Soiree and Concert at Warkworth.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 57, 18 January 1890, Page 3

Soiree and Concert at Warkworth.

The annual soiree and concert of the Presbyterian Church was held in the Masonic Hall last Tuesday, and in point of attendance was a financial success. The tables were presided over by the Misses McKinney, Southgate, Taylor, Bugg and others, who supplied many delicacies in the way of strawberries, ices, etc. After the viands had been disposed of, the concert commenced about 9 p.m. with a pianoforte piece, played excellently by Mrs Eaynor. Dr. Cardan's " Sweet Genevieve" was the next item, the chorus being taken up with precision, and was loudly applauded. Miss Somerville was not so happy in her rendition of "At the Ferry" as usual, the song not suiting her voice. Miss Southgate's " Love's Golden Dream" was very sweetly sung, eliciting loud applause. Mr Grant sang " Anchored" and " Wrecked and Saved" very well, being loudly applauded. If this gentleman's voice was cultivated, he would be one of the leading amateurs ; but a certain amount of harshness militates against him to a great extent. The next item was Mr Walker's " Sally in Our Alley," but the rendering was so imperfect, one would not have known what he was essaying were it not for the old ballad being so well known. Miss Krippner's attempt at vpcalism in the song, " Grandfather's Darling," was very mediocre. Dr. Carolan sang, " The Gallants of England," but the song was too heavy for him, consequently justice was not done to this popular air. Miss Horsley played nearly all the accompaniments •excellently. After one or two more items were disposed of, Mr Dibble proposed a vote of thanks to all w,ho had assisted, remarking on the excellency of the local talent. Whether this was a ■little sarcasm on Mr Dibble's part, I cannot say, 'but from & musical point of view the concert was anything but a success.. The National Anthem terminated the Church's part of the programme, when an -impromptu dance was got up and kept going xintil .2 ajm.— (Correspondent.)

Colonel Sargood's Picnic at Tamaki.

A very enjoyable excursion took place at Tamaki on Saturday afternoon last. At midday about 150 ladies and gentlemen (who were principally composed of the employed of his establishment, with their relatives and friends), in response to the Colonel's invitation, assembled on board the steamer Britannia, and the weather proving all that could be desired, the trip was a very pleasant one. Mr Hunter's band had been engaged, and some charming music was discoursed at intervals on board and throughout the day. Mr Canning, the well-known confectioner of Queen-street, catered for the oscasion, and the refreshments, served in true picnic fashion beneath the trees, were of the choicest kind, and gave entire satisfaction to all present. After the repast, a programme of sports had been arranged, with the following results : —

100 Yards (juniors of departments), 18 entries : W. Patterson, 1 ; T. Kitching, 2 ; T. Gordon, 3. Throwing the Cricket Ball, 16 entries: W. Taylor, 1 ; W. Seabrooke, 2 ; T.Gordon, 3. Blindfolded Race, 80yds, 13 entries : A. McCornish, W. 100 Yards (seniors of departments), 9 entries: Geo. Eise, 1; W. Taylor, 2; W. Chapman, 3. Ladies' Eace, 50yds, 7 competitors : Miss M. Eyder, 1 ; Miss Johnson, 2. Obstacle Bace, 15 entries : T. Gordon, 1 ; W. Airey, 2 ; W. Garlick, 3. Children's Race, 7 entries: Master Jeffries. Tug of War (Married versus Single) : The latter proved victorious. Manx Eace, 16 entries: T. Gordon 1; W. Seabrook, 2. Bandsmen's Race : Drum, W. Brinsden, 1 ; Bass, G. Rout, 2 ; Cornet, W. Green, 3. Starter and Handicapper, Mr Dexter ; Judge, Mr H. Sargood, junior. All entries were free.

On the return journey a concert, under the direction of Mr Hookey, took place on deck, varied by some pleasant dances to the music of the band. During the afternoon, the following verses, by A. W. Hurry, printed on white silk, edged with crimson, were presented to the colonel, and were suitably acknowledged : —

A glorious day ! Blue skies o'erhead, And fragrant breezes pure and sweet ; We meet where Nature's charms outspread, In summer glories fair to greet.

We meet to-day in glad accord On genial mirth and pleasure bent ; While business cares may be ignored, In view of rustic merriment.

Pleasant should be our trip from town, Made bright with strains of music gay, Beneath the auspice of renown That favours one and all to-day.

With fitting" pride and true intent We recognise a pleasing claim, In thinking of distinctions blent In Colonel Sargood's honoured name,

And though we cannot all achieve Success and wordly affluence here ; Yet each in Duty's paths may leave Behind us much that men revere.

We wish him health anri every bliss, And blessing temporal and divine, That seems in promise sweet with this Fair opening year to smile benign.

Alike with those endeared to him By sacred ties of kinship sweet ; We wish them in otir true esteem . A self-same source of bliss complete,

And as these wishes we express, We feel they tend (and time confers A grace and aptness) none the leas To our respected managers.

So lot us welcome this event, Enhanced by Beauty's smiles to-day, A a fraught with import and moment To live enshrined 'neath memory's sway,

We notice that the well-known establishment of G. Campbell, tailor, of Queen-street, has undergone considerable alterations. The steadily increasing trade of Mr Campbell has induced him to do this in order to meet the convenience of his customers ; his work-room having received great attention at the hands of the carpenters, adding all the modern improvements necessary for trade. This business has been established for the last twenty-five years, and Mr Campbell has always had the reputation of turning out a first-class article, at a moderate price, from his well- assorted stock.

**A

—Lady Hamilton, wife of the Governor of Tasmania, has her name paraded in print as " Her Excellency."

Madame Arabella Goddard, who at one time was so famous aa a pianist, is in failing health, and a testimonial subscription is being got up on her behalf by the Royal Society of Musicians, in London.

— " The Victorian wine bar at the New Zealand Exhibition," says a newspaper correspondent, " is very successful, the takings being £30 a week; this, however, can't continue." This reads like a nasty insinuation that the wine will kill off the customers.

— "R. B. Holt, of Ban!;: of New Zealand fame, \"V<- Australia a fortnight ago, to seek fortune anew in other lo > U It was originally Holt's intention to <■"<"' Mi sines* in Svcln-y and try to overcoißfj <' ■■ ■■■v.a, but ha r. cf'y-jc -1 no little enwouragoui •■•t. from his erstwhile friends — many of whom he put on the road to fortune— that he abandoned the idea. His wife, the gallant and steadfast woman to whose persistent pleading he owed his release, went with him. Holt attributed all his misfortunes to having too many friends.

"Mistress Mary." Of all the girls that are so smart, There's none like Mrs Mary ; In everything 1 she takes a part, And always so contrary !

What'er the natnre of the case She happens to engage on, It is a case the men won't face, Like acts about contagion.

There is no lady in the land Knows half so much as Mary — The ansrel of a Herald band, A trumpet-sounding Fairy !