CONCERT AT SANDON.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 90, 29 August 1877, Page 2

CONCERT AT SANDON.

•i ' ' I A Concert was held m the -School- ' room, Sandon, on Friday evening last, m aid of the Wesleyan Church funds.. The room fairly overflowed with the large audience assembled.^ Among those present were the Revs. Simmonds, Bavin, Hammond, and Lawry. The programme comprised a choice -selection of sacred' and 'secular music, and was from first to last, creditable to the singers and gratifying to the audience. The solos sung were, "He Wipes the Tear," "With Verdure Clad,". " Arm, arm, ye Brave," "Tis but a little Faded Flower," "The Bridge," '< Jessie's Dream," and "Far Away." These were all well 'sung, and were listened to with a keen appreciation, the audience at times applauding enthusiastically. The sweet little duet, "I -Know a Bank," was received with well * merited approval. The duet, " Juianita," tender and beautiful m its expression, was a gem among -gems. These were produced by lady amateurs. The' duet, "Albion," sung by gentlemen, is also deserving of- special mention. The pieces sung by the Choir throughout the evening were both- enjoyable and enjoyed. The singular correctness of their •rendition evidenced an amount of careful training, highly crejditable to the conductor. The overtures and instrumental /accompaniments were* m harmony with, " and contributed not a. little to the general excellence of the entertainment, 1 Before the concert closed the Rev." Mr Bavin, of Wanganui, passed high encomium upon it. He said he had listened critically with a view to learn if the Sandon* Choir excelled the Wanganui Choir, and he was compelled to confess they had. He was-per-fectly astonished 'at. the pretentiousness of the bill of fare that had been placed oefore them; and' be earnestly advised the Choir to presß .on towards still greater excellence. He considered music "to be ameliorating m its influence. It was a safeguard for youth, — a handmaid of religion. The Rev. gentleman concluded by warmly congratulating the Rev. Mr Simmonds "upon the proficiency of bis choir, and the people upon having such an able and painstaking conductor. We understand that the sum realised 'from thiß concert is about £15.