A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 2

A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

Every available seat in the Choral Hall was occupied last evening, when a concert was given by members of the Pollard Opera Company. Even the choral seats at the back of the platform were crowded, and altogether the attendance was probably the largest of the season. The audience were greatly pleased at the excllence of the programme submitted, and encored every item with an enthusiam that would take no refusal. Miss Gertie Campion sang "Why Must We Say Good-bye' and 'Susie-U,' the latter being particularly well received. Miss Marie Mueller was very successful in both her songs, 'The Carnival' and 'Because of Thee.' Miss Maud Beatty and Mr Ernest Fitts were also heard to great advantage. Mr Harry Quealey delighted the audience with his comic songs'' Why Don't You Marry the Girl' and 'I 'appened to be There,' the latter of which was encored no less than five times. The topical allusions in Mr W. Percy's 'Diamond King' were much appreciated, and 'Sammy, My Old Friend Sam' by the same performer also caused much laughter Mr Horace Gleeson played a pianoforte solo with acceptance, and also accompanied the vocalists.

The concert programme was an admirable and appropriate one. Mr W. B. Cadzow excelled himself in the stirring song 'The Death of Nelson,' and he was heartily applauded. Mrs J. M. Geddis rendered the old favourite songs, 'Darby and Joan' and 'The Better Land.' The lady acquitted herself admirably. Other good items were a pianoforte solo by Madame Cadzow, and the organ solo of Mr Arthur Towsey.

The old identities were each presented with a copy of the Exhibition catalogue free. In the course of the proceedings Mr Kent performed a pleasing ceremony, namely, the presentation Of a beautiful bouquet of flowers to the oldest lady colonist present. Mr Kent stated that he had been informed that that lady was Mrs W. Gittos (nee Hobbs), the wife of the Key. W. Gittos, who was born in 1830, at Hokianga, and was daughter of the late Rev. John Hobbs. If anyone had a better claim, now was the time to speak. As no one challenged the claim, Mr Kent presented the bouquet to Mrs Gittos, amid' applause.. The recipient bowed her acknowledgments. The bouquet was prepared by Mrs Adolphus Browning, of Bell road, Eemuera, and was unique in that it was wholly composed of vegetable flowers. An adjournment was then made to the grandstand at the cycle track. The old identities were grouped on the grandstand, where three photographers took different plates of the group.

A cycle race was then arranged, so that the old folks might see an up-to-date cycle race on a banked track. The ra^e was two miles (scratch). A good race ensued, the result being E. Keynolds 1, Campbell 2, Crozier 3. Time, 4m 41s. Mr E. Nordon acted as starter, and took the laps. The old identities were then taken to the kiosks of the Exhibition and entertained at afternon tea.