ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8668, 10 September 1891, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

The entertainment given by Miss Amy Vaughan's company in the City Hall last night, for the benefit of the widow and family of the late Mr. C. F. Hannken, was fairly attended, although the audience was by no means so large as the merits of the performance or the object for which it was given deserved. Mr. Hannken having been a prominent bandsman during his life, the City, Garrison, Newton, and Newmarket bands turned out to render every assistance they could, and besides playing through the streets on their way to the hall gave several selections outside the doors before the entertainment began. The programme submitted by the company, which for that special occasion was assisted by members of the late Waitemata Minstrels, included many new, interesting, and amusing items. Miss Vaughan was, as usual, a host in herself, contributing a number of serio-comic songs, and taking araceful part with Miss Daisy Thornton in an effective dance named a Spanish Tarantella." Miss Travers and Miss Wyniard sang ballads to the evident satisfaction of the audience, and a quadruple song and dance dedicated to football was a decided success. Among the vocalists whose efforts were most appreciated were Mr. W. H. George (of the late Waitemata Minstrels), his songs being " Down by the Deep Sad Sea" and "The Wonders of the Deep." Mr. Harry Cowan caused endless merriment with his comicalities, while Messrs. Max Rinkle, C. lute (another of tho Waitemata Minstrels), H. White, A. Diamond, and J. Corbett earned hearty commendation for their specialities. The orchestra was strengthened by the services of one or two bandsmen, and altogether tho concert, in its liveliness and variety, was of a highly enjoyable nature. All Saints' Church was crowded to the doors last ». ght in the occasion of a recital of sacred mu#ic by the choir, ably assisted by a number of outside friends. The Rev. W. Calder was in attendance, and opened with a collect, which was followed by a hymn, in which the wholo congregation joined. The musical programme was an exceptionally choice one, the various items being carefully selected and executed with marked ability. Major Pirie commenced with an organ solo, after which Miss Freda Mareden rendered the violin solo, " Cavatina," with the care and finish for which she is so well-known. Then followed a duet," The Messenger Bird," fcy Mesdames Calder and Upton, and an anthem " Hearken Unto Me," by the choir, both of which were well rendered. The next item, a song, "Jerusalem," by Miss Rimmer, was a rare treat —indeed it was the finest effort of the evening, and would have been even more delightful had not the organ accompaniment been quite so loud. The offertory was then taken up, and on one of the plates was a beautiful bouquet presented to Miss Rimmer. . The second part opened with a trumpet solo, " The Better Land," by Mr. Gribbin, and then Mrs. C. Burgess gave the song "The Old Cathedral," with fine effect. Mrs. Upton was equally successful in her rendering of "Jerusalem! Thou that Killest the Prophets." The anthem " Benedictus," by the choir, with solo by Miss Rimmer, was a choice item, as was also an organ solo, "The Cornelius March," by Mr. J. A. Beale. Miss Rimmer then sang "For Ever with the Lord," her sympathetic voice truthfully interpreting the spirit of this beautiful hymn. The recital closed with the anthem "I am Alpha and Omega," Miss Rimmer taking the solo, " Holy, holy, holy." The. offertory, which was in aid of the funds of the choir, realised somewhat over £11. Mr. J. A. Beale acted as organist in an efficient manner.