PATEAROA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2402, 15 March 1900, Page 29

PATEAROA.

March 12. — A *7ery largely-attended concert was held in the local schoolroom on Saturday night last in. aid of the Otago and Southland Rough Riders' Fund. The schoolroom was xastefiilly decorated with ferns, etc., by the Misses ATLean, Mrs Schrick, and Messrs Murphy, O'Dowd, and Cambridge. On one side of the room the wall bore the legend "Rule Britannia," in fernwork of a most artistic character. Mr R. M'Skimming - occupied the chair, the vice-chair being filled by Mr R. S. Charters. In opening the proceedings, Mr M'Skimming said it gave him the very greatest pleasure to see that the district had kept up its reputation as a supporter of every good object by turning out in such numbers. The present occasion, lie said, was a memorable one — an occasion which would not only be looked back upon with pride by future generations on account of the splendid rush to arms of the noble sons of the Empire in our sturdy Britain "of the South; but also on account of the niagnficently loyal manner in which the colonists as a whole had stood one of the truest tests of patriotism — that of the purge. It had often been remarked, the speaker said, that it was impossible to do two things at once; but the fallacy of thai; statement had been completely exposed by the fact that' the people of the colonies had found time, while waving their hats with one hand, to table a donation with the other. Mr Charters also addressed the audience, and as one of the two local gentlemen appointed by the "War Office in Dunedin ! to represent it in this district,, said that the result of the local committee's appeal for subscriptions had exceeded his expectation, and he had much pleasure in announcing that the sum of £21 9a Gd had been contributed. The speaker said it had been intended at first to expend the money in the purchase of a horse to bo named Patearoa, but as he had received a communication from the secretary of the "War Office to the effect' that cttsh would be most acceptable, it had been decided to fall in" with Mr Duthie's request. After paying a just tribute to the gallantry, of the young, men of the New Zealand contingents, the speaker concluded his remarks by- expressing his gratification at being privileged to address so large- a gathering of loyal subjects of "cur grand old Queen. A large and varied programme of inusi- j cal and other items was attentively listened to by a. dispriminating audience during the evening: The first item was a well-rendered selection by the church choir, after which a capitally-played and most enjoyable instrumental duet was contributed by Miss Irvine (piano) and Miss Chirnside (violin). Mr P. Black then did'full justice to Sullivan's setting of "The absent-minded beggar, and was followed by Miss Whinain, who showed considerable histronic ability in an amusing recitation entitled, "Number 1." The audience was then favoured by Mr F. Murphy with ■" The last muster, ' which he sang in a musicianly manner, ; the next item being a skilfully rendered pianoforte solo by Mrs Charters. Mr Charters followed with, " Steady, boys, steady," which was well received, as was also " Killarney," by Miss- Polly Jenkins. Mr Carvalho (song), Mr O'Dowd ("England will see it through"), Mr Tate (violin selection, 'JChiming bells"), and Mr Mfl/ean (song, " The ship I love") followed, and each received hearty applause. The concluding item of the firsu portion of the programme was " The absent-minded beggar," which Mr M'Skimming recited" in finished style, his vigorous- appeal at the conclusion of the piece resulting in his being subjected to a severe bombardment at close quar- - ters, which helped the funds to the extent of JE2» ss. The second part of the programme was opened by the choir with a harmoniously sung selection, the remaining items being a wellrendered piano and. violin duet by Miss and Mr Herlihy ; " Annie Laurie," sitng in an appropriately "braid" Scotch accent by Mr Braid, an amusing song by Mr Carvalho, a capitally given lecitation by Mr Little John, " Soldiers of the Queen," sung by Mr P. Black in brilliant style i (this singer was not allowed to retire .until he had recognised the tunraltous applause of the audience by singing "The Englishman," which/ he did in capital style) ; a humorous recitation \ ("The Love Letter") by Miss "Whinam, a well received solo by Miss Herlihy, an expressively' given solo by Mr Murphy, a recitation ("Mulga Bill's Bicycle) by Mr Crerar, and warmly received songs by Messrs O'Dowd, Cremens, and M'Lean ("Crossing the bar") — the last-named singer possesses a full-toned, rich voice, that is well worth cultivating. The National Anthem, sung by the company, biought the concert to a close. The concert was followed by a" dance. The sale of tickets for the entertainment reached the sum of £14, which, with some 11s subscribed by the school children; together with some small items and the money collected by Mr Charters, will total close upon £50 sent from this sparsely settled district to the different funds, the sum of 10gs having been sent previously to the Patriotic Fund. The accompaniments during the evening were played by Miss Irvine, Miss E. Black, Mrs Charters, Miss Merlihy, and Miss Q-reer.