CHURCH OF ENGLAND CONCERT.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 199, 23 September 1896, Page 2

CHURCH OF ENGLAND CONCERT.

A well-filled house rewarded the efforts of those who so indefatigably exerted themselves in arranging the concert which took place in the Fukeron Hall on Friday evening last in aid of the English Church Building Fund. Great, attention had been paid to the decoration of the hall and a profusion of evergreens, drapery, lie, gave the stage a most attractive aj - pearance and hid much of the uncouth - ness of tho building generally. The first part of the programme was as follows: - Piano duet, " Shepherd's Evening Song," Mrs Falloona and Mis.; Cinders; song, " Star of Bethlehem," Mi-Williams; trio; "Friar of Orders Grey," Messrs Webber, Earl and Cross; song, '-Whisper and I shall hear," Mrs; Wilson ; duet (vocaPj "May-bells," Misses-.Malfroy and Cinders; song, "The Viking," Mr Cross; quartette, "Fays and Elves," Messrs Webber, Williams, Earl and Cross; sontr, "My Pretty Jane," Mr Samson; spng; (in character), "Three Old Maids of Lea," Mrs Wilson. Regarding the last named item the first portion of the ballad which refers to the youthful days of the old maids in question was sustained by three piquant damsels in the persons of Misses May Ginders, May Malfroy and Pattie Griffiths, who besides acting bowitchingly, sung charmingly. The "lightning change " to the three old maids was cleverly managed and evoked roars of laughter. Mrs Wilson directed the movements of the spinstorhopd and accompanied with her voice. As all the items were well rendered it would be invidious to particularise, though Mrs Wilson's solo, " Whisper and I shall hear," with violin accompaniment by Mr Samson, and the vocal duct "May-bells " by Misses Malfroy and Ginders are worthy of much more than passing notice. The interval was _ pleasantly spent in discussing the merits of the various performers and n light refection provided by the ladies oi the church. The piece <><• resistance of the whole programme was the charming little musical morsel entitled "The Fairies." In this Miss May Ginders assumed the role of the Fairy'Queeii, hor court of fays being composed of the Misses Pattie Griffiths, May Malfroy, Florrie Jones, Florence Murray, Leila Douglas, Laura Hawkcsworth and Elsie and Lucy Murray. These tricksy sprites wore mode ilv costumed with a, decided leaning towards tho robe He nv.it as opposed to the light and airy garments of ihe convention.il stage fairy. They danced divinely, sang enchantingly ami formed pretty tableaux which were hailed with enthusiasm by theaudience. The accompaniments, which were light and tuneful, were in thohands of Mrs Ginders on whose shoulders also fell most of the burden of preparation The whole performance was a decided success and has resulted in a considerable addition to the fund for the benefit of which it was devised.