MASTERTON LADIES' MUSICAL CLUB.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8014, 9 December 1904, Page 5

MASTERTON LADIES' MUSICAL CLUB.

Last Night's Concert.

The Tenth Concert given by the Masterton Ladies' Musical Club took place in the Town Hall last night, and like its predecessors, proved most successful. Although the audience was not so numerous as could have been desired, there was nevertheless a good upstairs house, and judging by the hearty applause which followed the efforts of each performer, each and every number must have been thoroughly appreciated.

The Cantata "Mary Stuart" (Gustav Ernest), which occupied the first part of the programme, was very well rendered, the chorus work especially reflecting the highest credit on the ladies taking part, and more particularly on the conductor (Mr P. W. G. McLcod). The soloists were Mrs Rawson and the Misses McGregor and Barclay, all of whom acquitted themselves in a particularly capable manner. The soprano solo, "Hope Whispers Still," by Mrs Rawson, as Queen Mary, was very beautifully given. Mrs Raw3on also sang, " Oh, Could I Wing My Weary Flight," the high notes being especially sweet. Miss Barclay's full rich voice was heard to advantage in her contralto solo, " Thy Prayer is Heard." That and the following chorus, " Thou Shalt be Free," both had very effective accompaniments. Miss Cameron, who was allotted two of the solos, was unable to appear through having caught a severe cold, her place being creditably filled at a few minutes' notice, by Miss McGregor. A duet, " Beloved Queen," by Mesdames Rawson and Bunny, and a trio " Let Faith and " Hope" (without accompaniment) by Mesdames Rawson (soprano), Kummer (mezzo soprano) and Bunny (alto) were both very well rendered, and elicited hearty applause.

The second part of the programme was opened by Mr Hunn, who sang in his best style " 0, Ho, Hear the Wild Winds Blow" (Mattei), and, in response to an imperative recall, favoured the audience with a first-class rendition of " The Franklin's Maid." Mrs Rawson fairly captivated her audience with her ' rendering of " Alia Stella Confidante " (Robaucli), with violin and 'cello obligato by Messrs Reihana Boyes and H. Iritis respectively, and had to submit to an encore by repeating the last verse. This item was a genuine musical treat. Messrs Jago and Rathbone sang a duet, " The Moon Hath Raised" (Benedict) most acceptably, their voices blending very sweetly Miss Barclay well earned the hearty applause accorded to her rendering of " Idle Words" (Stephen Adams), the audience not being satisiied until the last verse had been repeated, Mr Fendall also had to repeat the last verse of "Love's Proving" (Lohr), which he sang in capital style, being in particularly good voice. The concert was brought to a close by the Club singing very nicely the part song " Good Night " (Leslie), the solos being taken by Misses McGregor and Barclay.

Mrs A. N. Burns, the Club's pianiste, assisted by Miss Peterson, deserve recognition for their valuable services; also Miss "Wolff, the enthusiastic hon. secretary, who had all arrangements most complete, and materially assisted to make the concert the undoubted success it proved to be. " A most enjoyable concert " was the unanimous verdict of the whole audience, who expressed their pleasure and appreciation at times in a demonstrative manner that must have been exceedingly gratifying to those in recognition of whose eiforts the several spontaneous tributes were so liberally bestowed.

It may be added, and most truthfully and deservedly, that last night's concert demonstrated beyond question that the Club has undoubtedly made progress in a marked degree since its last appearance in public, on which all concerned may be congratulated, A fair shave of the credit achieved is justly due to the conductor,. Mr F. W. Gγ. McLeod, who spared no pains in bringing about the very satisfactory consummation which has to be recorded. Half the nett proceeds are to be devoted to the Park Beautifying Fund.

Au efficient orchestra assisted materially to enhance the general excellence of the evening's entertainment provided.

The piano was kindly lent by Messrs McLeod and Young, of " The Academy."