POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 99, 7 September 1868, Page 2

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.

A meeting of Hie general committee was held at White's Hotel, on Saturday afternoon. Air Ollivier occupied the chair; and the others present were the Revs. Q. Cotterill, C. Fraser, J. 08. Hoare, Messrs H. E. Alport (hon. treasurer), G. 11. "Wilson, J. C. St. Quentin, J. F. M'Cardell (hon. secretary), and 11. P. Croshie. The hon. treasurer reported that the receipts on the previous Tuesday evening amounted to £13 18s sd; and the secretary produced vouchers for the payment of £11 16s lOd, leaving a creditbalance of £2 Is 7d. A detailed statement was submitted, from which it appeared that after deducting all expenses in connection with the series of entertainments, there remained a balance in hand of £35 Is 2d. On the motion of Mr Crosbie, seconded by the Rev. Charles Ifraser, Capt. G. H. Wilson was admitted as a member of the general committee. Mr Alport brought under the notice of the committee the fact that Mr M'Cardell had been put to considerable expense in purchasing music for the entertainments, and although he had done so without the instructions of the sub-committee, he believed Mr M'Cardell could satisfy the meeting that the purchases lie had made were absolutely necessary. In justice to Mr M'Cardell, he must state that he had never spoken to him on the subject ; he only brought it under notice, because he considered it only right that Mr McCardell should be reimbursed. A motion was proposed to this effect, but Mr Me Cardell declined to accept any remuneration. He had been asked to assist at some entertainments at Avonside, and he would most probably require the music, which he would be most happy to lend to the committee next winter. The matter then dropped. The Rev. C. Fraser moved, " That the thanks of the General Committee are due, and are hereby tendered to, Mr Ollivier, the Chairman, and Mr McCardell, secretary, for their labours in conducting the late series of popular entertainments in Christchurch." Carried unanimously. The Chairman, in returning thanka, bore testimony to the services rendered by Mr St Quentin. An effort had been made by Mr St Quentin to establish popular entertainments, and subsequently by Mr Reeves, but the efforts of both gentlemen had fallen through, not through any want of exertion on their part, but because of a delicacy on the part of those who promised to open the series. Finally, Mr McCardell and himself had put their heads together, and they thought it would be a pity that the scheme should not have a fair trial. Accordingly a meeting was held in that room, and he recollected that a good deal of discussion ensued as to whether the entertainments should be held weekly or fortnightly. He was very glad to say that the series had been infinitely more succsssful than the most sanguine anticipated. Whilst thanking the committee for its vote of thanks, he thought they owed a great deal to the public, and he should like it to go forth that the committee were indebted to the public for the uniform good humour that prevailed at the

entertainments. Although he had been sometimes put a little out of temper, still he never received an angry answer, or heard an ill-natured word, or an offensive expression fall from the mouth of any one, from the commencement of the entertainments to the | close. And this was a great thing to say, seeing what a mixture the audiences were composed of. There was all along a desire on the part of the public to display kindness towards one another, and to give accommodation to the greatest number. As for himself, he would be most happy to render his services on any future occasion, under similar circumstances. Mr M'Cardell also returned thanks. The chairman informed the meeting that during the series seven opening addresses had been delivered, — by His Honor Mr Justice Gresson, the Rev C. Fraser, the Very Rev the Dean, the Rev J. W. Habens, Mr William Montgomery, Mr Edward Dobson, the Right Rev. the Bishop of Christchurch, together with a short address from his Honor the Superintendent, and a •concluding address by Mr C. C. Bowen, R.M.; that there had been 25 readings and 23 readers, including a recitation by Mr Crost>ie ; and that 120 instrumentalists and vocalists had rendered their services. Some •discussion took place as to the returning of votes of thanks, and it was decided that no distinction should be made, by the adoption of the following resolution — " That the thanks of the general committee be given to the ladies and gentlemen who have taken part in the musical entertainments." It was moved by the Rev. C. Eraser and unanimously agreed to — " That the thanks of the general committee be given to the Town Hall committee for the liberal terms on which they have afforded the use of the Town Hall during the series of popular entertainments." The Chairman stated that there was a general feeling out of doors that the entertainments should be continued for at least three more evenings. Considerable discussion en«ued on the subject, and ultimately it was decided that, as the public were informed at the commencement, the series would only include seven entertainments, it would not be advisable to continue them any further this season. A motion was agreed to, requesting Mr Ollivier to deliver his lecture in the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening next. It was moved " That the committee adjourn until -called together under the authority of the Chairman;" The motion was agreed to.