CONCERT AT BLUESKIN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4169, 29 June 1875, Page 3

CONCERT AT BLUESKIN.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRK.srOXDF.NT.) A concert was held at Blueskin on the 25th instant, in aid of the funds of the District Brass Band, an institution formed under the leadership of Mr David Winter about three or four months ago, and so well conducted and appreciated by its members— twelve in number- that it has made strides much to be admired by those who may chance to listen to the tunes played. In fact, it would be a credit to any town or place in the Colony, as a musical friend of mine from a distance, present on the evening named, casually remarked. During the evening, in addition to the selections played by the Band, a number of songs were sung by ladies and gentlemen from Dunedin and I resident in the district—duets included. It j would be invidious to mention names, but so well were the efforts ot the performers received that nieore* were frequently called for and good-humnuredly acceded to. The school-room, where the concert was held, j was crowded, and a number of people goodnaturedly remained out ide when they found the seats all occupied. At the close of the concert a member of the Band Committee stepped forward and thanked those present for their support. He further stated that the instruments, &c, had cost about £00, of which theie was some thing like £25 owing, the affair having bten got up to meet the deficiency. After payment of the money owing, theinttruments belonged to the Committee, but the subscribers towards the funds would have a say as to <h<-ir disposal. A mistake was made by the Committee in charging 2s extra for each male remaining todance or see the dancing, the socalled reason given by the spokesman being " refreshments for the ladies," or, as it was easily seen, a mean, transparent excuse to keep out a body of men now working in the neighbourhood, who, as a class, have in their ranks as respectable men as can be found in the world, although there may be " b!ack sheep" amongst them as there are in all societies, whether the members thereof wear black coats or blue jumpers. As gentlemen (from their manner undoubtedly so) contributed materially to- I wards the success of the evening were amateurs from the class indicated, it was simply a slur upon them which will not soon be forgotten in future affairs. Moreover, if there had been any rowdyism or disorder during the concert, there might have been some reason for the charge and so making the affair select. As it was, however, it happened ito be the " viciiw tie la, crtinn" of all such I meetings we have had here, so far as respectful attention was concerned, and the dancing ] (for I remained a couple of hours as an observer on purpose) was conducted as orderly as it would have been in a select private ball-room. It is with regret that 1 make these stringent remarks, only duty compels me to do so. I have also heard that Mr Warren and some ' other gentlemen who visited us frcra Dunedin, and took a most praiseworthy part in the performance, could not get their actiug or other clothes, without paying trie sum of 2s each. Of course this was a mistake on the part of the Committee in placing men at the doors who did know the ' gentlemen referred to. Nevertheless, the action was discreditable.