Messrs Watkin Mills an d Party

Southland Times, Issue 19655, 5 September 1905, Page 2

Messrs Watkin Mills an d Party

I'llo eminent English basso, Mr Watkin Mills, and the musicians accompanying him on his present concert tour, arrived by yesterday’s Melbourne steamer. Taking advantage of a spare night, the Orphans Club extended to the gentlemen of the party a hearty- invitation to be present at their ordinary meeting. The invitation was accepted, and the Orphans had the pleasure of entertaining- Messrs Watkin Mills, Wilde, Parlovitz, and Jones. Mr T. M, Macdonald, president of the Club, was unfortunately absent through pressurO of Supreme Court work. On behalf of the Club, Mr 11. J. Gilmour extended to Mr Watkin Mills anil his confreres a hearty we. Lome, a sentiment which was echoed in the cheers of tho Orphans, who were present in unusual strength. Mr Gilmour remarked that on the occasion of his last visit some of tho Orphans had been privileged to meet Mr Watkin Mills and Mr Parlovitz, and to bid them farewell on the conclusion of their New Zealand tour. On this occasion Mr Mills and his associates were opening their tour of the :olony in Invercargill, and it was the pleasant privilege of the town to extend warm greetngs to them, fresh from their successes in AiiHti'alia.. It was farther the particular privilege of the Orphans Club to entertain them on the evening- of their arrival. He felt sure that the tour which would open on tho following evening would be a success from every point ol view, and that the people irt Invercargill would not bo behind those ot any. other town in showing their appreciation of good music, and in giving Mr Watkin Mills a tangibil? expression of their grateful recollections of his former visit. Tlie chairman’s remarks were frequently applauded. Briefly acknowledging the lompliment, Mr Mills expressed the pleasure he and the other gentlemen of his company felt at being present with tlie Orphans, and at 'again touching the shores of New Zealand- They opened their tour ot tho colony with confidence. They had been much gratified by tlie receptions accorded •them in Australia, and he could say again, as he had said before, that musiclovers as the people of Australia, were, the people of New Zealand were,'in his opinion, even more appreciative of music. lie could say with confidence Hint his company was a good one, and naturally they hoped to have large and he thought lie was justified in saying that they hoped to satisfy even the highest expectations of their listeners. Mr Jones also spoke.

A very excellent programme hail been prepared, and the enjoyment of the evening was enhanced by the items of the visitors. Messrs Watkin Mills and Wilde sang magnificently the duet they have made famous—Sargent’s “ Watchman, What of the Night *?” Messrs Mills and Wilde also contributed solos, while Mr Parlovitz played a pianoforte solo. When the party took their leave the Orphans rose and sang “ For they are jolly good fellows,” with genuine warmth and fervour of sentiment. As a foretaste of the musical treat in store for the people of the town, it was the great privilege of the members of the Orphans Club to enjoy the music of the gentlemen of Mr Mills’ party.

The booking assures a crowded audience for the first New Zealand concert," and Bluff patrons will appreciate the courtesy of the traffic department in delaying tlie goods train to-night till 10.45, when carriages for the accommodation of the Portites will be added to the train-