PAEROA

Observer, Volume 5, Issue 112, 4 November 1882, Page 122

PAEROA

This place is keeping up its reputation for musical ability, and tliis time for a very good 'cause, viz., in aid of the Church of England Harmonium. Fund. The local musical society very graciously gave their best assistance, as also did* some Thames friends. Commencing with the soiree, which began at half -past six, our eye first caught the tasteful and pretty decorations of the hall and. the large amount of very beautiful flowers on the tea-tables, and also in the decorations. The way in which the tables were placed reflected great credit upon those gentlemen who undertook that arduqus task, for they gave one the idea of professional ability having been at -work instead of its being the maiden attempt of the above. Of the tea and tables no fault can be found ; but it was rather disappointing to the ladies that so few, came to the tea. Soirees ai'e getting top old, and. really very few care for them, preferring to have their evening meal in their own sanctums than in public. However, after the tables were cleared away and the place gofc ready, for the concert, the people literally poured in, and the crowded .house indeed gave great satisfaction. .The Eev. Mr Calder wa3 called to the chair, and filled it in a very able manner, as far as the duties of chairmanship were concerned, for the chair itself was too big for him ; but im very humourous remarks caused great amusement. The programme was well executed. The overtures were "La Dame Blanche," by the harmonium and violin, for Part I.; and a pretty selection from " Mnritana," by same instruments, assisted by the flute, opened the second part. The P.M.S. rendered their four pieces very creditably, viz., "The Forester," "Star of the Summer' Night," "O'er the Ice," and "Home, Sweet Home." Of the solos, the gem was rendered by Miss Probert — " The Arab's Farewell to his Steed," and for the encoi'e she well received, she gave " Far Away." Mrs Law deserves special mention for the pretty song, "Call Mo Darling j Once Again," the chorus was taken up by three gentlemen. Mr Steward's " The Tar's Farewell" [was also . deservedly encored. "The Eose of I Allandale " was nicely sung- by Mr Sillcox. Of Ithe duetts, the /.first to be mentioned must be I" Very Suspicious," by Mr and Miss Steward; Bfor, notwithstanding it was the lady's first attempt, the execution was as perfect sis could be ■wished, and the encore was a very hearty one. ■The " Larboard Watch " was sung well, but not lo well as anticipated. But the brillaint execuBion of the trio, "Dame Durden," by Messrs. B^hodes, Salmond, and Silleox made yip for all Rleficiencies, and the vpciferous encore was well finerited. The same gentlemen gave a pretty trio, g Love, Truth, arid Hope," in Park I. The Huintotte, ," Banish O. Maiden," wa3 a real gem, Hindered as it- was by Mrs Bagnall, Misses Stewftd and Probert, and Messrs. Gilder and Steward B§i a vei'y pleasing manner, and received an Hicore. .The violin solo by Mr Dewars.was very Hretty. Special mention should bo made of -oue Hr Mendelssohn's gems, "Breathe 'Not of Parting, 1 ' Spidered as a trio by the organ, violin, and Jlufce ; Wme of the flute variations being taken by a piccolo raws indeed very pretty, and elicited well merited HHplause. The usual votes of thanks were carried SSfch acclamation, and the National Anthem was |Hprtily sung. -

-Mrs Langfcrj essayed her first breeches parfc iosalind.