SAILORS' REST CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2886, 10 December 1898, Page 3

SAILORS' REST CONCERT.

— ■-+ — • — The concert given m the Assembly Rooms last evening m aid of the funds of the Sailors' Rest, proved a great attraction, as the hall was very nearly as full as it would hold, and it is seldom that it has contained bo many people when there was anything to pay for admission. The programme was cleverly devised to secure this desirable result, and that of course is the first aim of every programme for charitable objects. By including performances by children, the parents were certainly secured as patrons and supporters. The juvenile items probably helped not a little to attract other people also, as these were shown by the hearty applause accorded them to be highly appreciated. There was plenty of variety m the musical bill of fare, and the whole entertainment proved enjoyable, and what is of nermanent value, the financial results were gratifying to the managers of the Sailors<' Rest. One drawback to the thorough enjoyment of the audience was the oppressiveness of the atmosphere m an imperfectly ventilated hall on a calm and sultry night. The concert was really opened out of* doors by the Protestant Baud, which played a few selections m the street opposite the hall to a numerous body of listeners. Indoors the performance was opened by six members of the Orchestral Society, who played an agreable overture, and also similarly commenced the second hnlf of the programme, which was wisely continued without any interval.. Miss Avison then brought on the stage the first of a number of detachments of children, who took turns at intervals m dozens and Bixteens, boys and girls alternately, m performing various kindergarten exercises m the form of drills and "physical exercises," the girls with wands, fans, scarves and rings ; the boys with wands, floral boxes and toy guns. All these exercises were heartily applauded, those of the boys resembling the exercises of the volunteers, particularly so. The youngsters went through their items very well indeed ; and supplied a feature of liveliness to the evening's entertainment. Solos were sung by Mr J. Holdgate, Miss Gardner, Mr J. R. Montgomery (of Geraldine), Mrs Smithson, Mrs J. Holdgate, and a duet by Mr and Mrs Holdgate, each being warmly applauded. The majority heard Mr Montgomery for the first time and were much pleased with his two old-sea-dog songs. The Espagnia Band — three mandolins, two guitars, and 'cello—contributed a pretty item, for which an encore was demanded. Last but n«t least four ladies, Miss Kent, Mrs Jones, and Misses Mayne and Gabitea, wound up the concert with a song and chorus from 11 Geisha," m costume, which was highly appreciated, and a red-fire finale Teflected the warmth of the satisfaction that the audience evidently felt at the entertainment which they had heard and witnessed.