POPULAR CONCERT AT TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3625, 24 August 1901, Page 3

POPULAR CONCERT AT TEMUKA.

On Thursday night a concert, under the auspices of the Temuka Orchestral Society, was given in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, when there was a fairly large and very appreciative audience. The programme was varied in character, and served to introduce several new performers to a Temuka audience, and to further please them by the reappearance of several favourites who have not been heard this winter. The orchestral band, Mr J. F. Kearsley (Ist violin and conductor), Masters B. and F. Coira (2nd violin), E. Kissel (cornet), E. Whitehead (euphonium), W. Jeffries (piccolo), and F. J. Heatley (piano), opened the concert with an overture, "The Cottar's Saturday Night," which was capitally played. . In the second part the orchestra, strengthened by the Pearse Bros, (two violins and 'cello), played a charming selection, entitled " Majestical," with equal success. Mr F. J. Heatley, the first soloist to appear, was suffering from a cold, but gave a spirited rendering of that capital song, " The Admiral's Broom," for which which he was applauded. Mrs Polaschek, who invariably receives a warm greeting whenever she sings, was successful with " Killarney," and in response to a recall, contributed a lively popular ballad with equal success. In the second part she sang " The Old Countree," and was again recalled. . Mr E. Bissel's cornet solo, " Le Reve D'Amour," was an admirable performance. Mr G. W. Eiby, of Timaru, sang with much taste "Sunshine Above," and had to repeat the last verse. Later in the evening he sang " Leonore," which was redemanded. Miss Lissack, a clever little girl, who should have a good stage future before her, sang "Won't You Come to My Tea Party," the chorus of which was sung by four other children, who were all prettily attired. It was a pleasing performance, and had to be repeated. Miss McGuinness, of Timaru, gave a fine rendering of " Doreen," and kindly repeated the last verse, in response to a very enthusiastic reception. Mr P. McCaskill's song, " Enniscorthy," was encored, and another amusing Irish song substituted. Mr B. B. Macdonald contributed, in the course of the evening, twn recitations, telling the story of " Pardon. Son of Reprieve," and "How the Ace beat the Quiver." The exciting incidents of two racing events were brought out very crraphically. Mr D. J. Macdonald, of Timaru, made a very favourable impression, his singing of a difficult song. "Asleep in the Deep," being much admired. He sang a stirring war song ir response to an encore. Mrs Bambridge. whose sweet voice and cultivated musicnl taste make her appearance on the stage a very welcome one, sang Gounod's " Sere-

nade" artistically, and she further pleased the audience with another pretty number. Mr Percy James, a professional performer, who has lent the society no little assistance, contributed some very amusing songs. "The Giddy Little Polka," "She Changed Her Mind," and " For Thee, Dear Love, for Thee." His performances were greeted with roars of laughter, and in the second song, Miss Lissack, who was capitally " got up" as a rather hard-looking middle-aged woman,, burlesqued his singing in a most amusing way. Mr Kearsiey and Miss L. Gaffaney gave a brilliaiit pianoforte selection from " Chilperic," and Mr Lynch danced an Irish hornpipe excellently. Mr J. F. Kearslsy acted as accompanist in a finished manner. The society is to be congratulated upon submitting an entertainment of more tnan average merit, and should earn a well deserved popularity. The proceeds of the concert are to be devoted to the building fund of St. Joseph's Convent at Temuka. Mr Jeffries, who acted as stage manager, is to be credited with most praiseworthy efforts in making the arrangements therewith.