CONCERT AT MOSGIEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21993, 30 June 1933, Page 4

CONCERT AT MOSGIEL

A SCOTTISH GATHERING The annual entertainment of the Taieri Highland Pipe Band at Mosgiel can always be counted on as a feast of Scottish song, music, and dancing, but seldom has a better programme been presented than that of last evening. The hall was packed, extra seating accommodation having to be provided. The pipe band opened the programme with a selection of Scottish airs. Mr J. P. Walls was chairman, and welcomed the large audience. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the band and the committee for the assistance given. He referred to the band’s success at recent contests, the results of which were represented in the John Gold Shield and? the John Begg Cup. He also welcomed Miss Mary Pratt to Mosgiel, and referred to her intended visit to England and the Continent to pursue her studies. He assured her that many admirers and friends wished her every success.

Mr J. E. Davies sang “Afton Water,” and on being recalled gave a spirited rendering of “The Welsh National Anthem.” Miss Dorothy Sligo’s singing of “ Within a Mile o’ Edinboro’ Toon ” was very artistic, and on being recalled she sang “ The Blue Bells of Scotland.” A feature of the entertainment was Mias Eva Judd’s violin solos. The first was “ Red Gauntlet ” and her recall number “ Swannee River.” Mr Alexander M'Dowell sang “ The Border Ballad,” and as an encore “ Boots.” Miss Mary Pratt received an ovation on appearing on the stage. All expectations were realised and even exceeded when she sang the favourite old ballad, “ The Lea Rig.” For her encore number she sang “John Anderson, Ma Jo.” A third number, which was much appreciated, was “ Oor Kail Yaird.” The humorous items of Mr J. Patterson were much enjoyed, and he had to appear several times before he satisfied his audience.. National dances were given by Misses Agnes Kleski, Lorna Budge, and Maisie and Olive Scott. “ The Reel of Tulloch ” was loudly applauded and encored. The band opened the second half of the programme playing the test selection from the contest. Mr J. E. Davies was heard to fine effect in “ Macgregor’a Gathering,” and responding to an undeniable recall he sang “Mary.” Miss Dorothy Sligo waa just as successful in the first part, sin<s?ig “ I Lo’e ua a Laddie But Ane.” All the remaining items were encored as follows:—Violin solos, "Old Scotch Songs,” Miss Judd; solos, “ Gae Bring tae me a Pint o’ Wine,” Mr M'Dowell, “Gala Water,” Miss Pratt; humorous songs. Mr Paterson; and national dances, reel party. The whole of the accompaniments were sympathetically played by Mrs Ernest Drake. The chairmany thanked the performers for their help and congratulated the committee on the successful staging of the entertainment. The band and singers and the reel party assembled on the stage at the close of the concert and sang “ Auld Lang Syne.” It was a fitting finish to a “ real Scottish night.” An enjoyable dance followed the concert, Messrs Blackie and Bain supplying the music and James Renton and A. M'Cloy being M.C.’s