MIDDLE MARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2320, 18 August 1898, Page 25

MIDDLE MARCH.

August 15. — A concert in aid of the Sutton School fund was held in Webb's Hall on Friday, 29th ult. The night was all that could be desired, and consequently a bumper house faced the performers. The programme was a very long one, almost every item being well received, and the audience seemed in the best of humours. Mr Patrick Spratt was in the chair, and made a few happy remarks explanatory of the object of the concert. The entertainment was opened by the orchestra, which consisted of piano (Mrs J. H. Matheson), violin (Mr Cheyne), cornet (Mr Matheson), flute (Mr Walker). That tuney little piece '" Dresdina " was the first item, Mr James Steel and Miss Watson following with songs. Mr George Sutherland's recitation, " The Play-actor's Story," was greatly appreciated, and Mr Cheyne was recalled for his song, " The Battle of Stirling." Miss Emily Olives followed with " Jessie's Dream " ; Mr T. M'Clintock's song, for which he was recalled, was succeeded by " Whisper and I shall hear," by Miss Webb, who had to respond to a very hearty encore, substituting " Killarney," in which she was even more successful. Mr Pugh, with " Jua-

nita," brought the first part to a close. Afte? a short interval the orchestra played "Myosotis Waltz," which was very much more appreciated than their first piece. Mr Murray, a Dtmedinite, then gave a song, and was followed by Miss Thorns with " Why do summer roses fade?" for which she received an encore. Sho has a pure and very expressive voice, ancl her unaffected style certainly takes witli us country folk. Miss Tisdale played very gracefully a fantasia of Scottish and Irish airs on her violin ; Mr Stenhouse sang " The Toilers " ; Mr George Sutherland gave a stump speech, which was undoubtedly the feature of the evening; Mr Swan and Mr Walker followed with songs; and a negro sketch by. Messrs T. M'Clintock and Clark brought the entertainment to a close. The chairman returned thanks to those who had assisted. The entertainment was a great success, the takings amounting to £17, a sum not to be despised these hard times. The committee deserve to be congratulated, and their effort should be an object lesson to our local school committee. Weather. — The burst of bad weather that we have had since the commencement of spring is gradually diminishing, ancl yesterday and today have been spring days. The snow on the Rock and Pillar ancl surrounding hills has been unusually heavy this last fortnight, there having been several falls since spring set in. It is to be hoped the weather will settle now, as otherwise it will interfere very much with outdoor work. Farm work has been somewhat at a standstill during the past week or 30, but the weather looks more settled to-day.