NASEBY SCHOOL CONCERT.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1039, 31 October 1889, Page 3

NASEBY SCHOOL CONCERT.

The entertainment given in aid of the Naseby public school'on Tuesday evening was a decided success. The .Town Hall was literally crammed, and the audience appeared thoroughly satisfied with the bill-of-fare provided. The stage was con verted into a drawing-room and looked very well, the necessary arrangemeuts being very tastefully carried out. The first item oq the. programme was a trio (piano) by Miss Annie Smith and Mesdames Millar and Clements, the execution of •vhich was very good. Then followed a song ("Trusty as steel") by Mr. H. J. Lister, of Invercargill, who scored a great success, although he was suffering from hoarseness and consequently was. not in his best voice. We might here mention that' the great success of the entertainment was duo in no small measure to the efforts of this gentleman, who really proved a host in himself. Possessed of a splendid voice, he knows how to utilise it to the best advantage. His contributions, which included four distinct lines, were received with tumultuous applause, and to every demand for au encore Mr. Lister good-naturedly responded. He is without doubt one of the best comic singers it has ever.been the privilege of a Naseby audience to listen to, and we trust that on many future occasions Mr. Lister may be prevailed upon to give his assistance. " Because of thee," was sung by Mrs. Clements with that sweetness and culture which invariably characterises all her efforts, and was warmly applauded. Mr. Browne then gave "The outpost" in a capital manner, his remarkably clear voice being heard to much advantage. The song selected by M rs. M illar as her contribution to the evening's amusement was " Twickenham Ferry," and we need hardly say that it was reudered with excellent effect. Mr. Lister next favored the audience with a serio-comic song ("Woman"), which was received with a thundering burst of applause, and in response he gave "The railway guard," which completely brought down the house.

After a short interval Mrs. Hickson played on the piano a fantasia of English, Irish and Scotch airs. This lady's clever execution is now so well known that weneed only say that her effort was very greatly appreciated. The rendition of " Ennis Corthy " by Mr. Lister was provocative of much laughter, and in response to an undeniable encore " Ballyhooley " was given in inimitable style. Mr. Campbell then went through a number of exercises with Indian clubs (to music played by Mr.. Clements) in a very graceful manner, keeping correct time. This item waswarmlyapplauded. Mrs. R. H. Browne sang with much pathos "My life for thee," which was one of the best numbers given during the evening. " Thebonuie wee window " was rendered by Sergeant-Major Maopherson with such excellent effect that the audience insisted on his re-appearance, when he sang a verse of a martial song. AduetbyMrs. Clements &Mr. Campbell, in which the voices blended most beautifully, came in for prolonged applause. Mr. Lister again appeared, and sang " Only one," his gesticulation and facial expression being immense. Deafening cheers followed, and he contributed "Pretty Lips" in irresistibly comic style, but the audience were not even then satisfied, and demanded another, which was readily given. The last item on the*.programme was "Currenttopics" by " Sir Win. Barlow " Mr. (J. C. Straclian), who discussed recent events in his characteristic styl*, provoking unrestrained mirth. As an cmron\ he gave an original recitation, entitled " The two lovers " —au amusing composition. Mr. Hugh Wilson {on behalf of the school committee) thanked those present for their attendance, and called for three cheers for those who had so kindly given their assistance during the evening. This was heartily done. The audience then joined in singing " God save the Queen," anil thus ended one of the most successful entertainments in every respect that has been given ia Naseby for many years. We had almost omitted to mention that Mesdames Brooke Hickson and It. H. Browne and Mr. R. L. Clements acted as accompanists. To the latter gentleman credit is also due for the interest displayed in getting up the concert, the programme having been left entirely in his hands. A dance was held after the concert at which a fair number were present. Dancing wu mqrrily k«pt np till 4 o'clock: