MARIST BROS. CONCERT CO.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 277, 2 January 1914, Page 2

MARIST BROS. CONCERT CO.

The visit of the popular members of the above company to Te Awamutu was greeted last night with a splendid audience at the Town Hall. A splendid programme was rendered, and every item was well received. The concert was opened by a rousing chorus entitled “Soldiers’ Chorus” from Faust, which at once put the company and audience on good terms. The song [«] “Until” and [&] “ Answer” given by Mr S. H. Exton, was warmly received. Mr L. O’Mally recited the wellknown monologue. “The Game of Life.” Mr J. Lonergan, who is possessed of a powerful bass voice, was well received, and his rendering of ‘Off to Philadelphia’ greatly pleased the audience, and he was recalled. “The Croppy Boy ” was perhaps MrF. Bourke’s best item, his enunciation and expression being good. The song “Take a pair of sparkling Eyes” was pleasingly rendered by Mr C. Dod. Mr S. Pritchard’s voice was well suited to the song “ Come, Sing to me ” for which he had to respond to an encore : the recitation “Shiel’s reply to Lyndhurst” was well given by Mr E. Casey. A comic recitation, “ The Tramp’s Story,” by Mr A. Togue kept the audience well amused, and in reply to an encore he recited “ The Soldier’s Story,” which was equally well received. The first portion of the concert concluded with a duet by Messrs Exton and Pritchard. The second part included a musical sketch entitled “The Benighted Travellers,” the scene representing the interior of the “ Dewdrop Inn,” in which all the members of the company were present, Mr A. Togue taking • the part of the landlord. The opening chorus, “ Landlord, Fill the Flowing Bowl,” was splendidly given. “ A Happy New Year” (Mr Togue) and “ A Toast to Erin ” (Mr Pritchard) were two good items, the company assisting with the choruses. “The Groom’s Story,” as told by Mr E. Casey, was the cause of a deal of merriment. Mr L. O’Malley was successful in the rollicking song, “Here we are again.” A pleasing item was the chorus, “Down by that Ribber,” the soloist being Mr Exton. “ Follow the Footprints in the Snow” was nicely sung by Mr W. Hendry, while Mr Bourke was well received in the song “The Little Biown Cot.” “The Wearing of the Green” and “In Cellar Cool ” were two items given by Mr J. Lonergan, and needless to say, they were greatly appreciated. A quartette' entitled “ Come Back ” was well rendered by members, as was also the song “That’s what the Rose Said to Me.” sung by Mr A. Lennon. The concert closed with the singing of “God Save the King.” . The Rev. Father Lynch thanked those present for their attendance, and also for the manner in which they had appreciated the efforts of “ the boys,” who at some inconvenience had been able to visit Te Awamutu. It was with difficulty that some of the members had been able to obtain leave,' but he considered the manner in which their efforts had been appreciated that evening was very gratifying, and he hoped Te Awamutu would again be honoured with a visit.

Mr P. J. Clarke, musical director of the company, said he was pleased that their efforts had been appreciated. They had practically had no rehearsals, as it was not known till the last moment whether it was possible for them to make the trip. He hoped they wo,uld overlook any mistakes that had occurred. They were only too-willing to help towards raising funds for the Catholic presbytery, as they all had the greatest respect for ' Father Lynch. At the conclusion of the concert a most enjoyable dance was held, at which there was a large number present. Mr P. J. Clarke supplied the dance music! Mr Clarke also played the accompaniments during the concert. Practically the same programme as. that given atTe Awamutu was presented to a fair and appreciative audience at the Town Hall, Kihikihi, on Wednesday evening (New Year’s Eve). The various items were well received, and encores were numerous.

To-night the company appear at Ohaupo, where no doubt they will receive a good reception, which they undoubtedly deserve. During their stay inTe Awamutu the members of the company have been the guests of Mr J. Jackson, of the Te Awamutu Hotel.