THE "MORE MEN" FUND.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9942, 19 January 1900, Page 2

THE "MORE MEN" FUND.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT IN THE DEILL HALL. TENDERED BY MEMBEBS OF THE COSMOPOLITAN CLUB. Such an animated scene as that presented in the Drill Hall last evening has not been previously witnessed in Wanganui: The elements of success were everywhere apparent. There was an enthusiastic and crowded audience, many bning unable to gain admittance so great was the crush; the building was handsomely decorated emblematic of the occasion; there was a first-class programme, tho items being for the moßt part of a patriotic nature; those present not only thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but entered most heartily into the enjoyment of the hour; whilst last, but not least, thosfi responsible for the carrying out of the project had tho gratification of knowing that, at very short notice, the fnndß had been considerably ,augmented by their praiseworthy efforts. The Garrison Band, with characteristic good nature, gave ample proof of their sympathy by not only performing somo fine selections previous to commencing proceedings, but also played a spirited martial overture, and otherwise lent most valuable oid, for which thanks aro due to individual members and their conductor, Mr James Crichton. The same sympathetic Bpirit pervaded the members of the Wanganui Guards, tho corps beiug thoroughly represented, and in this connection many were pleased to see once again the nayal artillery uniforms well to tho front, it being generally expressed that it was a pity the disbandment of such a fine corps had been allowed. The stage presented a pretty sight, especially when the patriotic items were being contributed, and the tableau forming the concluding item, was most effective. Of the ladies who took their share in tho programme mention may be made of the songs contributed by Miss Griffiths, the vocal duet by the Misses Pawson and Delves, tho harp solo by Miss Hatherly, and the violin duet by the Misses Bringozu—. each number being evidently most acceptable. Amongst the gentlemen, the lion's share of the vocalisation fell to the lot of Mr R. Blennerhassett, who cannot be too highly complimented on his all-round singing of the various patriotic numbers entrusted to him, and the audience would not be satisfied until he had complied with vigorously demanded encores. Mr Dav:es' fine resonant voice was heard to advantage in that inspiriting song "Sons of the Empire," Mr Hatherly gave a good interpretation of "The peathleßß Army," Mr Robin Hay deserved his recall for his singing of the ever popular "Ited, White, and Blue," and hp also scored with Mr J. K. Manning in tho always acceptable duet "Tho Army and Navy," whilst Mr Cribb was happy in his song "The Death of Nelson," Mr Soler gave a pretty mandolin solo, Mr F. do J. Robin did full justice to •'The Englishman," Master Stewart gave an admirable sword danco to pipo music supplied by Pipe-Major M'Tavish, and Mr Mowtell sang for the first time in public the locally composed song "Our Colonial Boys." That stirring and appropriately selected recitation, "The Absent-minded Beggar,l' was splendidly given by Mr Waters, to the accompaniment oi a fusilade of coins "to help the home that Tommy's left behind him," Amongst those who played the accompaniments were Messrs J. K. Manning, C, W. Naylor, and F. Sparks. During an interval his Worship ' tho Mayor, as chairman of the "More Men" Fund, took occasion to thank the audience for their attendance, and the members of the Cosmopolitan Club for having inaugurated and carried to so successful and practical an issue the entertainment, one and all had so evidently enjoyed. Mr Hatrick gaye & brief outjine as to

the inception of the movement to 89tab« "t." t. lish the fund, mentioning that it now totalled over .£IOOO, that there was a fur» ,- ther sum of i! 700 required, and he felt \ sure that the public of Wanganui would ;. rise to the occasion, and, aB usual, give practical support where such was required. Mr George Spriggens (president of the Cosmopolitan Chib) tendered on behalf of the institution sincere thanks to all who had contributed, and in referring to anonymous writers in the Press, stated that if anyone of them would have the courage to disclose his name he (Mr Spriggens) would give i! 100 out of his own pocket towards the fund. It was. satisfactory to know, he said, that the concert had been so enjoyable and bo financially successful, the "result, being that altogether the Club expected to hand over to tho Mayor a sum of not IcbsC than .£IOO, and probably more. These* remarks were received with applause, '- after which Mr Hatrick stated thero was " a generally expressed wish that the conceit should be repeated, and there was every likelihood that it would he. The committee met later on, and it was unanimously decided that it should be repeated as desired on tho evening of Anniveisary Day (next Monday), and details in connection with the compilation of the programme aro now in progress.