J. Edwards made hi-i appearanco amid loud applause, and waa enthroned upon tho dais along with Mrs P. H. Lo«ii--on (President of the Ladies' Committee), while three little pages (children of Mr XV C. Derj»es), most tastefully and richly costumed in white, eatin, waited upon them. Tho ladies and geutlcmeu of the Committee extended in lino on the two Hides of tho dai?, and the dancers, as they marched past in proca-sional order, bowed to tho gu6et of tho evoning and received their programmes from tho hands of the pages. It was a very pretty tableau, and its effect waa heightened by the coloured lights thrown upon it by Messrs Papprill, liennes. and Douglas In this way the ball opened, and thenceforward until midnight, dance?, concert selections, and tableaux viranln alternated in lapid and pleasing succession. Mr Edwards was in capital voice, and ho sang two songs in his best style, viz., "There is a Flower That Bloomoth " and "Farewell," a fong composed for the occasion, tho words being written by Mr Keith Wilson, and set to an agreeable melody by Mr G. H. Clutsam. This selection was encored. Mr D. B. Russull displayed the resources of a fine baritone voice and the effect of careful training by hie rendering of two diilicult operatia morceaux, viz., the spirited barcarole, " Sulla I'oppa del mio Brick," from Eicci's "La Prigione d'Bditnbourg," and the ornate roman/.a " Sei Vendicata Assai," from Meyerbeer's " Dinorah." Thoromanza waa particularly well-executed. Miss Staunton, although suffering from cold, kept faith with tho audience by contributing tho " Jowel Song" from "Faust," which she fang with exqubito taste The intercalated tableaux consisted of "Justice" and "Britannia" by Miss Papprill; "The Coronation of Mary Queen of Pcota" by Miss Florrio, and Masters Archie, Lionel, Willie, and Harold Donnes, tho live figures pourtrajed being tbo Qaeon, Archbishop, n page, and two courtiers ; and "Tho Duel in the Snow" by Masters Archio, Willie, md Lionel Deunos. All these tableaux were in tho highest degree effective, the scenic effects being ably supplied by Mr W. H. Pulford. At midnight the rumour flow round that the prison scene from "Maritana," so eagerly expected, waa at last to bo presented. In a few moments the ball-room was covered with chairs and forms, and the dancers were soan seated, and a% impatiently awaiting tho spectacle as the nondancers upstairs, The operatic representation, howevor, proved only a a tied* iteslime. It had been deferred too loDg, and the singers, consequently, were not up to concert form The beet vocal effort was Mrs Cooper's rendering of " Alas ! Thoso Chimes, ' with piano and organ accompaniment by Miss Harding and Mr Geo. H. Clutsam, respectively. The trio "Turn On, Old Time," by Mrs Cooper (Lazarillo) and Messrs Edwurds (Don C«=ar do Buzan) and P. Dufaur (Don Joee) also went very well. Mr Edwardrs weakest effort was " Hi'her as I Curoe," but he gave ''Let Mo Like a So'dier Fall" very creditably. Mr Percy Dufaur was rather hoaveo, and was not heard to such advantage in " Hapny Moments " as he otherwise would have boen. This scene lasted half-an-hour, aud at its closo tho dancing was resumed, and kept up with vigour and zest till half past two. Shortly ofter ton o'clock, the stewards very considerately dispensed light refreshment to the ladies in tfhe dross circle, and after midnight the dancers discussed Mr Canning's menu. The catering Mas most satisfactorily porformed, but tho stago doos not afford sufficient accommodation. Reverting to tho ball, Mr W. J. Reoa efficiently discharged tho duties of Master of Ceremonies, ably assisted by Mr J. B. Gilfillan and others, while the dance music was very agreeably performed by a band of ten musicians under tho direction of Mr Arthur Eudy. Tho dance programme was as follows : ■ Quadrillo(" The Hunters"), waltz("Tender and True"), Echottische (" Dancing in the Barn "), waltz (" Ariadro"), lancers ("Kip Van Winkle"), waltz ("My Little Sweet heart"), mazurka ("Courtship"), waltz ("Caro Fior"), lancers ("Patience"), waltz (" Inventiona"), extia waltz(" Whip-Poor-WiU"), waltz ("Blue Danube"), lancers (" Sorcerer"), Uighlandi"chottische("Scotland '), quadrille ("Koyal Mooting"), waltz ("Hypatia"), Echottische ("La Sourio"), waltz ("Bon Ton'), mazurka (" Violetta"), waltz ("Lea Sirens "), waltz and galop ("Bid Me Good-bye" and "Prestissimo.") The fancy costumes were diversified, many of them novel, some of them striking, aud most of them very tastoful and pretty. We subjoin a list of the ladies and gentlemen who took part in tho ball together with their costumes : — Miss Biehop-Esmeralda Mlsa M. Bishop—Sunehowsra lira H. Boll—Dawn Miss Blake—Spanish Dancer Mr R Blaikie-Crickotor Mrs Ulnlkin-Mald of the Periol Mrs A. H. Burnett—Mary Queezi of Scots Mrs Karrett-Zitella Mr Bu.tvan—Karl ot Rocheati r Miss Burmlngharu—Queeu of Mirih Mr Oarr—Shylock Miss Cannell-Rosarina Miss C. Clark—French Vivandierc Mra R. W. Comyna—Serpolette Mr Cohen—Tennis '

Miss Tohon—" lono " (Grecian) MlbS J. Clink—Sootch Hirl Mr Dnujj'.uß—liigulund Ladrio Alra Uiinnee—f i .hl»nd Lasa Mr W. Kdwariia - Italian Peasant MUb lilliot—Afjirciomy Mr A. W.Jlriwarili'-UueoClholCth Lancers Mr Kullcr-Oip J MiSS Finn -trie- I'ortugUrjo Oi'nria Mr X J. Jfrench- Pane • ouib Xi V. Mr Fairwuather -HiKhLndtT Mr do '. Forb-a—A L-clKruviuu Xxriul-.ite MrJ M. Goddis-Barrister jvii^s Guorge-French I'cacatit j;r J. (JutiH«—'Jio3Vi nor jv'iia'j J. t-ioldwhtir—Follow the Flan Mr H. Oo'.Kwater—A Now Zealand ilixtuio Mis 3 If. (ioldwutur - Carmen ?Ir A. Gold vaxU T—Aru of Siadea J\lr K. A. Ulcdi ill • /.inan-'i Cricketer Miss rlojdn—J-«wn Teoniß Mr Ilumphrles—Supt. or lire Hrigade A'.m lluiiii-lirtui—■•iwnish }.»riy Misi V. liarain«—Nonnan 3fM\ Olrl M^r T. Henwood—Man-o£-waren »a M E.s HiifFi-y Italian Peasant Mr A. K. Hardy ii uck and White Mr 11. Ilowaid- Naval MK-s lliU-Monti) Carlo Mr s. O. laa^s-Ofllfer H.M. Navy Mr ICo tl.-if-H'Tald Mrs *'. 11. Iv-'uisiou—Kalhenne o( Arragtn Mr M. J. Lecky—Cricketer Mr Uei). Lea!>r— Artillery Cilioer My 11. Linabury Jcoki y Mr W. Lyons-Mojorani Louis anag Mrs W. Lyons—Gipsy Connie»» Kr3 Lenrmrd—Soubreitii Mies Leech—CoiliKO Girl Mis Lauiie—Huntress Mies Leahy-Irish Gipsy Miss Ii Loihy—Queen o£ the Hirveet Mifcs Laurie—Nanoy-J cc Mirf.iO. K. Let-en—Galatea M^ies C. McNeil-Mabel Mr Mi ndols3ohn--Naval Officer f.ii=s Mtndi'lS3t.-hn— Imp Mr 11. AlcPher-on—QatensOwnßifliß ryiiHß Mm-Ui—Queen of i'loweru Mi-8 K. iWolloy—French Ballet-dancer Mr Newman- Aramanthe Mi 63 Powley—Housemeid Mrs W. V. Portur-Spring ilowers Mid< Pi!cher-]JroMltn China Mr Phelpj 1-awn Tefnls Piaycr Mits PuptTiU-JLaey Clown Air.l H. I'arrish— Uruid MiES A. Itoberta-Kolly Mies ltob;rts-Moscoito Mr G. Kaynea-Captain of the Navy AlraO Koynes—Ludv Teazle Hiss Iloborts—Fairy Alias siauiiton-Frcnch Vxvandipre Mr A. N. Sr.edden-Lawn Toinis Mi°B F. Scott—KchO'-'l Girl Airs A. Smith-bprii« MrJ. Scott—Naval Mra Scouller—Kolly MißaTaite-Olivctto Miaa Thomas-Normandy Peasant Mrs Wooilama-Alaßh^rotto Alias Wilkicson— Normnody Fisber Girl Mr Wbo'.lumis • Picioor Alisa Walker-Parette Dr. Walker—Naval Surgeon Mr W Whit- Gordon Crickeler Jlra Wo l'ama-Ciairette Misj V/alsh—Patent

The foUowiDg ladies and genllimon were present in BVcuini? dr.£s:-3HsB Hardimr, Mlbb Adcock, Mr J. Lucky, Mr G. A. Uairn*. Jar Wilker. Miss J. Mahon. Mra Mahon, Mies Field, Mies i£ Uole, Mies Fappnll, Mr 11. Carroll, Mr and Sera F. Owen, Air Taile, Mr Skinner, Mr Jis Mahon, Mr U. \Y. Comyns, Mr and Mm Hit-Kine. Mr A. 11. Barnott, Mr Barrett, Mr G. F ii-im'b:<comb^. Miss B. Good, MiES A. Ltnabury Mr V. Twohill. Miss Kelly, Mr and Mra Meyer, Mr and Mis l'owley. Major O. Mahon, Mrs Mahon. Mr Leonard, Mr Mackie. Mr Leech. Mr Dexter, Mr P.and Miss Darby, Mr tnd Mra McKwin, Mr Alex, tmilh, Me Roberts, Mrs WBlker, Mr C. Lav-ie, Mr and Mrs T. Pick Mis? Kdwards. Mr and Mra Bey. nolds, Mr and Mra Murray, Mr and Mrs J Gallagher, Mr and 2Wra C. Wateon. Air en-l Alrd J. H. I'arrisb, Mr Saundera, Mr Jarvi? TiUi-3 Geirfi*, Mr S. Goldwater. Mr B. V M'irhs Mr G. M. Barclay. Mr B. Goldwater. Mr I>A KVrnVan, Mr H. Baxter. Mr W. Wl t-tuait Mr l'u'lan, Mr J. It. Honna, Mr A, A. Gltdhill Mr K. W. Mcuntfort. Mr E. J.Newman Mr T. Fiddep, -Mr R-Iph, Mr Rickards, MrHoWship Mr WakifleUl, Mr W. J. Suiter, Mr \V. W. Robinson, T.lr A. Barn"?t% Mr T. Hfinderfon. Mr F. Karl. Mrs J. Gray. Mrs, Miss K. Harvey Mit 3J. Kdwards. Misb U Derby. Micß Birrnn, Mr C E. Merer' iefc. Mr A K. Whitaker, Jlr F. 11. I.ewtsßOD, Mr A. II Hanca Mr Thos. Jackson, Mra Coopor, Mr H Dufstur, Mr J. Jfflxa ds. Mr Keith Wileon, MrJ B. Giilillan, Mr W. Farquhar, Mr A. h. Parsons, Mr Gto 11. C:u f am Mr J. Knox Mr A Jackeon, Mr W. I'dyne, Mr W. C. Benncs, Mr and Mr* W. J. Keea, Mr J. A. Cooper.

A full Eervico cf 'bu=es and trams to and from the hall promoted considerably the convenience of the asecmbloge.