CONVERSAZIONE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 October 1908, Page 1

CONVERSAZIONE.

ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL FESTIVAL. A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The 38tli annual festive gathering of tlio congregation and friends of St. John’s Presbyterian Church was hold last night in the Public Hall and the Rev It. Stewart placed it on record that this one was more successful from every point of view than any of its predecessors. The seating had been arranged longitudinally in the hall, so that passages were made between two rows of seats and on the Tainui Street side of the hall the refreshments wore laid out on tables. The dress circle was nut called into nse, so that every inch of seating and standing accommodation downstairs was fully occupied. There were visitors present from various parts of the Coast and one or two from Christchurch. Before the concert programme was begun the Rev It. Stewart in a few well chosen remarks welcomed them all to the entertainment and hoped that they would spend a very pleasant evening. Mr G. T. Moss and a portion of his orchestra then played a very pretty overture “La Diademe,” (Herman), which gave great satisfaction. Miss 11. Holder sang Tosti’s popular ballad “Sprng” very sweetly, while Mr Harrison was recalled for his excellent rendering of “Garrisinia” to which Mr F. McCarthy played a violin obligato and the vocalist followed with the solo “Jack has gone asailing.” Mr G. Holder made a nice selection when ho chose to play Mascagni’s Intermezzo, which is always acceptable as an instrumental number and the contrast between it and Bobm’s Bolero was very marked. Both pieces were, however, carefully executed and proved that Mr Holder is a capable violinist. It is doubtful if the two Grcymouth favourites, Misses E. Hannan and C. Yarrall, were ever heard to such advantage as they wore in Parker’s charming duct “Hark to the Mandoline.” In every respect they were charming, their voices blending in the sweet harmony as perfectly as it is possible for human skill to enable them to do, and the only regret that Hie audience felt was that they did not repeat the last stanza, but they merely bowed their acknowledgement of the vociferous cheers that were accorded them. Mr F. Lawn succeeded excellently with Blnmcnthal’s pretty “Evening Song”. Mr W. B. Cadzow undertook the task, which so few can successfully do, of singing “My pretty Jane,” and of course succeeded. ft is no easy matter. but the audience were not satisfied so lie gave them “Sing iao mo the nuld Scotch songs.” Another encore being insisted on be sang “The Standard on the Braes o’Mar.” As if these throe wore not a. sufficient tost of a singer’s endurance they again encored him and be sang them “The world went very well then” as if bo had only just begun. They still wanted more, but Mrs Cadzow, who was down' for the next number stopned into the breach , ainl played “The Second Gavotte,” bv Cbnminade. as few can. Miss E. Hannan followed with “Hush the my little one”, so sweetly that she was recalled but declined an encore. Mrs G. McQueen sang “Un with the lark in the morning” very effectively and Mr J. Borti being encored for Lis rendering of Tosti’s “My Dream” gave a. catchy little ditty “After the dear little girl,” which brought the house down. Mrs Cadzow, 'Misses "Watson and Cottle played the accompaniments. Before the Orchestra played the final number, the Pev. B. Stewart came forward and said that be desired to convey the thanks of the officers of the Church and bis own gratitude to all those who bad rendered such a charming programme as they had enjoyed that evening. ' It seemed to him that everything was progressing. They had certainly progressed in the matter of attendance, their concerts had progressed year by year and the ladies bad made a. very progressive and liberal display of good things which bo hoped otic and all would presently enjoy. Their thanks wove specially due to Mr G. T. "Moss for having organised such an excellent programme and having induced so many good musicians to help them. He was more than pleased to see all classes of the community and all the churches represented as it showed what a good feeling existed amongst them and the more they met together tlio more they would admire and help each other. (Cheers). Mr Moss’s orchestra then played a pretty selection from “Tlio Gondoliers” after which refreshments of a very choice character were handed room by a host of willing workers, who saw to it that one one went short. At the close of the evening the National Anthem was sung by ibe entire company.