Jetty Fund Concert.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 13, 14 August 1894, Page 2

Jetty Fund Concert.

The above concert took place on Friday evening last, before a large audience. The weather was threatening, and prevented a number from a distance attending. It was unanimously voted one of the best concerts that had been given in Opunake for a long time, and great praise is due to Mrs Ballard for her energetic management in bringing about such a satisfactory result. The programme opened with an overture by the Opunake Brass Band, under Bandmaster J. J. Cummins, which was played in good style. Song, “ The Maid of the Mill,” by Miss E. Rutherford, was very sweetly rendered and received prolonged applause. Duet, “Life’s Dream is O’er,” was given by Miss and Mr S. Prosser, whose voices blended very nicely. Trio, “ A Little Farm Well Tilled,” by Messrs Breach, Lloyd, and Carter, was one of the best items of the evening, being sung with spirit, and it . received a well-merited encore. Song, “After the Ball,” to, Mr Waters, who is possessed of a-very nice tenor voice, was given in tod style. Duet (violin and Master A. and Miss E. Rutherford, was enthusiastically applauded, and an encore demanded. This-..young artist on the violin shows great promise of becoming a brilliant player, with careful tuition. Duet, “ Children’s Home,” by Miss Des Forges and Master Hutchens, was a very pleasing item, considering the Bge,of the performers, both of whom displayed confidence and acquitted themselves well. Song, “ The Female Auctioneer,” by Mrs Prenter, broght down the house, and in response to a recall she sang “ Larry Doolan.’V Duet (in character) “ The Happy Policeman,” by Miss A. and Mr M. Simeon, was unquestionably the most popular item of the evening, and they had to re-appear in answer to a unanimous recall and repeat the last part, Pianoforte trio, “ Great Globe Quadrilles,” by the Misses Rutherford, was quite a musical treat, one of the audience remarking that “ He would never have believed there was that much music in the hall piano.” After the interval, the Opunake String Band, under the of Mr Hutchens, played the “Sultan's Grand March ” as an overture to the second part, and were the recipients of general praise for the progress made in the time they have been organised. Song, “ McFadden’s Dancing Class,” by Mr Des Forges (in character). He made up remarkably well and created roars of laughter by his bye-play. His re-appearance was demanded, and he repeated the last verse. Quartette, « Softly Fall' the Shades of Evening,”was sung by Miss Prosser, Mrs Ballard,.Messrs Hutchens and Brennan. Duet (violin and piano) by Master and Miss Rutheford. This item was given in-good' style, mented applause. Duet, The Moonbeams Softly Falling,” by Mrs Prenter and Miss Simeon, was well received by the audience, and they had to repeat the last verse in answer to an imperative encore call. “ Kate s Love Affair,” a musical dramatic act, by Miss Prosser, Mrs Ballard, Messrs Des Forges and Prosser, caused a deal of amusement, and was very well performed, each of the characters being well sustained. In answer to a recall, Mr Des Forges appeared before the curtain and bowed acknowledgments l on behalf of the company. Trio, “ Three Little Maids,” by Misses Guy, Pepperill, and J. Prosser was given in character, and was well received by the audience. Duet (vocal) by the Misses Rutherford, was sung with taste and expression, the voices blending very harmoniously. Trio, “ The Gipsies’ Laughing Chorus,” by Messrs Breach, Lloyd, and Carter, was capitally sung, and was greeted with enthusiastic applause, an encore being demanded and responded to by repeating the last part. Glee, “ Homeward Bound,” by the company, brought the performance to a close. Mrs Breach, Miss Rutherford, Miss Prosser, and Miss Simeon played the accompaniments to the vocal items during the evening. The Hall was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up with vigour till 3 a.m. Mrs Orchard kindly gave her services gratuitously in playing for the dance, and it is needless to say that those taking part in it had their pleasure greatly enhanced by her masterly manipulation of the piano. We are very fortunate in having such an accomplished artist in the place, as it saves the inconvenience which previously existed of having to send outside for musical assistance.