HASTINGS (TAPU CREEK).

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 2188, 2 November 1875, Page 3

HASTINGS (TAPU CREEK).

(fbom oub own coebespondbnt.)

' October 30. § Last' Thursday evening, in the public hall at Hastings, a grand entertainment was given, consisting of songs, recitations, and readings. Miss Murray presided at the harmonium, and Mr Stephens playing the violin. The performance began.by. Miss Murray singing "Napoleon'sfarewell to Josephine," which was distinctly enunciated, . exquisitely ' rendered, and warmly applauded.. Captain Hawkes made his debut by flinging "'The Belle of the Mohawk Vale," and his exit was indescribably characteristic, of the man. Mr Stephens gave an excellently performed violin solo, and Mr Jacobs two recitations, which were well received. Mr _ E. Hawkes sang a new local song, entitled "/The Eemoval of the Public Hall," which was loudly encored....Miss Davison gave " Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still," which was nicely rendered, and encored. Miss Murray then sang a humorous song called " The Bashful Lover," after which "The Vacant Chair." Under the leadership of Miss Murray, about 40 of Mr Murray's school children sang a number of songs in a most creditable manner, which reflects the'greatesfc credit upon themselves and their instructress.. After an interval.of 10 minutes, Miss Murray and Mr Stephens played an overture . from the Opera of "Lucretiaßorgia," which.was tastefully rendered, and. rapturously applauded. Miss Murray then sang " The Cuckoo's Notes," Mr Canty following by the negro melody " I Laid her in the Tomb." Master John Gillies, one of the school children, aged 14, gave, a reading entitled " The fortunate kiss," which was well read, and warmly appreciated. Mr Murdock then gave a new local song also on " The Eemoval of the Public Hall." This gentleman appears to hnve lost none of his old talent for writing local songs, as the demonstrations ho received abundantly testified. He also sang in true comic style " Barney Finnegan," which greatly, tickled the; risibles of. the audience. Mr Jacobs gave a couple of recitations, and Miss Davison followed by singing " Acushla Machreo" and " The Captain with the Whiskers." Miss Murray' then sang " House, Brothers, Bouse," in excellent taste. After the school children bad sung " Annie Lyle," " Bing the Bell, Watchman," and " Gentle Annie," ■ the musical part of the performance was brought to a close by singing the. National Anthem. The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up with spirit until daybreak., in mining matters, I may mention that 8 tons from the Twelfth of July realised 4ozs 13dwts retorted gold. Crushing for the Bullion commenced on Thursday, and. the show of amalgam upon the plates appears to be improving daily.