Rahotu Rifle Club Concert.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 15, 21 August 1894, Page 3

Rahotu Rifle Club Concert.

Captain Edwin did his best to spoil the prospects of the concert in'aid of Eifle Club by sending along some of his worst samples of weather on Friday night. There was, however, a very good attendance of the public, and the proceeds will add considerably to the funds of the Club, about £7

being taken. Some of those who were to give items were absent owing to the inclement weather and the state of the roads. The Opunake Brass Band went up in a brake, and infused considerable life into the proceedings. Their efforts were very much appreciated by the inhabitants of Rabotu, and very favourable comments were passed on the progress they have made. With a little more weight in the second part instruments it would be one of the best bands on the coast. The bass at present is rather heavy for the other instruments, and this was very noticeable when confined in the hall. After the overture, which was played by the band, Miss Tait contributed “ Maggie’s Secret,” which was vociferously encored. A duet, “ Over the Waters we Float,” was sung in nice time and tune by Mrs W. Wagstaff and Mrs While. Miss Walford, who is possessed of a nice touch, played a couple of piano solos very brilliantly during the evening, for the second of which she was encored. Mr Simeon sang “ Daisy Bell ” in his usual happy style. Mr Brennan sang “ Down Went McGinity.” Mr Des Forges treated the audience to “ McFadden’s Dancing Class” (in character), and was even better than at his previous appearance in Opunake. Needless to say he was duly encored and had to repeat the last verse. After the interval, the band played another selection, Mrs W. Wngstaff then sang “ Thy Voice is Near ” very sweetly, and was loudly applauded. Mr Beckway recited a very thrilling piece, “ Phil Blood,” and completely riveted the attention of the audience. This young gentleman is above the average of elocutionists. Mrs Prenter contributed two songs in this part of the programme, “ I likes to walk me out,” and “ Daddy wont buy me a Sweetheart,” both of which were given in character, and were duly encored. Mr J. Lusk quite fetched the audience with the humorous ditty, “ The Bells of the Village,” and in response to a very decided recall, sang “ I’m Such a Simple young Man.” Miss Tait sang that sweet old ballad, *’ The Harp That Once Through Tara’s Hall," very charmingly, and was greeted with rapturous applause. Mr A. Morrison, on behalf of the Rifle Club, thanked the audience for for their atfcendence, and also thanked very heartily all who assisted, more especially those who had come long distances on such a rough night. That was the first entertainment got up by the Club, but he hoped it would be the forerunner of a great many more which would prove a source of pleasure and enjoyment to all concerned. The room* was then cleared for dancing. The baud opened the programme with a grand march polka, after which dancing was kept up till an early hour. Miss Tait and Messrs Harrison, Wills, and Chapman contributed the music for the dance. Refreshments were supplied ou a very liberal scale, and, on the whole, a most enjoyable evening was spent.