Concert and Ball.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 42, 20 June 1890, Page 2

Concert and Ball.

The concert and ball in aid of the funds of the Picton Hospital came off at. Cullensville on 'Wednesday night; Your humble servant, along with over twenty Havelock residents started in Mr Geo. Smith's boat, which had been kindly placed at. the disposal of those wishing to go at four o'clock on "Wednesday afternoon, and a very jolly time we had of it. Unfortunately, however, westarted a little late, and-when we got to where the breast-work ought to be we could not find it. We ran on to something what we supposed to be that structure but what the Captain said was a stake. The man on the look-out had gone to sleep, and we had run too far before we could reverse the engines, the tide, however, lifted us off, and we proceeded on our way directed by a bright star which the steersman said would take :u8 to a place called the " Rocks," but we had not proceeded far before we ran aground, and then it began to be whispered that there must be a Jonah on board. All eyes were at first directed to a man lately from the South Pole, but it was found that we had a man on board who, many years ago, had thrown a kitten overboard, and even to this day some of the more superstitious sailors assert that the mewing of that poor is still heard when passing the point where it wa3 cruelly cast into the deep. Fortunately, however, the boat floated off before the man in question was sent to keep the little kitten company, and we arrived at the place indicated in the chart where we might land in safety. ; After walking a short distance we found two traps in waiting, into which the ladies got, but most of the gentlemen walked, your representative included, and, led by a friend who knew the* road, or, rather, the place where the road ought to be, we arrived at our destination. We found Cullensville all animation, and were told that about seventy people had arrived from Blenheim and Picton. After refreshing the innerman at Oliver's Grand National we proceeded to the Theatre Royal, where the

CONCERT was being held. The building was filled to overflowing, and many could not gain admittance. The concert itself was most enjoyable, and far exceeded our anticipations. In fact, those who assisted showed great telent and training in the various items rendered, and when all did so well it is not necessary to particularize any. Mr Mills stepped on the platform, and said the; Hon, Sec, Mr Collins, and the other members of the Committee 1 who had made such complete arrangements for their amusement had requested him to say a few words. He, believed they had all met, there tonight for a most worthy object, which was to assist the funds of an institution that provided relief for those who most needed our help. The largeflattendance was most gratifying to those, who had come so far to assist the entertainment, and it showed practical sympathy with' the movement, which could not be over-estimated, and whatever might be the net financial results, they would have the pleasure of knowing it would secure ,- v a subsidy of 24s ia the & from Government.'

He would not detain them any longer. The programme opened with Pianoforte selections, Miss G. Harris; song, " They all love Jack," M^rJP : Arnold Hawkins; song, " Barrin' oy our Door," Mr T. Galloway; double clog dance, Messrs -McKinley and E. Mason; song, "No, Sir," Mrs Galloway"; comic song, "Bald-headed Swell," Mr Gus. Mathieson; song, ' "Jessie, the Flower o' Dumblane," Mr.. OwenMcKenna; comic duet, " Lend my Mother a Saucepan," Masters Litchfield; pipe selections, Mr McKay; song, "Gallants of England," Mr H. 0. Seymour; comic song, " It's another colour Now," Mr G. Storry ;, duet,.«? Oh, wert thou in the cold blast?" Mrs McNab and Miss Speed. During an interval of ten minutes selections were rendered by. the Blenheim Garrison Band. Second part: Pianoforte selections, Miss G. Harris; song, " Cam' ye by Athol ?" Mr Owen McKenna; song, "At the Ferry," Mrs Arthur . Litchfield; comic song, "The good young man who Died," Mr G. Storry; song, "John Grumblw," Mr T. Galloway; song, "Sailing," Mr W. Arnold Hawkins; Sailors' Hornpipe, Mr McKay; comic duet, " Johnny stopped the Donkey/' Masters Litchfield; stump speech (by request); Mr Gus Mathieson.

MrC.'H. Mills, as a member of the Hospital Board, came forward and thanked those who had. so kindly assisted in making the whole affair a success. He said that nothing succeeded like success, and success on the present occasion was due to the able and energetic manner in which those who, had,made the arrangements to hold a concert and ball, and to Mr Fisk for running his steamers free of charge, to Mr Smith, who had also run a free boat from Havelock, to Mr Darville, for, the free use of his coaches, and last, but by no means the least, to those who had kindly come forward to assist at the entertainment. He concluded by asking the audience to. accord a hearty vote of thanks to those who had been the means of the success which had been attained on that occasion in aid of. a most deserving institution—namely, the Picton Hospital. This was responded to by loud cheers and other. manifestations of good feeling. Those who had taken part in the concert came on to the stage and sang "Auld Lang Syne." The Hall was then cleared for

THE,BALL,

which was attended by about fifty couples, and dancing was kept iip till four o'clock in the morning for the excellent music of the Blenheim Garrison Band and the piano, which was presided over by Mr Vannini, the refreshments being provided by Mr Oliver at the Grand National Hotel. In conclusion we can only say that it would be impossible to conceive that a greater success could have been obtained, and great credit is due to all concerned. Mrs Oliver was unremitting in her attention to the large number of lady visitors, and: a hearty welcome was accorded to all visitors by the Committee of Management. We believe the funds of the Picton Hospital will be benefitted to the extent of over £2O. The great result attained is due to the fact of the generous sympathy pervading the whole community towards suffering humanity, and:we can only hope this feeling will be ever on the increase, and the social enjoyment.of mixing one with another as was the case on Wednesday night will more often take place to the mutual advantage of all.