HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10739, 2 September 1913, Page 6

HALCOMBE.

From Our Own Correspondent. The event of the week was the concert given by the Marfcon Juction Band in the Foresters’ Hall on Wednesday last, and which was much appreciated by all of us. It is not often that we have the pleasure of hearing music which tends to wake us from our melodious (?) slumbers and remind us that “music hath charms” almost equal to the attractions of euchre tournaments, and we feel indebted to Conductor Sharpe and his fellow bandsmen for. reminding us of the fact and affording us a most enjoyable musical evening This band has much improved since I last heard it, and I and others were agreeably surprised at the progress made by its members during the past two years. The credit for this is, no doubt, due to the ability of Director Sharpe, and the-never-say-die spirit of his intelligent musical comrades. Every item of their instrumental programme met with a gratifying reception The contributions were as follow Overture “Norma,” by the Band; duet “Ida and Dot,” Bandsmen Sharpe and White; song, Rev. Daniels; selection “Sydney by Night,” Band (This splendid arrangement is composed of old melodies that are familiar to, and touch the heart, of everybody). Bass solo “Cyclops,” Bandsman T. Barton; bass quartette “Remembrance,” Bandsmen Sharpe, White, Waterworth and Bridge. Song, Mr Conch; euphonium solo, “Robin Adair, ” Bandsman Bridge. Grand'selection“La Gitana,” from The Band. March “Cheerful Chums,” by the Band, concluded an excellent arrangement of attractive and vocal items, for which Mr John Morrison, speaking on behalf of those present, cordially thanked the contributors, and Mr Sharpe on behalf of his Band suitably acknowledged the well-deserved compliment. Mrs James Morrison accompanied the singers and Mr Burcham performed the duties of Drum-Major or chairman. After supper dancing was enjoyed to the music of the Band. Judging by the hundred and odd present in the hall on Friday night our euchre tournaments are increasing in popularity. Never has such a game obtained such a grip upon the people of this town and district. Stairway, Tokorangi and Kakariki were strongly represented. Old and young were alike excited and the continuous buzzing of comments and conversation would have been disconcerting to those who are accustomed to deliberately play their cards before the fire with pipe and glass as needful accessories. There is a glorious uncertainty inseparable from these contests that attracts. The best players do not necessarily win, and the run of luck of partners and of cards adds much to the general interest of the game, hut I think that the social side of these meetings is that which most attracts the crowd and which is most bene-, llcial to4he participants in the game.' The successful competitors on Friday were Mrs Cole, who won a silver jewel case, and Mr Franklin, who won the trophy he had presented for competition—a set of safety razors—and he at once placed it in the hands of the Club for further competition. The booby prizes—the presentation of which alwajs creates a lot of fun —were won by Miss G. McLennan and Mr E. James. Mr O. Banks, the secretary of our Tenuis Club, in aid of which institution these card contests are being run, is away “relieving” at Taihape, but it is hoped that he will be hack in time to help with the arrangements for the Club’s Plain and Fancy Dress Bail, which takes place on the 12th inst., and for which I’m told much dress-selection and dress-making is now occupying the attention of members of both 'sexes. Referring to the Auckland Musical and Elocutionary Competitions, which take place on 24th November, the “Triad” says that one feature of the Festival of particular interest is the meeting of the Feiiding Choir with the Grafton Road Choir, and that this alone should make this item one of the biggest “draws” of the competitions. It is understood, however, that several other choirs will make a big bid for the premiership, and it is quite on the cards that the championship will be very difficult to win. Those who remem-, her tiie last contest between Grafton and Feiiding Choirs and the comments of outside judges upon the award- will sympathise with the Feiiding singers and hope that they will have an unquestioned “fair run for their money,” and that the best combination will win. I have to thank Editor Baeyertz for directing my attention to , the “International Whittaker,” which he’says “at half-a-crown is the most amazingly complete brief book of reference in the world.” The critical Baeyertz put tl;» little volume to a series of various tests, and it came triumphantly out of every one. If you want to make hasty reference to any point touching the politics or government of the world, Whittaker is trustworthy. The book is absolutely up-to-date and fastidiously accurate, and e w ery man who reads the newspapers regularly and likes to read with intelligence should make haste to get a copy of it. Your old and regular readers who are happy when gathering the golden fruit from the tree of knowledgewill, no doubt, be grateful for this ‘ ‘straight tip. ” Here are two or three reported incidents in connection with thewre k of the Devon that appeal tome: — The schoolmaster masters the ’difficult task of securing the life line from the grip of the surging surf. Mr Beters walks the perilous plank that spans fhe boiling cauldron. Quartermaster Johnson. — the first man to test the safety of the shore line—brings with him two halfdrowned kittens. The next man to land is wet, but happy, in the possession of the mother of those kittens. Shake hands boys—(you must be young)—l’m proud of you “ I know an old man who, when young like you and impulsive, took on a big risk to save another kitten from the flood that had covered his camp, and it’s|pleasant for me to know that there are more of nis soft sort in the world.