Concert at Bangiora,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5094, 13 September 1894, Page 2

Concert at Bangiora,

On Wednesday evening a moat enjoyable entertainment was given at the Baugiora Institute Hall, in aid of the Becreation Grouni Improvement Fund. The entertainment was due to the kindness of Mrs M'Ewen, of Christchurob, who organised it, obtain iog the assistance of a number of well-known city musicians, and the lady'a generosity was rewarded by a good house. Mr J. Sansom (Mayor) presided. Miss Kobinson opened the programme with a pianoforte boo, played with much taste. Mr F. B. Woodhouse, who was well received, sang "Douglas Gordon " (Kelly), and in the second part "Plymouth Sound" (Jude), in artißtic style, and in each case was recalled. Mr W. J. Bowley contributed two flute solos, the first be : ng a selection of operatio airs, which he gave with faultless execution. He also contributed two humorous songs very effectively. On her first appearance here Miss Leach created a very favourable impression, giving " The Wood-nymph's Call" (Williams) and " Adieu, Marie" (Adams), the latter Buiting her pure soprano voice excellently. Each number was redemanded. The Bey A. Mitchell, whose reputation bad preceded him, made his first appearance in Bangiora. In "The Deathless Army " (Trolere) his powerful bass voice, which Le manages with great skill, was heard to advantage, and in response to an encore gave an impressive descriptive song. In the second part he contributed Weiss' "The Tillage Blacksmith," and, being recalled, sang "The Diver" (Loder), the latter with much feeling. Mrs* M'Ewen; who was greeted with loud applause, was in splendid voice. She sang Piccolomini's " Whisper and I Shall Hear" very sweetly, and was encored. The favourite sir, "Scenes that are Brightest," was given with great expression, and as an encore the lady gave "Killarney." On behalf of the Athletic Association, the Mayor presented Mrs M'Ewen with an exceedingly handsome bouquet before she retired from the platform. Mr Winter A. Hall recited G. B. Siras's two poems, "The Life Boat," and "The Signal Box," and in each ca;e had to respond to an enoore. The pianoforte accompaniments were played by Misseß Kobinson and Bowley with much taste. Before the National Anthem was sung, on the motion of the Mayor a vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs M'Ewen and party in a most enthusiastic manner for the great musical treat they had given. He also announced that the financial results of the entertainment were very gratifying.