ST. GEORGES ROWING CLUB CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9088, 23 June 1888, Page 6

ST. GEORGES ROWING CLUB CONCERT.

Tub annual concert in connection with the St. George's Rowing Club took place last evening in the Parnoll Hall, when a highly successful performance, embracing musical and dramatic items, was witnessed by a crowded audience. After a pianoforte solo, played in excellent style by Mr. Alfred Bartley, Mr. A. L. Edwards sang "The Last Watch" with power and sweetness. Hutchinson's song, " Two Voices," a tasteful composition, was then rendered by Mrs. Cooper with her usual care, expressiveness, and distinct enunciation, and was heartily applauded. A protean sketch "a la Maccabe," by Mr. O. B. Waymouth, was the next item, and the performer proved himself to be no mean imitator of the renowned character actor. In the favourite number, " Alice, Where Art Thou," Mr. W. Martin's tenor voice was heard to advantage, while the comic song of " Wedding Bells," by Mr. E. P. Hudson (of "Gobo fame) was given with characteristic humour, fairly bringing down the house. In response to an imperative demand for an encore Mr. Hudson sang " The Railway Porter" with great success. At the termination of the first part of the concert Mr. S. T. George presented the medals given by th% commodore and vice-commodore to the St. George's Rowing Club for competition. In the absence of several of the successful oarsmen, Mr. F. J. Sanderson, the captain of the club, received and briefly acknowledged the trophies. A dramatic sketch " Ici on Parle Fraincais " followed. It was cleverly staged, and acted with spirit and care throughout by several members of the Auckland Dramatic Society, the comical situations caused by the fire-eating Major Rattan, in pursuit of his wife, who had taken lodgings in the same house as an amorous Frenchman, Victor Dubois; kept by the stupidly stolid Mr. Spriggins and his would-be aristocratic wife, assisted by a rebellious maid, Anna Maria, were worked out with considerable realistic force, and met with evident appreciation from the audience.

The musical portion of the programme was resumed by Miss Buckland playing a fantasia on the violin, and the performer's execution of many difficult and florid passages evidenced her ability, and caused i vociferous recall, to which the lady responded. The tenor song of " Come into the Garden, Maud," was rendered by Mr. A. L. Edwards, who was in fine voice, with care and finish, a demand for an encore being acknowledged. Mrs. Cooper made her second appearance in the sparkling song, "Cherette," and the audience, by liberal applause, again signified their complete satisfaction with her effort. The last number was " When Other Lips," which was contributed by Mr. W. Martin, with much expression. The accompaniments were played throughout with great taste by Mr. Alfred Bur, y.