CONCERT AND SPELLING BEE AT HAMILTON.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 479, 12 September 1878, Page 3

CONCERT AND SPELLING BEE AT HAMILTON.

(Froni.our pwu.oorresj-ondenfc.) A grand concert and spelling bee, in aid of the prize fund of the Hamilton and Sowburn Schools, took place in the Court House, Hamilton, on Friday evening, September 6. There was a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen, the Court H ouse being tilled to overflowing. There were many visitors from Hyde and Naseby. A notable feature in the entertainment was the presence of the Naseby Brass Band, the members of which paraded the township, and discoursed lively music, prior to the opening of the concert. The programme was long, and decidedly attractive. Punctually at 7 p.m. the chair was taken by A. G. Mathias, Esq., and the proceedings commenced with an overture by the Naseby Bras 3 Band, played in grand style. The spelling bee of the very junior division came next, for which there were four competitors. Mr. Grumitt kindly acted as judge and interlocutor. The first"prize, os., fell to Duncan Stalker, Hamilton ; second, 2s. 6d , to Jane Roberts, Hamilton. The was a very amusing contest, the children showing themselves smart, and eager to distinguish themselves The spelling bee for the middle divi-' sion followed, there being fourteen entries The first prize, 205., was gained by Sophia H. Edmonds, Hamilton ; second, 15s , fell to" Aaron Dyke, Sowburn ; third, 10s., to #il Ham Hall, Sowburn; fourth, ss, to A: Mathewson, Hyde. This concluded the spelling bee in the first part of the concert. A comic song, entitled "Plenty of Cheek," by Mr. M'Alpine, was very humorously given, and was succeeded by song, " Belle Mahone," by Mr. Saunders, which was beautifully rendered. In response to an encore, that gentleman gave " Look Down on your Boy," which was also very much appreciated. A comic song, "Kingdom Comin'," by Mr. Leach, was capitally sung, and excited" much applause. Master Andrew Schrick then gave a recitation, "The Slave's Dream," which he delivered with considerable expres sion and ability. Mr. Q. Roach followed with "She wore a wreath of roses," given very pleasingly, after which Mr. Highley sang a comic song, entitled "The happiest fellow out," and caused considerable merriment by the laughable way in which he rendered it. A harmonium solo, consisting of selections from "Norma," was tastefully and correctly rendered by Mr. W. H. Collett. Mr. Ritchey came next, with a song called "Strangers Yet," which he gave in firstclass style. A recitation, entitled "An Order for a Picture," by Miss Isabella Cain, was very nicely delivered, and was followed by a song, "Ten Thousand Miles Away," from Mr. Webber—highly appreciated by the audience. A duet by Miss Roberts and Mr. Kinsman, "Come where my love lies dreaming," received the warmest approbation. Mr. Brazelle's song, " Dear Little Nelly," was rapturously received, and that gentleman, being called upon again, -gave "Cronieso' Mine" in tine style. This concluded the first part. The second part opened with an overture by Mr. W. H. Collett—delightfully executed, and receiving well-merited applause. Then came spelling bee, senior division, which resulted as follows:—lst prize, 255., John Lusher, Sowburn; 2nd, Ins, K. Mathewson, Hyde; 3rd, 10s., D. M'Kay ; 4th, 55., C. Annett, Hyde ;—after which came the adult spelling bee, open to all comers. The prize, handsome album, was secured by Mrs Ritchey, Hyde ; second, 10a., J. T. Ramsay, Hyde. There were only five entries for this event, Mrs. Ritchey coming in an easy winner. A song (in character) "Chin Chin," by Mr. J. Ramsay, provoked the risible faculties of the audience, and was immensely appreciated. This was followed by a comic song, "Same Old Game," by Mr. Saunders, who was \ ooiferously encored, and he then sang, "There'sißouncrtd be a Row," with first rate .effect.. This gentleman was in fine voice, and the whole of his songs were received with the greatest acclamation A cornet duet, by Messrs. Grenfell and S. Hore, was capitally performed, and very much delighted the audience. Next on the programme came a song.from Mr: Q Roach (an old favorite in the district), called "Don't be silly Joe"—very amusingly given. Song, "Lullaby," by Mr. Leach, was very sweetly rendered, and was succeeded by a comic song,"Don't make a noise," by Mr. M'Alpine. A song from Mrs. Ritchey, "The Dear Little Shamrock," -was decidedly the gem of the evening, being given with beautiful effect; and, at the earnest desire .-of/the audience, she again came forward, and gave "Barney O'Hea" in tine.style. Mrs. Ritchey's singing was greatly .'admired, and fully : de-j served the encomiums—passed upon it. Arduet, " Larboard Watch," by Messrs. Hore and Webber, elicited great applause. Miss S. H. Edmonds then recited in a very pretty manner " The Blind Boy," and was followed by the song "Free and 'Easy," by Mr. Richardson, which was -well received. Mr. Trotter then sang "Auld Robin", to the great satisfaction of all present. Song, "Nelly Ray," by Mr. Brazelle, was well, received, and gave place to song, "Little Nell," by Mr. Grumitt, sang by that gentleman with great pathos. A recitation by Master Thomas Hall, entitled " The Little Boy that Died," was very nicely rendered, and a comic song, " Dolly Varden " by name, sung by Mr. Prendergast, brought to a termination an. entertainment the success of which was all that could be desired. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the Chairman, the School Concert Committee, Naseby Brass Band, Mr. Collett, Mr. Grumitt (for his services in connection with the spelling bees), and to Mrs. Barber (for the use of the Court House.) ■ The room was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up to an early hour All present expressed themselves, much pleased with the entertainment. lam glad to mention that the concert was "a financial success, some £l3 being placed' to- the credit of the prize fund. . %

The School Concert Committee, may congratulate themselves upon the very satisfactory result'of their efforts, and to .their Chairman/ Mr. Criles (teacher of-the Hamilton and Sowburn Schools) a word of praise is fairly due for the energetic manner in which he worked to make the concert successful.