Milton Fire Brigade Concert.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 46, 14 June 1903, Page 5

Milton Fire Brigade Concert.

■ -■;'■■ 'u' : x : — ° — — - The -first annual concert of the _Milton Fire Brigade was held in the Coronation Hall on Friday evening, when (here was a crowded house. Prior to the concert a torchlight { procession took place. The members of the {brigade,' to the number .of 20, assisted by 1 Capt. YVynn and two other members of the La-vrence Brigade, and ex-Captain Blagdoa (South Dunedin) assembled at the brigade station, and were "then marshalled "by Captain King in front of the hall. All the members were in uniform, and were supplied with torches, while some members were detailed off to drag the brigade apparatus in the procession, a number of small boys with blackened faces brought up the rear. When all was in readiness Captain King gave the word of command, and the processionists, headed by the Milton Brass Band, marched along Union Street in a southerly direction as far as Mr Moore's shop. . Ret racing their steps the brigade marched back along Union Street as far as the Skating Rink, after which the processionists returned along the same route to the Coronation Hall. Outside the hall a capital display of ladder drill was given, the work being done in fairly quick time. Throughout the whole of die proceedings a plentiful supply of coloured lights were kept burning, these and the torches adding a weird effect to the gathering. The concert was commenced by the orchestra with a selection of Scotch airs (Cox). Mr J. B. M'Clymont was in good voice, and gave 'a fine rendering of " Rory Darling" and " The Deathless Army," receiving a double encore for the latter. iMiss Meenan's solos " Home Song ' and " The River of Years " were sung with much feeling and expression, and were very ftell received. Mf Branigan's items wew 'taken l*y Mr C. King, who apologised for the former's unavoidable absence. He sang " Tom Bowling " and " Queen of the Earth," the latter being especially well rendered. Mrs W. P. Nolan sang "May Morning" very nicely, and also took part with Miss K. Maloncy in the duet " Maying" which was a ve-y enjoyable item. Miss Maloney's other numbers, " Oh Dry Those Tears" and " The Carnival " were well received, the former being encored. Mr J. Littlejohn gave a good rendering of " Rose's Dream," and received a well merited encore. Mr E. Eagar sang "The March of the Fire Hrigade " with great spirit, being twice recalled. His next item, " Soldier Jack " was also encored. Mr I*. Qarolin's two numbers, "'Ever of Thee I'm Fondly Dreaming," and " The Yeoman's Wedding " were very well received, the audience insisting on a double encore for the latter. Mr Arch. Bryce gave a good rendering of " The Old Soldier," and his return was vigorously insisted on. A word of praise is due to Mr Morrison's orchestra, which played a number of selections very enjoyably during theevening.and to Misses N. Scanlan and I. King, who acted as accompanists. The small boy nuisance, to which we have drawn attention on previous occasions, was again much in evidence, and we hope that the authorities will in future make some provision for ejecting the offenders and keeping decent order. The lady vocalists especially found the disturbance very trying. After the concert a dance took place, in which about 40 couples took part. Captain King, on behalf of the local Fire Brigade, welcomed Capt. Wynn of Lawrence and two of his men, and ex-Capt. Blagdon of South Dunedin. The gathering dispersed about 1 a.m. ; it being voted by all present a most enjoyable function. We understand that the funds of the Fire Brigade have been considerably augumented as. a result of the concert. The members of visiting brigades and the performers were entertained at supper in one of the upper rooms of the hall. Speeches were made by Mr W. Moore (Mayor), Captain Wynn (Lawrence), and Captain King, while Messrs Carolin (Dunedin) and J. B. M'Clymont replied to the votes of thanks passed to the performers.