N.Z. Natives’ Association.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 48, 26 February 1901, Page 2

N.Z. Natives’ Association.

SOCIAL EVENING,

There was a crowded attendance at iho Natives’ Association rooms last evening, when a very enjoyable social was held by members and tlicir friends. Mr D. Hep.burn presided. The chief attraction of the evening was the competition arranged by Mr W. Webb for the best item, song, recitation, or speech on the programme, and Messrs A. F. Kennedy and J. Sheridan were appointed judges. Tho prize was a gold badge, and a goodly number of entries were received. Several of thoso who had given in their names backed down at the last, and nine were left to face the music. Tho contest was a remarkably keen one, and the judges were greatly pleased with several of the items contributed. Mr C. Lowndc3 led off with a song, “ Only a Loaf,” which was pleasingly rendered, MrS. Lodger followed with “John Bull and the Boers,” given in good style. A recitation by Mr J. Nichol, “ Mary Queen of Scots,” was well received, as also was Mr H. Smith’s song, “ A Little Bit Off tho Top.” Mr J. McCourillo’s selection was “That’s McCormick,” ‘and, needless to say, he had hosts of admirers. Mr P. Sheridan is hard to boat in a recitation and he made a great hit with “ Murphy Shall Not Sing To-night.” Mr A Cooper put in a strong claim with his song, “ Riding in the Ammunition Waggon,” which was loudly . applauded. “ I’vo Worked Eight Hours,” by Mr P. Doyle, brought down the house, and left tho judges in a feeling of uncertainty as to whom they should award tho palm. They decided to reduce tho number to four and Messrs J. Nicholl, P. Sheridan, A. Cooper, and P. Doyle were the selected ones, and after hearing tho performers a second time, Messrs Kennedy and Sheridan decided in favor of Mr P Doyle. Several other items wero given by members during the ovening. “ The Last Shot ” was the title of an excellent recitation given by Mr Goldworthy, whilst Mr Louis received hearty applause for his song, “ We’re Getting it by Degrees ” ; Mr Birrell’s “ Laird of Cockpen ” %vas another excellent item. Mr E. Parnell presided at the piano during the evening. The ordinary meeting of tho Association will be held on Friday evening noxt.