SATURDAY POPULAR CONCERTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1160, 25 May 1894, Page 27

SATURDAY POPULAR CONCERTS.

The fifth Saturday evening popular concert at the Theatre Royal was, if anything, even more successful than its predecessors. The house was crowded, and the programme presented was much appreciated, encores being the rule and not the exception. Mrs H. J. Miller’s songs 'were sung in a most artistic manner, and were both promptly encored. For the first, Ron tot’s charming ballad “ A Dream within a Dream,” she substituted “ Tho Keel Row,” and repeated tho last verso of the other song, “Tho Prima Donna.” Mrs H. W. Batger’s appearance in the role of an elocutionist was a distinct success. Sho was to have recited “ Richard, Coouv do Lion,” but substituted therefor a touching littlo piece entitled “Papa’s Lettor,” which she gavo with a quiet pathos which gained for her hearty and welldeserved applause. Miss McNeill’s pianoforte solos were well received, and she also played tho accompaniments during the evening. MissMcKeegan was unfortunately absent through illness. Mr R. B. Williams was not in such good voice as usual, but his two songs were loudly applauded, and encores were demanded. Mr Williams, however, contented himself with bowing his acknowledgments. His duet with Mrs Miller, “ Maying,” was also very successful, and was deservedly encored. Mr W. Jupp played a cornet solo in firstclass style, and was loudly encored. Mr W. llaybittle’s songs, “ Tho Bravo Old Guard,” and that ancient sea song, “ Tho Bosun’s Story,” were both redemanded. For tho former he substituted “ The Old Minster,” and for tho latter a verse of “ The Skipper.” Mr A. S. Paterson’s recitation, “ Tho Creed of the Bells,” was given with great elocutionary effect, and in response to a unanimous encore he recited “Bairnies, Cuddle Doon.” Mr R. P. Johnson closed a very successful concert by singing the old “ Zummerzet ” legend “ Richard of Taunton Dean.”