POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 140, 23 October 1868, Page 3

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.

The second of a series of entertainments in aid of the Sunday Schools fund of the (Jeathcote Parish was given last night, and attained even a larger measure of success than the first. A large store, owned by Messrs Palmer and Co, ntar the wharf, and most suitable for such re- unions, was placed at the disposal of the committee, and was crowded with parishoners and visitors from Cliristchureh. Mr W. Montgomery presided, and in opening the proceedings expressed the pleasure it gave him to occupy the chair on such an occasion, and in n dis'rict with which he had been so long and closely connected. He noticed that two, if not more, of the gentlemen announced to take part in the entertainment had been instrumental in organising similar ones in Cliristchureh, and their aid was very valuable on such occasions. Thefr old friend Mr Reeves hid come down to assist, shewing thereby his kind remembrance of thedistrict in which he hadonceresided,and Mr Ollivier, who at the Heathcote or anywhere else could always be relied upon for contributingto publ c amusement (Applause) h.id also readily come forward with bis quota. Of the merits of such entertainments as that about to be given, there could be no doubt, and they deserved the unqualified support of all. They were a pleasing anil attractive means for bringing together peoplu for instruction, and for enabling them to pass a pleasant hour or two, by which they were certain to beconi!; better acquainted and more united in feeling and furpose. (Applause.) Hedilnot intend to detain them with a long address, as he did not think it a proper thing on such occasions, and would give way to the more amusing portion of the programme. The entertainment wai opened by the solo "Some Folks Do" by Mr F. Pavitt, with a chorus of twelve voices. It was remarkably well sung, and although wanting to a certain extent in the expression necessary to make it effective, was very successful, meeting with loud applause. Mr W. Reeves followed with a reading of two chapters from the " Ramsgate Lifeboat," entitled " h'aved at Last." The trio " Sea Flowers " was next sung, and flatteringly acknowledged by the audience. Mr Ollivier then re-id " How I lost my whiskers " in his peculiarly happy and humorous strain. None of the many amusing points which abound in the piece were wanting in effect, and it literally brought down the house, roars of laughter and applause alternating with little cessation through the whole reading. Mr Walter Ollivier followed with the solo " Ju-mita," and succeeded in creating a very favourable impression of his abilities. The solo and chorus " Gentle Nettie Moore" succeeded, Mr F. Thompson rendering the former. It is a piece scarcely suitable to his voice, and some nervousness was displayed, but the general success was still such as deserved the applause it received. A. song by a Christchurch gentleman was to have been the next item on the programme, but in his absence the solo and chorus " King the Bell," was given; Mr H. Davis sustained the first part, but it was scarcely so well rendered as at the previous entertainment. The Uev G. J. Cholmondeley then read a chapter on " Faultfinding," by Mrs H. Beecher Stowe, and although somewhat lengthy for such entertainments, it was attentively listenei to and favourably acknowledged. A concerted

piece, " The Boating Song," concluded the programme. It was sung without accompanit ment, and that probably accounted for the somewhat indifferent time observed, more especially in the first verse. The Chairman, in conclud'ug the proceedings, gave notice that a lecture will be given on music by Mr J. B. Stansell in the course of next week, with the intention of establishing a singing class in the district, on the Tonic Sol Fa system. The National Anthem was sung, and the audience sep 'rated, highly gratified with the evening's entertainment The next of the series will, we understand, take place on Tuesday week. Mr D. L. Mundy's views of scenery on the West Coast Koad will be exhibited.