THE NORTH SCHOOL CONCERT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1068, 22 September 1879, Page 2

THE NORTH SCHOOL CONCERT.

An entertainment worthy of the name of a concert was given on Saturday evening last at the Volunteer Hull. Mr. jSTeil Fleming acted as Chairman, and in that capacity at intervals throughout the evening made some remarks befitting the occasion. The room was full, notwithstanding that it was Saturday night, when the "lassies" are busy with family affairs, and' occupation behincj. the counter drags on its weary length. We need say little in praise of the programme or the performers. The programme was short. This was wisely arranged, because it provided the audience with some excuse for redemands. The singers and players seemed to be in excellent trim, which, we think, was due to the nature and extent of the audience. There' was an air of warmth about the old hall. It looked at its best, decorated by the best of decorations—a large number of faces giving evidence of enjoyment. To "proceed witli a few comments upon the programme : —The glee "Dawn of Day" and " Craigielea" were sung spiritedly. Mr. W. Fraser sang one of his best songs, "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall," and "0' a : the aii'ts the wind can blaw" splendidly. Miss Kin vig (a lady who unfortunately lives away from Oamaru) sang "Rock rne to Sleep, Mother," and " Killarney,'' and (as encores) "We'd better bide a wee," and - " Far Away," (new version). For unassuming vocal effort Miss Kin vig has few compeers, whilst she has a beautifullypure voice, which gives evidence of having been subjected to not a little training. Mr. Jones played "II Trovatore," by Alard, and "Auld Robin Gray," pure and simple. Mrs. Ivinnear sang " Strathairley" and " Only for Thee," in a manner which showed that she has made a study of ballad singing. Mr. A. Fraser, who appeared for the first time in Oamaru as a soloist/ sang " The Pilgrim of Love" in a style very nearly resembling that of Mr. W. Fraser, but showinga little less art, ,although.he has a capital voice. Miss Tunnicliff (well known as Miss Webb) favored the audience with "Beauty Sleep" and "Vashti." We cannot comment in a too laudatory manner on this young lady's singing. With a voice naturally good, she has had the advantages of a thorough musical training under the best tutors that this part of the world affords. Her singing.of "Vashti" was a most finished effort. Mrs. W. Fraser's singing of "Lassie, can ye lo'e me" was just what the song required, and was characteristic of the subject. Miss N. Hardy contributed "Waiting," and performed her task tastefully. Mr. Handley sang " Non eve?," and in the comic duet with Mr. itoas, Offenbach's "Gens-d'armeSj" the "get-up" and antics of the performers creating great mirth, Mr. J. Gr. Finch, of course, accompanied, as usual, faithfully and good naturedly, and, notwithstanding the multitudinous encores,

he was at the bidding of the performers on all occasions. Mr. Lindsay, as the chairman remarked, is ■■worthy of all praise for the manner in which he worked up the entertainment, the proceeds of which will enable him to carry out his intentions.