BROWNS (SOUTHLAND)

Otago Witness, Issue 2397, 8 February 1900, Page 29

BROWNS (SOUTHLAND)

February 5. — In spite of counter attractions ( and threatening weather the patriotic sports i gathered a large crowd. After the arrival of j the special tram from Winton the pennies ' started to stream into the marquee, in which ; Mr A_^ "W. Sinclair, of Invercargill, ran a phono- j graphic kaloscopic show in aid of the patriotic j fund. Large fields, fair handicapping, I and close finishes were the order of | the day. An accident occurred to Mr Ed. Tobin. At the close of the sawing competition a saw fell on his foot, inflicting a severe wound. Dr Todd was speedily in attendance. The Winton Band played several selections during the day, and the bagpipes, without which no Forest Hill gathering is complete, thrilled the patriotic heart. The committee are to bp congratulated on the general success of the meeting. Messrs Wilson and Campbell acted as handicapuers, and Mr J. Wilson starter. Concert. — The concert drew a full house, the hall being crowded to the doors. It was acknowledged by all to be the best ever held at Browns. The items were of a high class, and the rendering was such as to satisfy the most fastidious. "God save the Queen," by company and audience, formed an appropriate opening. Miss Rasmussen then gave a skilful interpretation of "The battle of Abyssinia," piano solo ; Mr M' William, following, gained an encore for his spirited vocalisation of "Soldiers of the Queen" ; Miss Hishon's sweet voice was heard to such good effect in "Oh, give to me those early flowers " that she gained a recall. Mi ivayll, during his recitation, "The Abpentmmcled Besrgar," boi - e a silver shower unflinchingly, and in response to an imperative encore gave '.Bobs." By this time patriotism in the hall was at fever heat, and as the rev. gentleman referred appealingly to the chairman (Sergeant Kennedy), who wore the Kandahar medal, "Ain't you, Bobs?" the audience rose to tile occasion with rapturous applause. That old favourite, Mr W. D. Smith, as usual, gave an artistic rendering of his solo ; Mr A. W. Sinclair then appeared with his graphophone, and struck oil with a bagpipe selection ; "Jessie's dream," by Mrs Ross, was an artistic gem, j and Miss Quickc's item was also favourably received. Mr R. Wilson had to submit to an encore for a pibroch, "O'Donuil Dhu" ; then followed Mr E. W. Wright with "Sons of the sea, and once more the fever heat of iiatriotism evinced itself; Mr A. Clark gained a wellearned encore for his solo, "Death of Nelson" ; Mr M'William's second song gained favour, and he also had to respond to an imperative recall. Mrs Ross's impersonation and singing of "The cantiniere" took immensely; "Coniin' through the rye" was her encore piece, and the audience emphasised their appreciation; Mr E. W. Wright first sang "The wee thing that jagget them a'," and then attempted *to .satiate the risibility by " Jock M'Graw"; "Rule, Britannia," sung with fervour, ended the programme. During the evening isiisses Rasnrussen, M'llwrick, and Kl'Kenzie acted as accompanistes.

Ball. — The ball was tmcomfortably crowded, but the dancers bore the inconvenience with good humour. Music was supplied by Messrs M. Jirown (violin), G. Bennet (cornet), accompanied on the piano by the ladies mentioned above. Mr W. M'Rae acted as M.C. with his usual tact. Refreshments and songs at intervals, and a graphophonic speech from the

Hon. C. G. "VTaid formed a pleasing variVh- is the p leas tire oi the evening. SururuAiy. — Tho finr.nciai rcuiH i« not yei Cdsrioptd, but i.-s said to bo fully up to pxpectation. An interesting rocoid on tho graphophone, and one that excited favourable comment, was "The Absent-minded Beggar," recstect by Mr A. H. Burton, oi Dunccliii.