THE ROYAL WELSH MALE CHOIR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 29 January 1909, Page 4

THE ROYAL WELSH MALE CHOIR.

HAWERA INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

This remarkable band of choristers is to appear at the Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday evenjna;s next. In" an interview with Mr W. Thomas, the choir's conductor, the following particulars were gleaned: — The choir had a very small beginning as the winners of a prize of £5 at the competition held in the town of St. Fagan's, near Cardiff. Thus was commenced the long series of competitions in which these singers have gained so many successes, extending over a period of 10 years. This record includes four National Eisteddfod awards in Northern and Southern Wales — a unique achievement. "One of the medals which I prize most highly," said Mr Thomas, "is this one/ and he held up a gold medal inscribed with a portrait of Sir J. Barnby, with that eminent musician's opinion of the choir in the words surrounding it, "The finest specimen of singing I ever heard." This was the last prize the choir won— the first award at the National Eisteddfod in Llannelly, in 1895. "Two or three months after that we were commanded to Windsor to sing before Queen Victoria," said MiThomas. "Her Majesty was so delighted that we had to extend our programme." The members of the choir are all working men, who have obtained 12 months' leave of absence for tin's tour, their places being kept open for them until their return. The tenor soloist is a collier, another is a carpenter, another a grocer. The box plans open at Cole and Donnelly's to-morrow (Saturday) morning at 10 o'clock.

WANGANUI RAM FAIR.

The above important sale will be held on Thursday and Friday, February 11 and 12, at Messrs Jackson and Co.s yards, when some 1800 rams, selected from the best flocks in the Dominion, will be offered for sale. The Lincoln entry is particularly fine, and totals some 1000 rams, being the first pick from the leading flocks. In stud rams all the chief breeds are represented. Particulars of this important fixture appear in our columns.

The sale of properties at Manaia was made by Barmby and Cole, not by Gillies and Nalder, as reported yesterday.

The foundation of life-long ill-health may be laid for young girls by failure to keep their strength and health up to normal. Steams* Wine is best for them because it is a true tonic *