LYTTELTON POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 109, 18 September 1868, Page 3

LYTTELTON POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.

—_ 4. The Colonists' Hall, last night, was again crowded to hear these readings, and we must say that, taken as a whole, it was by far the best of the series. The readings were not too long, and were most agreeably interspersed with music, both vocal and instrumental. Captain Gibson, Vice President, occupied the chair, and gave the opening address ; he said, I do not intend, ladies and gentlemen, to trespass long on your patience, nevertheless, as one of the principal promoters of these entertainments, the first series of which will be brought to a close this day fortnight, I would crave your indulgence for permission to make a few remarks. No one can be more conscious than myself of the little hitches and short-comings that have occurred, arising in many instances, doubtless, from want of better management. But there have been mny difficulties to contend with behind the scenes and unknown to you. And here I would bear testimony to the untiring energy with which my colleague, Mr Carder, has worked to overcome them, and but for whose zeal, and the timely assistance of some of my lady friends, utter failure must have ensued; so far from this, I consider this course of readings a great success, and the audience present this evening proves that they are still appreciated. I think, however, that the management of these amusements should not in future be left in the hands of one or two individuals, but be directed under the supervision of a -ommittee of at least five members. I think, also, if the subject of the readings were placed before the public previous to the entertainment, there might be more diversity of style to suit the various tastes. Children may never grow tired of sweets, whereas grown-up people would doubtless appreciate ! a little more solid reading, judiciously intermingled with the humorous. Might I suggest, as a preparation for next Winter's Amusements, that the twilight hours of the summer months be devoted by husbands reading aloud to the wives ; brothers to their sisters, or cousins if they prefer it. (Loud laughter.) Owing to unavoidable circumstances, namely the nomination of the officers of the Colonists' Society for the ensuing year, the concluding entertainment will not take place next week, but in a fortnight hence. The performance commenced with a glee, " The Fairies," which was very nicely sung. Mr Alexander Lean read a chapter from " Sam Slick," and caused by his excellent delivery great laughter. He was very heartily applauded. Mr C. Coombs gave a solo on the cornet, and was accompanied on the piano by Mr ZincgrafE. At the termination, he was vociferously encored, but to this he did not respond. Captain Gibson next gave a reading in capital style. A song and chorus by Mr Plimmer " Oh gently breathe," followed ; this was very nicely sung. The Rev J. D. Ferguson gave a reading from " Mansie Waugh," entitled " The Town Councillor of Jedburgh dining with a Lord." This reading was most excellently given, and well merited the long and loud applause it received. The duett " I know a Bank," was very sweetly sung by Miss Ward and Mrs Gibson, and was well ap-

plauded. Mr Grange read, with great feeling and taste, a selection from the " May Queen," and received a hearty round of applause. A solo on the violin, by Carl Biinz, accompanied by Mr Zincgraff, followed. This gentleman, who is an excellent performer, received a hearty encore. Mr W. B. Jones read a chapter from "Mr Joseph Sprouts, and his opinions on the beautiful." Mr Jones, as usual, greatly amused the audience. The glee " Hail Smiling Morn ;" and a reading by Mr F. E. Wright, " The Dead Drummer,", brought the entertainment to a close. Mrs Ellisdon kindly presided at the piano, and accompanied the singers. Mr McKay, on behalf of the audience, returned thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted. Mr Plimaier on behalf of the ladies responded. The National Anthem was then sung.