Concert and Ball at Featherston.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2090, 8 July 1887, Page 2

Concert and Ball at Featherston.

One of the most valued institutions of Featherston, namely, the Town Band, arranged a concert and ball, and tbe same took plaoe at tbe Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday night. The committee very pluckily carried out their programme with undoubted snooess, although the weather was simply wretched, as a heavy raio fell during tbe whole of tbs evening ; notwithstanding this drawback a number of the residents of tbs district vena tured from their houses sod were treated to a really excellent entertainment. Mr i G Cox undertook tbe duties of President, and apologised for the absence of Mr B C Black and Miss Bowler, both of whom were uuavoida ably absent. Tbe first item on tbe programme was s selection by tbe Band, and tbe Band waa considerably re inforced by the members of tbe Carterton Band, and tbs ball rang with tbe strains of capital music as every performer was without doubt a musician. Next came Mr Stevenson who sang in his rich tenor voice " Carrisimt; " this evoked great applause. Mr Speakman, tbs local comic, who infuses much characteristic life into these entertainments, mat with big reception in bis successful rendering of | " Mickey Booney’a Band ; ” be was called , back. The next item was a cornet duet by | Messrs fiirrel and Sparks, and this was a I masterpiece of instrumental music. Then oame Mias looker, who is in tbe front rank ' among tbe lady rooaiists of the Wairarapa, and she sang in exquisite voice “ Sing I Birdie Sing,” and any singing bird would certainly pause in its oarollery to listen to tbe I entrancing voice of this lady ; she, of oonrss, met with an ovation. Mr Stevenson then oame next with “ True till Death," and this certain Ij was the song that must have especially been adapted for Mr Stevenson's voice, as, without any attempt at flattering, it was sung to perfection. Mrs John Hoddet, a scion of a musical family, sustained tbe prestige of tbe same by her rendition of' Tbe Dear Little Shamrock.” Mr Crawley, a dark horse, came forward and with the ability of a professional (which be most be) electrified tbe audience with e comic song “ Medicine Jack,” and alter a short interval the Band again filled the hall with a lull volume of stirring rqusio. Toeker delighted the audience with ■' List to the Convent Belle.” Mr Crawley sang “ Net for Me laid William.” Mr Stevenaoa again favoured tbe company with good selection, and then Mr Speakman made matters lively with “ Mi Flennagan,” and was vociferously encored, Miss Hoddet again oame forward with a taking song, Mr Stevenson sang " Come Back to Brin ” with much pathos, and Miss Tooker ts .appeared with “ Boses all the Way,” and the encore song was " Thy Voice is Near Me,” and tbe audience were evidently of opinion that Mias looker's voice was one thst to be near would be always pleasant and enjoyable. The next item was a remarkably clever and rapidly rendered stump speech by Mr Crawley, and for misconstruction and misapplication of words Mr Crawley’s speech should be reeummended to one or two of our contemporary newspapers in tbe Wairarapa. A selection by tbe Band concluded a moat enjoyable entertertainment, accompanied' by a heavy pattering of rain on the roof of the building. Mr J. U. Parker and Mias Oakly played the piano accompaniments with great skill and ability and all that took part were equal to tbe occasion. After the concert the room was cleared for a dance, and about SO couples thoroughly enjoyed'themselves to the excel lent music of Messrs J. H. Parker until abon( 1 o’clock in the morning. Tbe Carterton bandsmen desarae much commendation for their pluok in travelling so far to assist their friends and under such adverse circumstances as regards weather.