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Star (Christchurch), Issue 150, 4 November 1868, Page 3

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traits, the English above all other nations require complete relaxation. There wa3 very little room afforded for laughter in their daily pursuits, and to laugh was a necessary part of one's existence, throwing aside for a time their ordinary vocations and giving rein to rational amusement. The inhabitants of the Heathcote district had spent two very pleasant evenings together in that room, and he hoped when another winter set in they would be able to avail themselves of a great many more. (Applause.) The first item on the programme was the part song " Harvest Time," and it was sung in a manner promising a great improvement in the vocal pieces as compared with former efforts. This was fully borne out during the evening, and as a whole that part of the programme was exceptionally good. Mr C Turner read a lively negro piece, " Billy Waters," with great effect, but a little more discrimination in selecting kis subject would have insured him more applause. " 'Tis the witching hour of Love " succeeded, the solo, being sweetly rendered by Mr Thompson, and the chorus also effectively given. Mr Lean, with a selection from " Sam Slick " greatly amused the audience, his style being in happy consonance with the piece, and his assum: tion of the peculiar dialect most sucscessful. " Lurley," from the Orpheus glees, was next Bung, and certainly deserves the term «* gem of the evening." It is from a German legend of peculiar interest, and the chairman preceded its singing by reading a portion of the legend necessary to a proper understanding of the glee. This was pleasingly given, and the difficult music also being rendered with taste and expression, fully earned the preference we give it. The applause of the audi nee was freely bestowed. Mr J. D. Bamford read" viary Queen of Scots," in a very pleasing manner, and if the readings had been more diversified by the introduction of this style of composition, it would have been preferable to the great similarity which characterised those given. Mr Appleby, by his correct rendering of " Her Bright Smile Haunts me Still," earned the encore awarded him, and the humourous strain in which iir Ensor read " The New Year," was scarcely less deserving of similar recognition. The part-song " Dream the Dream," was effectively sung, and the amusing style of Mr Walter Kennaway in the reading, " Look at the v lock," caused considerable laughter. The trio - Gipsies Tent," waa worthy ur second place in the vocal pieces,, and deservedly applauded. The solos were sweetly sung by v-iss Davis and Messrs Appleby and X, Davis A reading "Mr Beampole," by Mr Ford, terminated the programme. The National Anthem succeeded, and the Rev G. J. Cholmondely closed the proceedings with a brief address. After touching upon the entertainments, he moved a vote of thanks to Messrs Palmer and Co., who at great inconvenience had lent their room on each, occasion. He considered special acknowledgment was due to them, Ind he would further add similar votes to the hairman, and the ladies and gentlemen who ad so ably contributed to the general amuseaent. Mr •• opkins briefly seconded the iroposal, which was carried by acclamation^ nd the audience dispersed with a feeling of egret at the termination of the series.