AMUSEMENTS, ETC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6567, 4 December 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMUSEMENTS, ETC.

♦ Tiik concert on the 9th November in the Choral Hall in aid of the Young Women's Institute was well attended, notwithstanding the number and variety of the attractions incident to holiday time. Herr Carl behnutt was conductor, and .Miss tvoy piuaiste. The programme was judiciously selected, and well carried out. Previous to the last piece ou the programme being performed, Mr. W. Rattray, treasurer of the institution, returned thank? ou behalf of the committee to Herr Schmitt and the ladies and gentlemen who had so kiudly given their services, and to the audience for their attendance. A social gathering was given at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Nov. 9 by Mr. *nd Mrs. Bain. A very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. Among other toasts those of the host and hostess were drunk. A variety entertainment was given on Noveir.btr 9 in the Lome-street Hall by ■ Dean's Minstrels. The house was exceed- ! ingly well filled with a highly appreciative J audience. After the concert dancing was I engaged in, and kef t up till an early hour next morning. The Whangarei Rink Club closed their season with a fancy dress ball on Thursday, the 2nd November. Between forty and fifty private invitations were issued, and, judging by the number present, nearly all must hare been accepted. It was, without a doubt, ' the most select social gathering that has been held there. The greater number present were iu faucy dress. A hanqilet for tlii; itiuiKUritinn of a branch of tho Uniteil Ancient Onlci <if DiuiiU was held on the 15th Xuvemhot in the loiise-ioom, Insurance BuiliUiijjs. Axub.-itntiti.il menu was provided by Mr. T. A!cE*eii, of the Oi-y Buffet, and gaYO full satUf.iction. AVn.ul fifty in all, including vistors, sat down. Bnjth«r \\\ WiMman, aichDruid, presided. He wiia supported on his rijjht by ISmther I!i»hop. district iiruniilont, No. i IS, Wellington, and Biothrr Dr. Walker. The vice chuir wan occupied hy Bruther Smith, vice-aich-Dmiil. Amount- the visitom present were Uiotber D.U.AI. Svnu and Brother I'.P.G.M. Alien (1.0.0.1'.M.U.), Brother Augur (pastoi Ancient Order of Shepherds), -nd Rn.thur C. -Sheph.-rd (D.0.K.) Ancient Order of Forunturs. A series of suitable toists were proponed Hiid duly responded to, and although the vptechea were neceamirily sh'irt, owing to this Utenesa of the hour, tht-eom-I>Hiiy appeared to eujoy themselves htartily. The concert given on November 23 in the Choral Hall by Mr. Gordon Hooch's private pupils and class members was well attended, considering th< counter attractions. The choir consisted of fifty voices, under the conductorship of Mr. Gordon Gooch. The first part of the concert %vas of a miscellaneous character. The second part of the concert consisted of selections from "The Bohemian Girl." These went, for the most part, crisply and brichtly. The eutertainmeut closed with tho Nd-tional Anthem. The accompanists were Mr. Kalph Hood aud Mr. A. Bartley. Mrs. Revitt gave her annual concert on November '20 in the Choral Hall, assisted by Mr. Gordon Gooch and Professor Swallow. Notwithstanding the attraction of the new opera at the Opera House, there was a fair attendance. The programme opened with a quartette, "Annie Lee," which was well rendered, as was also the pianoforte duet, "Kifle (Jalop," by the Misses Paterson. Mr. Kdwards received an encore in the song, "Love's Request." In the serenade, "Chautez Toujours," Mrs. Revitt was greatly applauded, and the fair singer had a number of bouquets cast to her on the platform. Miss Burslem (a pupil of Professor Swallow's) accompanied on the harp Miss La Roche (a pupil of Mrs. Revitt's) on the pianoforte, and Miss Harding on the violin. Mr. Gordon Gooch, who was in excellent voice, sang the ballad "Sailing," and received an encore, to which he responded with "The Yeoman's Wedding." Thesong, " Bid Me Discourse,'; was rendered very sweetly by Mrs. MeCready, and was followed by Mr. Alfred Brookes in the song, "My Sweetheart when a Boy." The pianoforte solo, "Irish Diamonds," which was effectively executed by Miss Harding, concluded the first part of the entertainment. The second portion of the programme commenced with a duo (harp and piano), on Mozart's air, " 0 Dolce Concerto, " composed by Professor Swallow, the executants being Miss Burslem and Miss Harding, which was well received. Miss Tapper was encored in " London Bridge," as was Mr. Gordon Gooch in "Simon the Cellarer," and he responded with "Wrecked and Saved." Professor Swallow's pianoforte solo, from "II Trovatore," secured an enthusiastic encore, but he simply bowed his acknowledgments. The audience, however, would take no denial, and after coming out at intervals for nearly ten minutes, and making a seriee of profound bows, which would have done credit to a Chesterfield, he was compelled to yield to the popular desire, and gave the audience another illustration of his ability and skill as a pianist, Mr, Ralph Hood acted as accompanist. The fifth concert of the Auckland Philharmonic Society took place on Nov. 17, unJer Professor F. O. Cailliau as conductor. There was a vury numerous audience, and the concert, as a whole, must be pro--1 nounced a success. The scope and purpose ' of this society is, as its designation implies, to interest those of all classes having a taste for music in the actual prosecution of the study necessary to cultivate it. There were seventeen instrumentalists in the 1 orchestra at the commencement of the concert. Of these no less than six were ! young lady violinists. Towards the close of the concert there were twenty-six instrumentalists in the orchestra, a very large pro- '■ portion of them youths engaged during the 1 day, in ordinary mercantile or trade pursuits. Of the chorus there were seveutcen female voices and thirteen male voices. ' The progress of the concert demon- [ strated beyond all question that Professor ■ Cailliau is contributing in a very important ! degree to the extension of musical culture in ' the city. The programme was a choice and ' varied one. A musical and literary entertainment in connection with the Remuera Band of Hope was held on November 20, iu the Newmarket Hall. The hall was crowded to excess, and the Rev. G. B. Monro presided. 7 The programme was very good, and the ; entertainment, with the exception of one '■ reading, given in an indescribable dia--3 lect, was very satisfactory. The principal 3 vocalists were Miss Fraser, Mr. Neild, Mr. ; Kowe, and Miss McNeil. Miss Bruce and , Miss Taite played the accompaniments. 5 Dialogues and readings were given by » Messrs. Knox, Stanton, Bruce, Tozer, . Cotter, and Bright. The entertainment J passed off very pleasantly, and the large f attendance showed the interest which is felt in the progress of the Band of Hope of the t district. ! The annual soiree of the Auckland Total - Abstinence Society was held on November i 21 in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street. . Tea was provided at half-past six o'clock, after . which addresses were delivered, and mu-

sical selections giv<n. Mr. Joseph Newman (president of the society) occupied the chair, and in the course of hie opening remarks, stated that out of ten men in the Mount Eclen jaol were there through drink, and no than nineteen out of twenty women, as a visiting Justice, he had opportunities of ascertaining these facts. Mr. Cherry (secretary) stated that the present debt on the Temperance Hall ivas £100, and it was hoped that this sum would be soon much reduced. Mr. Harding, from Napier, referred to the founding of the first total abstinence society in Wellington in May, 1542, and to the founding of the Auckland society in August of the same year. He congratulated the Auckland society on the celebration of its 40th anniversary. Mrs. Phelps and Mr. Dormer, evangelists and temperance workers, from America, addressed the meetiDg. Mrs. Phelp3 spoke of the good work done by the women's whisky crusade in America. Her address was listened to throughout with marked attention ; anil at the conclusion Mr. Dormer sang, "Uh ! sinner come horn*, the banquet is waiting." Mr. J. Jenkins briefly addressed the meeting. On the motion of Mr. Tremain, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the ladies and others who had assisted in the entertainment. A complimentary entertainment to Mr. Barry, teacher of elocution, was held in St. James's Hall on the - 21st November. There was a moderate attendance. The entertainment -was of a twofold character— musical and theatrical. The programme was well arranged, and fairly carried out. On November 10 a soiree was held in the Bombay Public Hall under the direction of the Orange Lodge. R. W. G. M. E>. Goldie was in the chair, and gave a long and interesting address. Alter the programme had been gone through, the young folks finished the night dansiug and singing to their hearts' delight. The annual soiree of the Paparoa Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Association was held on .NOV. 1, when about fifty members and visitors sat down to tea. Afterwards an interesting meeting was held, the company being entertained and instructed by speeches, readings, recitations, and music. The principal feature of the evening was the secretary's report of the past year's proceedings. The finances of the Association were reported as favourable. All the late officers were re"W.tr.d. President, Rev. C. Aberncthy, vice-presidents, Mr. Redfern and Mr. Wilson ; secretory, Mr. R. Hames ; treasurer, Mr. Davis ; and the new committee are— Messrs. J. Hames, J. R. Cliff, 0. C. Hames, Miss Davis, and Miss Wilson. Mr. Cranwell, the singing master of the public schools, yave bis annual concerton Nov. 24, and as usual the occasion was invested with the interest which always attaches to the fresh voices of young children, whether singing in unison or in harmony. The choir was occupied by nearly 100 youug girls, who possess the " picked voices" of the schools, aud nearly as many male voices, all well in hand, and amenable to discipline. This was evident from the manner in vrhich they responded to the beats of the conductor. The choruses were all good, although not wholly free from the mechanism of school habits. It was further evident that Mr. Cranwell possesses the confidence of his pupils, for they were themselves contributors of the heartiest applause. The children's choruses were much admired and applauded. The complimentary return ball, by the sons of old colonists to old colonists, took place on November 29 in the Chcral Hall. The hall was decorated with flags for the occasion. There were over 100 couples present, among whom were a goodly sprinkling of the "old identities." The programme consisted of 26 dances, the dance music buing provided by Hannken's string band. The M. C.'s were Messrs. Connolly, Craig, Duff, and Tudehope, aud they efficiently performed their duties. During the evening Miss Tait and Messrs. Tait, Menzies, and Brookes sang some choice songs, which added greatly to the general enjoyment. There was no formal supper, but refreshments of all kinds were laid out in the ante-rooms, to which the dancers could adjourn when they chose in the intervals of the dances. Mr. Canning w.-.s caterer—which was a guarantee that the refreshment department was efficiently attended to. The dancing was kept up to an early hour this morning, the ball being in every respect a great success. Great credit is due to the committee, and the secretary (Mr. J. J. Craig), for the completeness of their arrangements for the comfort of the guesta. A room was set apart for those who desired to play a quiet game of whist during the evening. The fourth "private" entertainment of the Auckland Amateur Dramatic Club was held ou November 2S in the Lorne-street Hall. The comedies selected were "The Irish Tiger" aud " A Thumping Legacy," in which Messrs. T. H. Keesins-, T. Leedham, G. E. Boyle, A. W. Pilkington, and S. Dalton took part. The middle section of the performance was a concert of familiar vocal pieces. But the real entertainment of the evening was evidently included in the last section of the programme. The performances, dramatic and musical, were followed by a dance. The hall was as full as it could conveniently hold. The actors and singers were much applauded, and the dance was thoroughly enjoyable. As the whole entertainment was announced to be " private " it is not necessary to give the names of those who most engaged public favour. The third concert of the year of the Devonport Musical Society, was held in the Devonport Hall on the 29th November, and was very largely attended by the residents of the marine suburb, besides whom there were several visitors from Auckland, amongst them being His Worship the Mayor and Mrs. Clark. The society is of comparatively recent formation, but very marked progress has been made by the members under the tuition of Mr, Gordon Gooch, and the concert was in very many respects a marked success. In the choruses, part songs, glees, &c, a strength and confidence were shown, and an amenability to the baton which is sometimes wanting. The time was correct, and the harmony good. The opening choru3, "Come to the Fair," from : "Martha," was rendered very spiritedly, , and gave promise of success for the aucoeed- . ing pieces. The various portions ef the i programme were excellently rendered. We may add that Mr. Alfred Bartley played the accompaniments with correctness and judgment, and the concert from first to last was highly successful, creditable to the . society, to their talented conductor, Mr. • Gordon Gooch, and highly pleasing and satis- ; factory to the audience. ■ The concert and ball to commemorate the 1 eighth anniversary of the Onchunga branch '■ of the H.A.C.8.5., came off, as advertised, I on the 22ud November in St. Mary's Hall. f The celebrition was in every respect a great 1 success. Miss Swan excelled herself in "Has Sorrow thy Young Days Shaded." ■ Mr. Longuet followed, with a light sparkling , French comic song, which was enjoyed very . much, and was quite a novelty in its way. I "Home. Sweet Home," a pianoforte solo, ■ was brilliantly executed by Miss Donovan, j Mr. Edwards sang, "Come Back to Erin," , with telling effect. "The Lover and the Bird" 5 was rendered in finished style by Miss Staunf ton. This young lady, yielding to a vociferous ! encore, sang in response "The sorrows of j the Heart." Immediately after Mr. Garland : healed the sorrows of the heart with a capital 3 comic song, and Mr. Cook further assuaged the f heart with the dulcet notes evolved by him - from his violin while playiiig the solo "Life - let us Cherish." " The Meeting of the 3 Waters," Robin Adair," "When the Wind . Blows from the Sea," were among other pieces i rendered. The concert, which was brought . to a close by the singing of " God save the ■ Queen" by the whole company, was really r a musical treat of a very high order. The b ball which followed was attended by 140 i persons, and was also a great success. i On the 23rd November the Opotiki Glee Club Concert came off in the Music 1 Hall, and was in all respects successful. 2 Glees, trios and duets by the club were - rendered very effectively, and great thanks ) are due to some lady and gentleman performers who so kindly gave valuable i assistance with solos, both vocal and instru--3 mental. This is the first concert of the kind ■ given in Opotiki and was thoroughly 1 appreciated, and the greatest credit is due to the promoters and to the musical conducI tor, Mr. W. Hooten. A concert was held in the Aratapu Hall, on ' Friday, November 24, in aid of the funds of i tho Mount We3ley burying-groand. There fc was a fair attendance of the public, though 5 not so good.as might have been expected, ' considering the object in view. A good proi grammo was arranged and executed. Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Dcndy presided ably at 1 the pianoforte. The usual dance concluded r the affair. The Mount Wesley buryingground has long been in a state disgraceful f to the district, and all honour is due to those - who have taken its improvement in hand.