ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 7403, 24 December 1887, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"The costume cohcert ih aid of the funds of St. Matthew's Choir only drew a moderate attendance at the Princess's Theatre laßt night. The entertainment from a vocal point of view was an undoubted success, but other portions of the programme were not without blemish. Tho intervals between each number were unnecessarily long, while the orchestra, altough numerically strong, contributed several of the old-stock selections which have been heard toooften to be appreciated. It seems a pity that with the large number of instrumentalists we have in Dunedin they cannot find time to practice something in the way of selections which have not been " played to death " by nearly every orchestra which have previously performed in entertainments of a similar character. With regard to the vocal portion of the affair, it is sufficient, as an indication of its having been (successfully carried out, to say, that it was undertaken by Miss Lily Mason, Messrs Adams, Dowling, Chinn, Towsey, Martin, and Densem. Tho last-named gentleman gave a fine rendering of the • Toreador's Song' (from 'Carmen"), which was undoubtedly the best item on tho programme. Tho trial scene from ' Pickwick \ concluded the performance. Mr Clapcott, as Serjeant Bhziuz, delivered his opening Bpeech in a reilly professional style. Tho othor characters were well represented. The first anniversary concert by the Hillside Workshops Brass Band was given in Clarke's Hall, South Dunedin, last evening. MrT A. Pcterkin was in the chair, and Miss French acted as tho accompanist. Mr J. Stone gavo two recitations, which were redemanded, while the band played selections under the condnctorship of Mr T. Chapman. Misseß Blaney, Burnside, Hadfield, Megsrs A. Davie, Wynn, Walker, and Logan were the soloists, and most of the items were encored. The Masters M'Kcchnie danced the Highland fling (which was encored), and Mr Chapman contributed a cornet solo. A dance brought the enterment to a conclusion, and was attended by about thirty couples. Tho Committee of the Port Chalmers District High School have initiated a method which is an exception to the rule generally adopted for raising funds for school purposes, and, although the idea is not altogether a new one, tho Committee may be congratulated on their success. The smart s.s. Takapuna, having been chartered for last night, made a trip down the bay and outside with about 800 excursionists, whiht nearly 200 persons were loft behind at the Port. The Port Chalmers Garrison Band accompanied the steamer, and in addition a couple of enthusiastic pipers were on board, whose assistance kept the passengers rather lively. Altogether, the trip was a most enjoyable one, the weather being all that could be desired. The annual Christmas invitation concert of the Industrial School Band and Choir was given in the Lyceum Hall on Thursday to a large audience. The children were assisted by fteveral adult friends, so that an acceptable variety was given to the juvenile voices. The choir gave three glees in a surprisingly good style, managing the catchy music of ' The Indian Warrior's Grave' in an especially clever manner. Two solos and choruses were also sung—'Pretty Janet' and 'l'm Going to Write to Papa'—the latter, by a very tiny chorister, taking the fancy of the audience greatly. The band contributed two items in their best style, and it seems a pity that, owing to the majority of them soon leaving the Institution, we shall probably not have the opportunity of again hearing them. The song ' He Thinks I do not Love Him* was well rendered by one of the female choristers; and Mr Blinkensopp was encored for ' The Romany Lass,' responding with ' She wore a Wreath of Roses.' A Christmas cantata concluded the programme, and Mr H. Titchener (the conductor) should feel well pleased with the manner in which the children performed their work. Miss Wynne and Miss Brind were the accompanists. A very successful minstrel entertainment was given by the* Kaffir Minstrels in the Good Templare' Hall,Kaikorai,on Thursday. The concert was under the auspices of the Linden Lodge, and the proceeds were in aid of a member who, through sickness and otherwise, was in needy circumstances. The entertainment was deoidedly above the average, and the cornermen were frequently appjaudeid. Some step-dancing by three members of the company was perhaps tho best item on the programme, and the Eong and dance was encored. A laughable sketch, • ' The Biffer,' brought an enjoyable entertainment to a close,