AMUSEMENTS. THE HAYMAKERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 10625, 28 May 1896, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS. THE HAYMAKERS.

The Wesleyan choir, assisted by friends, gave Root's cantata " The Haymakers " in the_ Alexandra Hall on Wednesday night in aid of the Recreation Ground funds. The choir have been practising the cantata for some time with the intention of producing it in public in aid of the choir funds, but they generously changed their intention and decided to give the first performance for the Recreation Grounds. There was not however a very good response to the appeal on behalf of the Grounds fumps, as the audience on Thursday night was somewhat limited in numbers. However those who did attend enjoyed a musical treat, thß cantata going with a swing from start to finish. The principal parts were taken as folio ws : — Mary. Miss Yates (soprano); Anna, Miss B. Drew (alto); Jane, Miss James (alto); farmer, Mr Andrews (baritone); William, Mr Reed (tenor); John, -Mr Bain (bass); dairymaid, Miss M. Collis. Mrs Shorney was allotted the last-named part, but owing to iudisposition the lady could not attend. Miss Yates saDg her numbers in excellent fashion, particularly " The birds have sought the forest glade," and " There's none so brave as Willie." Miss Drew acquitted hersolf woll, and for the song, " Scenes of happiness, I love ye, ' the lady had to respond to an imperative encore. Miss James must also bo complimented on her singiug. This lady shared the honors of an encore with Mr Reed in the duet, ''Lo ! the clouds are breaking." Mr Andrews, as the farmer, had plenty to do, but he acquitted himself woll, giving the many recitatives with good effect. The tenor soloist, Mr Reed, did all that was required of him. Mr Ba''i made a most favor.ible impression) and for the song "New creaks the heavy waggon" he had to respond to a hearty lecall. The part of the dairymaid was taken by Miss M. Collis, and this young lady had tho honor of scoring tho first encore of the evening, having to respond for her singing of " A dairymaid am I." The choruses were given with capital effect, the chorus and echo, " Light-hearted are wej and free from caro," being Very pleasingly rendered, the echo effects behind the stage being admirably managed. Mr E. N. L. Okey atcted ns conduccor, Miss Batten'was pianist, Mr Whitaker organist, ami .Mr A. L. (Jooko led an efficient o:e!it.£>lra. Tho full orchestra was as follows :- Messrs Cooke and Arnold, and j Miss Williams (violins), Messrs Williams and Sturmey basses), S. Marks (flute), Master Williams (clarionet). The choir have been asked to repeat the cantata, and will do so on Monday next.