RUGBY UNION CONCERT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 180, 1 August 1896, Page 2

RUGBY UNION CONCERT.

With a view of obtaining some assistance towards the expense of sending a Nelson representative football team on tour in the North Island, the Rugby Union arranged for a concert, and with the cheerful and hearty co-operation of some of the leading vocalists and instrumentalists the offort was crowned with success The entertainment was held at the Theatre Royal last evening, and though there was a good " house' there were here and there a lew empty benches, which ought to have beou occupied for the occasion, as the excellence of the programme merited it. At a convenient interval Mr J. W. Joynt, oh behalf of the Rugby Union thanked all who had assisted by contributing to the concert. The Harmonic Orchestra, under the eonductorship of Herr Handke, played an overture and a gavotte, both of which wore deservedly applauded. A trio for violin (Miss LittUsjobn), violoncello (Mr Light), and piano Young Light:, was excellently played, the instrumentalists fully meriting the enthusiastic demand for a repetition. The only other instrumental selection was a trombone trio by Messrs A. Davies, J. Davis, and W. Thompson, The vocal items were many and varied, and in almost every instance the singers were encored. Mrs T. A. Askew, who made her first appearance in Nelson musical evonts, sang " With the Spring," and was encored, Mrs Askew has a soprano voice of good quality — sweet and pme in tone — and of considerable strength. Mrs Roberts sang " Ridipolo " and "La Screnala," Mrs Hoult " Light and Darkness," Miss Reeves " Gondola Dreams " and " Two's Company," Miss M. Pratt " A May Morning," and Miss Baigent "Shadow Laud." The "Summer Song" trio by Mcsdames Walker and Hoult and Misa Pratt was a beautiful piece of part singing, the voices blending exquisitely. Songs for male voices included "The Admiral's Broom " and " Vanity " by Mr P. Giblin, and one or two exceedingly amusing songs by Mr Higgins, who proved himself quite a star in the coniie line. His voice, facial expression and " attitudes " were inimitable, and he was trebly encorod for his description of " Brown upside down, with his heels sticking up in the air." Mr Higgins also took off to perfection tho young lady amateur vocalist's rendering of " Home. Sweet Home," with variations original and otherwise. A golden shoe dance by Messrs Oldershaw aDd Harford was applauded. Miss Jackson rendered valuable assistance as accompanist. Mr D. Jackson carried his audience with him in enthusiasm as he sang tho song peculiarly appropriate to tho occasion, " King Football," and into the sentiment of its refrain all seemed to ontor :— " Then suocess to King Football, And long may he reign ; Success to all footballers too, For football's a game That brings health in its train, And pkyed by all good men and true,"