Social Gatherings.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2898, 22 September 1900, Page 1

Social Gatherings.

The annual concert in aid of the funds of the Washdyke school was held in the schoolroom last evening. There was a good attendance, the night being a pleasant one as regards weather. Mr Harris, chairman of the School Committee, occupied the chair. An excellent programme had been prepared, most of the performers coming from Timaru. A pianoforte duet by Mrs Harris and Mr Mueller opened the proceedings, and was followed by songs and recitations. Mr Galder sang “ The Lads in Navy Blue,” ‘‘England will See it Through," and several others in response to encores, the military vein running through them all. Mr Rice sang “ They all Love Jack ” and “ The Deathless Army ”in first-class style. The comic element was supplied by Mr E. Crawford, who kept the audience in roars of laughter. Miss Arscott was very successful with her tasteful rendering of “ Love’s Old Sweet Song,” and “ The Last Muster,” Miss Mathieson contributed a couple of solos “ The Toilers ” and “ Because I Love Thee,” fully earning the hearty applause with which her efforts were rewarded. Miss Howe gave a humorous recitation “ My First and Last Appearance," showing a good deal of elocutionary merit. The scholars under Mr Mueller, headmaster, sang two choruses very nicely, giving evidence of careful training and preparation. The school also boasts a young soloist, Master E. Lapthorne, who sang “ When the Empire Culls ” with great spirit for such a young patriot. Mrs Harris and Mr Gabites played the accompaniments, giving every satisfaction to the singers and audience. The proceedings were wound up with a dance, the music being supplied by Mr Cooper on the violin, and various ladies and gentlemen assisted with extras on the piano, Mr Morgan acting efficiently as M.C.

The concert promoted by the Kingsdown Literary Society, for the benefit of a resident of the district, took place' in the school on Thursday night. The building was full, both rooms having been thrown into one. A large stage tastefully decorated with bracken, cabbage trees, and flax, occupied one end. The President of the society, Mr R. Stewart, filled the chair. Mr H. G. Ellis acted as musical director, and Miss Wood played the accompaniments. The entertainment opened with an overture by Miss S. Dynes (piano) and the Misses Wood (violin and viola). On the curtains being drawn, Mr Ellis gave a spirited rendering of the New-Zealand Anthem, the choir of nearly 30 joining in the chorus. During the evening these also gave several glees, etc. The soloists were Miss Wood (“ Hearts and Homes ”) and Mr R. N. N. Hawkes (“ The Gallants of England ”). As an encore Mr Hawkes sang “The Longshore Man.” The first part of the programme was brought to a close by several of the members giving the principal scenes from Goldsmith’s comedy, “ She Stoops to Conquer.” Considering the character of the play, the several performers acquitted themselves very creditably, and kept the audience amused with their droll experiences. The leading, characters, Mr and Mrs Hardcastle, were taken by Mr Hawkes and Mrs Stewart, and “ Tony ” was represented by Mr George Ellis. The second part opened with a pretty gipsy scene as a tableau. The effect was very picturesque, as the gipsies in their brightly coloured costumes grouped under the foliage. During the tableau Mrs Ellis, who arranged the tableau, sang “A Gipsy’s Life for Me ” in excellent style.

The Premier Novelty Company (all Timaru amateurs) gave a most enjoyable entertainment at Pleasant Point on Thursday night. Every item was a success, "and the large attendance fully appreciated the company’s efforts. The Piccadilly Band paraded the streets before the concert commenced. The orchestra at the concert composed Messrs H. Smith and J. Kane (violins) and Goodall (piano). The programme was as follows Opening chorus, “ Climb Up,” the company; “Tom and I’ll go too,” Mr M. Curtain; “Her own boy, Jack,” Mr M. Whelan; “ Some day I’ll wander back again,” Mr M. Cane; “ Billy’s Bream,” Mr J. Ousted ; “Carry me back to Old Virginy,” Mr J. O’Connor; “ Old Oak Cabin in the Dell,” Mr A. Cane; “Up dar in the Sky,” Mr W. Quirk; “ From the Cradle to the Grave,” Mr M. O’Mara; “ Massa in the Cold Ground,” Mr R. O’Connor; “Hot Time in the Old Town,” Mr M. Mahoney; feats of strengthvby “Professor Kruger,” from Cow Flat; songs, “ While you Wait” and “Jack Crawford,” Mr Quirk; Irish jig, Mr M. Mara; stump speech, “The Liquor Question,” Mr J. Gustoff; song, “The Bowery,” Mr Curtain; exhibition of club swinging, Mr E. Venning. The whole concluded with the popular mili- 1 tary sketch, “The New Zealand Rough Riders,” assisted by Mr Mahoney with “When the Empire Calls.” At -the close of the concert Mr Bore provided an excellent supper for the company.

The Geraldine Morris Tube Club’s social on Thursday night in the Volunteer Hall, passed off with great success. There' were over 60 couples present, and a most enjoyable dance was held. The hall was very tastefully decorated with flags, red-white-and-blue paper chains, ferns and evergreens, and was lighted by means of acetylene gas, so that it had quite a gay .appearance. The stage, as usual at functions of this kind, was used as a cardroom, and the supper-room was nicely laid out near the front of the hall. The music was supplied by Messrs J. Burke and Schwartz, and Mr J. Kennedy made an efficient M.C. During the night songs were rendered by Colour-Sergeant Gresham, and Mr Cuthbert gave a violin solo, which was highly appreciated, the accompaniment being played by Mr Schwartz. Home of the Volunteers were present in uniform. About 11 p.m. the presentation of prizes came on, when Mrs J. W. Pye handed out the trophies won by members of the club during the. season and the, trophies won in the ladies match. The prize-list is as follows:—Ladies Match—Miss McLean, Ist, silver cruet, presented by the club; Miss Wells, 2nd, silver butter-dish, presented by Lance-Corporal McLean. Club Matches—Captain McKenzie, Mr J. Mcllroy’s trophy, silver sugar tongs ; Sergeant If. Pye, Captain McKenzie’s trophy, pair field-glasses; Private Scroggie, Lieutenant Montgomery’s trophy, silver butterknife ; Corporal Bennington, Mrs Me McLean’s trophy, clock ; Sergeant H. Pye. Patterson and Barr’s trophy, set razors; Corporal Bennim r, "n, Sergeant Pye’s trophy, rifleman’s kit; Private Riordan, J. Beniamin and Co.’s trophy, silver bntfer cooler; Private McCaskey, Lieutenant Tasker’s trophy, silver-mounted pipe; Private Riordan,* Private Maslin’s trophy, sack wheat; Sergeant H. Pye was also presented with £1 and the Government badge for signalling. The catering at the social was done in first-class style by Mr G. Bryant, and the decorations, etc., were the work of Colour-Sergeant. Gresham, Sergeant Pye, Corporals Bennington and Schwartz, and Privates Turner, Hughes, Riordan and Joe. Sanders and Sons’ Eucalypti Extract.— (Advt.) •,