ANNUAL CONCERT AT ST.

New Zealand Herald, Issue XVI, 3 December 1879, Page 5

ANNUAL CONCERT AT ST.

LUKE'S, MOUNT ALBERT. The seventh annual concert of St Luke's Church, Mount Albert, took place yesterday evening, and was held in a barn belonging to Mr. A. K. Taylor, which was most tastefully fitted up for the occasion. Flags were festooned around. At one end a very neat little stage was erected, and the loft and top of tho carnage-shed transformed in a most ingenious manner into a gallery, which was well fill-.d. There were altogether about 175 persons present, and all seemed to bnjoy theins-lves thoroughly, entering heartily into the spirit of the occasion. The entertainment commenced with an opening address by the Kev. B. T. Dudley, in whose parish St. Luke's Church is situated. This was followed by a very choice programme, consisting of : — A piano nolo by Miss ljavis; duet, " The Lily and the Hose," by Mrs. Taylor and Miss Davis; comic song, "Mrs Brown's Luggage," which was capitally sung, and caused much merriment; song, " The Wishing Gate," by Miss Hawker, sung with much animation ; screen scene from "Th« School for Scandal," between Sir Peter Teazle and Lady Teazle, both parts being taken by Mr. Stone in the absence of his brother. This gentleman gave an excellent rendering of this well known and amusing dialogue. Piano duet, " Les Cloches du Monastere," by tho Misses Taylor and Hawker; a song by Miss Halstead, which called for an encorc, to which she reeponded by eingni; "Onca Again." This lady has a beautiful voice, and she was very warmly applauded. The Kev. Mr. Phillipps sang "The Laird o' Cockpen" with much spirit, and gave so much satisfaction that ho was obliged to repeat it. Song, " Who would not happy be," by Mrs. Taylor; song, " Gold, Gold, Gold," by Mr. J. H. Daubeny. Beading, by llev. J. llasekieu, the incumbent of St. Luke's, which was well received. A vocal duet, by Mrs. Stevenson and Miss Halstead. After this there was a short interval, which was followed by the laughable farce, entitled, "An Odd Lot," with the following cast : — Mr. Hammer (a retired auctioneer), Mr. 11. Smith; Edgar (his nephew), Mr. Kuaih ; Alphonse, Mr. J. H. Daubeny; Adeia (Hammer's niece), Miss Davis ; Zephyrina, Miss Hawkei'; Becky (Hammer's servant), Mrs. A. K. Taylor ; ecene, an ajiartment in residence of Hammer. The acting w£S good for amateurs, and, as wo learned, it being their first appearauce on any stage, was exceedingly creditable ; Mrs. Taylor especially acted her part capitally, and she was well supported by Mr. H. Smith. Mr. Daubeuy's make up as the artist was very good. The audience were highly delighted, and the farce was a great success. After singing the National Anthem the benches were (quickly removed, and in a marvellously short time, the floor of the barn was transformed into an impromptu ball-room, when dancing was kept up till a very late hour, with great spirit. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the host ani hostess, were indefatigable in their attentions to their guests, for so the entire audience might be called, and when the party eventually did break up, they did so acknowledging that | they had spent a most enjoyable evening, i under most novel surroundings.