ST. LEONARDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 19

ST. LEONARDS.

July 9.— The monthly concerts held at the St. Leonards schoolroom are a most complete success. The third of the series was given on Friday evening, and notwithstanding an inclement night, it being showery and tbe roads in places ankle-deep in mud, there wai a very largo and oppreciative audience. The charge for admission was witely fixed »t6d for adults and 3d for the youth of the district, and the Increased attendance bore unmistakeable testimony to the popularity of cheap amusements. The warmest thanks are due to all the performers, especially to the ladleß whobravedthe fury of the elements to afford pleasure to many who might otherwise seldom enjoy a musical evening. Tbe.Mhjea Nlmrao and Aston were particularly happy In their respective solos on the pianoforte. It i,B almost needless to say that the ladles' siuglog was really first-rate, and Miss Wise delighted all present by her artistic rendering of "The children's home," and the "Old folks at home," both being pieoes of infinite pathos. The Misses Broad's vocal duet," Tired," was also most acceptable, and elicited loud applause; and Miss Alice Broad's song, " Ye banks and brews," was another great treat, while Miss Bvie Broad brought down the house by her reoitation, "Which loves best," the brevity of which was regretted by all. The gentlemen mustered in. strong, force, Mr Bagley — who is a great favourite— singing in capital style " Jack • come home " and " A free lance am I." and he was ably seconded by Mr John M'Douall, who gave "True till death" in an almost faultleßs style. Mr Basford, who made bis first appearance at these , concerts, sang " The harbour lights " and the " Lights of London," and received a hearty round of applause. The chairman, Mr Murray Aston, also contributed two songs-viz., " When other lips " and, " Maggie by my side." A ,chorus by girls of. the school, " 1 feel weary," proved most acoeptable ; and so did a similar piece by some of the boys ; both being delightful changes in the programme, and I trust that ,Mlsi ftimmo, who conducted, will again, favour us on future occasions. A striking part of the programme was Mr Broad's reading, " Muropean Guides " (Mark Twain). Mr Broad is not only an able elocutionist, but he is an admirable mimic, and he succeeded in delighting both young and old. A vote ot thanks to the performers having been moved by Mr Wise and'the chairman having responded, the company separated shortly before 10 o'clock, no less than«lß items having barm gone through In a way that left nothing to be dealred.