SMOKE CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 29, 3 February 1900, Page 3

SMOKE CONCERT.

I A smoke concert was held last /evening.; in: -the Choral-' Hall; Mr J. | Kirker, presiijenti'oj '■' the Auckland

Bowling Association, presided, and was supported by Messrs A. W. Thomson-, vice-president Northern Bowling Association; •J. H. Me'ntiplay, lion. sec. N.8.A.; H. Campbell, president Auckland Bowling Club; E. jMahony, president Mt. Eden Club; T. ; Finlayson, Remuera Club; W. Gorrie, ■vice-president Auckland Bowling Asi sociatiori; and J. Blades, hon sec. ! A.B.A. The tables were arranged lengthwise in the hall, and the catering was well carried out by Mr A. F. Stilwell. About 200 were present.' A capital musical programme was gone through, under the direction of Messrs A. Towsey. and Culpan. The following items were given:—Piano overture, Mr A. Towsey; "Soldiers of the Queen," Mr J. R. Russell; "The Banks of Allan Water," Waiata Quartet; recitation, "The Bartender's Story," Mr Haybittle; violin solo. Master Mowlem; "Oh, Where's the Girl of Whom I'm Fond," Mr Denton; organ solo, Mr Towsey; "The Absentminded Beggar," Mr G. Reid; "Let ;Me Like a Soldier Fall," Mr A. L. Edwards; "Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still," Mr Nash; recitation, Mr W. B. Eyre; "In Cellar Cool," Mr N. Bell; "'E Dunno Where 'c Are," Mr A. Horrocks. The programme was heartily enjoyed, almost every item being encored. A collection was taken up during the singing: of "The Absent-minded Beggar," the amount given being £12 15/2. The chairman announced that Mr A. F. Stilwell and staff had given a cheque. for £10, making the total- £2?; 15/2.' With the approval of the meeting he' intended handing the money to the "more men" fund. (Hear, hear.) After the toast of "The Queen" had been honoured the chairman proposed that of "The Visitors." He expressed his-pleasure at seeing among them bowlers from Australia, and hoped all the Australian colonies would be represented next time. He would ask the assembly to drink the healths of the vice-president of the N.B.A. (Mr .A. W. Thomson) and the secretarj(Mr Mentiplay).'Mr Mentiplay was the backbone" of the Association. They regretted the absence of the president, and that Taranaki was not represented at the tournament. The toast, coupled with the names of Messrs Thomson, Mentiplay, and Horrocks was warmly honoured. ; Mr Thomson replied, stating that the hospitality shown bred the warm-• est-;-;-feelings;,;in .their- hearts. Mr Mentiplay also "responded. "Mr " Horrocks returned thanks for the kind way the Sydney players had been entertained. They had tested the calibre of the bowlers, and were quite satisfied.

In proposing the toast of • "The Ladies" Mr Coleman referred to the kind'iiess of those who provided afternoon tea during the play. Mr"; D. Stewart replied on behalf of the ladies.

The toast of "The Press" was.proposed by Mr H. Campbell and duly honoured, after which Mr Mentiplay proposed "The Winning Teams," congratulating the Newmarket on their win, which was a good one. Mr H. W. Brookes responded. ;

A hearty vote of thanks was ac-j corded Messrs Stewart Dawsdn and Co. for their- gift of clocks.> as trophies, ' t-