AUCKLAND BURNS CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8358, 11 September 1890, Page 6

AUCKLAND BURNS CLUB.

THE BLIND INSTITUTE FILM). The Auckland Burns Club gave an enter* tainmenfcat the Opera House last night, in aid of the Blind Institute Fund, and it was one of the most successful of its class which has been put forward since the inauguration of the club, for the arrangements were excellent throughout, and the programme was a rrost attractive one. Of course, a feature was Scottish musir: and dancing, and in regard to the latter it is seldom indeed that the graceful and agile movements of the reel o' Tulloch, the star reel, the mystic nine reel, the Highland fling, and the Scotch reel have been better displayed. But in addition to the dances there wero many special features which really constituted the features of the show, and one of the principal ones was Miss Freda Maralen's violin .solo. Tlio selection was " Bohemietine," a magnificent medium for the display of technique and mueicaljability. The lady displayed a thoroughly appreciative knowledge of the music, and a powor of technique which is not often equalled. It was the musical gem of the evening, and in response to an undeniable encore, Miss Marsden responded with another beautiful selection, in which she sustained her reputation as a brilliant violinist. Miss Jessie j Adams, who played the accompaniments throughout, gave, as a piano solo, " Robin Adair" (Wallace), and it was performed with great skill and judgment, the expression and the technique being alike defined by its display of culture and ability. Mr. West also played a number of fantasias on Scotch airs on the clarionet, and received warm applause. Mr. I). Menzies sang the martial song, " The Buttle of Stirling," effectively, and then Miss McCormick was introduced in the dramatic song, "The Siege of Lucknow." The lady possesses a splendid soprano voice, and sang " Jessie's Lireain" with great expression, and subsequently she excited the enthusiasm of the audience in the plaintive ballad, " We'd Better Bide a Wee," and in response to an undeniable encore she sang the Irish Ballad, " Barney Take Me Homo Again," for which she was applauded to the echo. Miss Grindrod had two pronounced successes, one a recitation from the " Lady of the Lake," and the other a song "And Ye Shall Walk in Silk Attire." The recitation was a good effort of elocution, and her pure soprano voice gave such effect to the solo that she had to respond to an encore, when she substituted " Bonnie Doon," in which she was quite as successful, and retired amidst rounds of applause. We must not omit to mention the success of Mrs. Murchie's character song " Caller Herrin." It was thoroughly appreciated. The other items of the programme wore fully sustained to the satisfaction of the audience. We may add that the dress circle, stalls, and orchestra stalls were well filled. There were few in the pit, but it is considered that the benefit will leave a substantial balance for the Blind Institute Fund.