GRAFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 127, 29 May 1918, Page 7

GRAFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.

OPENING CONCERT. The winter series of entertainments opened at Graf ton Public Library last night with a really good concert under the direction of the City Organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett. By eight o'clock all the sitting accommodation was occupied and extra chairs had to i>e brought in. Mie3 Hilda Barnett and Mr. Maughan Barnett gave three pianoforte duets, which it is almost needless to add were much appreciated by the audience. The items were carefully selected, including a March by Huier, "Berceuse," by Areneky, a beautiful Nocturne by Binding, and Huber's pietty Elfin Dance. The final item waa another of Sinding's compositions, "Rustic Felicity." Misfi Jessie Bartlett wae encored for her first song, "Beautiful Beatrice," and joined Mr. Ernest Drake in the duet, "In Springtime," for which an encore was also demanded. Mr. Wallace Atkinson sang in fine style, "Shipmate o' Mine," and"as an encore gave "Up From Somerset." The same vocalist "'as encored for "The Homeland." and responded with "The Lute Player." Mr. Ernest Drake was most effective in Sullivan's "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," and as an encore sang ''Keep on Hoping.' , Mr. Ernest Bouillon gave three readings. It is not often that a reader ie encored, but that compliment was paid last night. The contributions were "The Snoopathas," a skit on sensational novels; "Tlie Grase Bachelor," detailing the trials ot a husband reduced to housekeeping; and "The Awful Fate of Thomas Jones."'The accompanists were Miss Clarice Wood and Mr. Leo Whittaker. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Barnett and his party at the close of the concert.