SERVICE OF SONG.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XV, Issue 833, 8 April 1882, Page 3

SERVICE OF SONG.

The service of song " Christie's Old Organ," held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, on behalf of the Congregational Church funds, may be pronounced quite a success. There "was a very fair attendance on the occasion, the front seats being well filled. The service of song in question is a very interesting one, and the connective parts were read by the Rev. Mr Jenner, who had so re-arranged it as to permit of the introduction of a number of sacred and other vocal pieces. This is certainly a novelty in the way of services of song, but in this instance it may be considered a decided improvement on the original service. The choir (although supplemented by several amateurs) was not ao large as we have seen it on previous occasions on behalf of the same Church, but they were evidently up to their work, and considering the somewhat limited strength of the Company, performed the concerted pieces in a very creditable manner. Mr Woods, in his usual firstclass style, gave " Oh ! Happy be thy Dreams," and contributed a pleasant break to the programme in a duet (violiu and piano), with Mrs Woods. Dr Macearthy in his duet with Miss Horan, "I saw from the Beach," and solo "The Heart bowed down," proved himself quite equal to the occasion, and "The Summer's Song" by Miss Brunton was well rendered. This young lady alao took several solos allotted to " a lady " on the programme, either as solos or in company with one or two other ladies, as also " The Lost chord," intended for Mr Downes, who was not present. Mr Capes' "Resignation" was also a very pleasing item. The programme having been completed, Mr J. C. Brown, on behalf of the congregation, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the choir, and the amateurs who had lent their valuable assistance. The Rev. Mr Jenner, in putting the motion to the meeting, stated the object of the entertainment — the liquidation of the debt on his residence. He referred -to the fact that as the members of other Churches assisted them to pay off their debts, so they in turn would be ready to give their assistance for a similar object. The motion was carried by acclamation, and the National Anthem having been rendered as a solo by Dr Maccarthy, with a chorus, the audience separated. Considerable credit is due to Miss Horan for her rendition of the accompaniments, an also to Mm Brunton for conducting the musical portion, and the Rev. Mr Jenner for his reading of the connective parts of the service.