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Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 38

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January 30.— A concert in aid of the patriotic fund was held in Mr Harrington's hall last Friday evening, there being a very large attendance. The hall, which was lent for the occasion was tastefully decorated by Messrs H. Bruhns, Gray, Moore, and others, who had evidently gone to a good deal of trouble. At the back of the stage the liose, Shamrock, and Thistle had been drawn by Mr Bremner, surrounded by the motto, "United we stand," and over this were crossed rifles and a revolver, whilst over the front of the stage hung a rifle wit/i fixed bayonet, and "God bless our Boys" was also written in large red, white, and blue letters above the front of the stage. Mr P. Kinney. M.C.C., occupied the chair, and read apologies from the Rev. Father Lynch and the Rev. Mr Jamieson. After a few appropriate remarks he called upon Mr Bremner to open the concert with a musical selection.

Mr Fowersker sang "Gallants of England," Mr Moore "Sons of the sea," Mrs C. G. Trotter "A soldier and a man," and had to respond to an encore; Master Agnew recited "Bobs," Miss Howard contributed a piano solo; the children sang a soldier song ; Mr Bremner, "The march of the Cameron men," and in response to an encore sang the last verse, Miss Annett, "Thy face I never see" ; Mrs Gray, "Just before the battle, mother" ; Mr Dickison, "Red, White, and Bhie" ; Messrs Foweraker and Moore, duet, "Larboard watch" ; Miss Howaid, piano solo, "Wearin' o' the green" ; Mr Bremner read "The Absentminded Beggar," the hat being passed round during the reading, and over .83 being collected; Mr W. H. Reade gave a Shakespearean xecitation; Mr Anderson sang "True-born Englishman," and received an encore; Mr Larkin, song, and in response to an encore r '!£ dumio where he ?re" ; the school children sang "Kiss me, mother"; Mr Gray, song; Mr Prothero, song, "The land where the dear little shamrock grows," and, as an encore, "There perished in the snow" ; Mr Dickison, "Rule, Britannia."

The chairman proposed a. vote of thanks to all who had assisted; to Mrs Beatty for the use of the piano, to the church committee foi the use of the organ, and to Mr Harrington for the use of the hall.

The subscription list having been passed round the hall, the chairman announced that the sum collected, including door money, money received from sale of badges, colours, and buttonholes, amounted to over £32, out of which a few small expenses had to be paid. Refreshments were handed round, after which the hall was cleared for dancing.

This was one of the most successful concerts ever held in the district. The oiganisation of the concert having been entrusted to the ladies of the district, they entered into it most enthusiastically, and spared neither time nor trouble in making it a success, Miss Williams, our popular postmistress, being at the head of affairs. The refreshments were liberally provided by the ladies. The children seemed to be as patriotic as their elders, and one little girl with a doll bearing the placard, "Please, a penny ; father's away fighting Paul," went round the hall after the break-Tip of the concert and collected ss.