MR. R. HAYBITTLE’S BENEFIT CONCERT.

Western Star, Issue 350, 19 May 1880, Page 2

MR. R. HAYBITTLE’S BENEFIT CONCERT.

On Friday evening last a benefit was tendered Mr K.P. Hay bit-tie in recognition of his services us leader of the Riverton Volunteer Band. The performance took place_in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and the musical portion of the programme from first to last was well carried out —in fact, each item was successfully given. Before going into details, it: is due to the recipient to make a few remarks as to the why and wherefore this mark of appreciation was tendered him. Mr Haybitlle is a, musician of long and varied experience, and his advent into the Baud marked:a new era in •ts progress; in conjunction with the talented bandmaster, Mr 8. G. Instone, Mr Haybittle has done good service, the result of the efforts of these two gentlemen being an institution Riverton may well be proud cf, and one too that must necessarily bring money into the town on holiday and other occasions. Mr Hunter’s name may also be me ationed here worthily, he being the pioneer of our Baud, and as such ho will long be remembered. Capt. Hankinson, R.N, gracefully responded to the request to perform the presentation ceremony. and expressed the pleasure he had in doing so. He thought, however, that the Band in asking him to make the presentation had gone on a wrong seent, and that it should have been done by a red and not a blue coat. Nevertheless as a representative of the sister service—the Royal Navy—he was glad to be jf any service. He then presented Hon. Bandmaster Inst one witli the baton, and continued by saying that he knew nothing of what It meant, but he t rusted that it would be found useful in future in keeping the men shoulder to shoulder. So far the Band had done well, and he trusted tha twith tha aid of the baton it would do better.—ln returning thanks, Mr Instone said that during the past twelvemonth he had eiven a good deal of time in connection with tho Band, and he was glad to see. that his exertions had been appreciated. As) an evidence that his services had been apjjf's- - he would prize the baton much, but ho would value it st II more us a mark o^_tli e respect and a proof of the good feeling that existed between himself and the members of the Band. (Applause.) The baton is a most handsome one, gold and silver mounted, and bears the following inscription : —ihouented to Mr S. G. Instone by members of R.R.V. Bund, Riverton, N.Z., May, 1880.” As a mark of respect to Mr Haybittle (who was for some time a member of the Invercargill Band) as many of tho Garrison Baud as could make it convenient to do so came from Invercargill to assist, at tho performance, and their efforts in the “ Death of Nelson ” and “ Willliam Tell ” were alone worth the charges of admission. We do not make the foregoing remark in any ivay to deteriorate the efforts of our own Band, for their rendering of “ London Echoes ” at tho opening of the programme reflected the highest credit upon the conductor, leader, and individual members, unit proved conclusively the Baud’s efficiency.

In part one, two songs closer-re special mention, viz., “ The Guard Ship ” by Mr 0. Bateman, and “ The Rhino \Vino ” by Mr R. R. Haybittle. Both songs had orchestral accompaniments, but it is necessary to draw the attention of the players to the facet that accompaniments should in all cases bo subservient to the voice ; in fact, an orchestra can bo of the greatest assistance to a singer or otherwise just exactly in proportion to 1 lie strength of tho voice, and a proper rendering of the parts to assist, not drown same. On future occasions we would recommend our talented string band to pay more attention to their pianos and fortes'. Tin's same fault was noticeable during tho rendering of archest rid accompaniments in tho second portion of ( he programme—a defect easily remedied by practice and attention. Miss Hogg’s rendering of “Far Away” brought out prominently the great improvement lately noticeable in this lady’s style and execution, and she received a most enthusiastic recall. “Tho Noble filth," a song descriptive of tho ill-fated men at lou-

land a at, tho coi'imoncemcnt of the Zulu war —somewhat, after tho stjlo.of the “ Y atc;h on the Rhino” imcl other Kindred martial songs —was spiritedly given hy Mr J. B. Hunter and tho encore he received was well earned, Mr Woodward’s rendering of that inspiriting composition 11 A Freshening Breeze was good, but its effect was slightly marred by want of sympathy with the singer on the part of the orchestra—apparently caused by want of rehearsal. “ Our Sailors on the Sea,” by Mr A. Daniel, was one of that gentleman’s happiest efforts. The cornet duet by Messrs Siddall and M'Killop was well rendered, the music “ Mira O’ Norma” losing nothing of its beauty at the hauls of the players. Of com so Mr Siddall’s cornet solo, ‘‘l have’’ nae Love but ane ” was simply splendid, and the acctmpanying answer from the Garrison Band behind "the scenes greatly enhanced the effect. A voiciferous repetition was demanded and complied with. The selections by the Riverton String Band, under the conductorchip of Mr S. G. Instone, and the leadership of Mr Black, were a success, and when Riverton is once possessed of a double-bass fiddle, we have no hesitation in saying that for genuine playing our local musicians will bo able to hold their own against all amateur comers. We must not forget to mention “ Brannigan’s Band” as given by Messrs 1 !. Black,Bateman and Steele; the demand by the audience fora repetition was complied - with. Mrs Irwins Golden Days ” was not up to that lady’s usual high standard of excellence, the effects of a severe cold being apparent, but we can assure Mrs Irwin it is always a pleasure to hear her sing at any of our concerts. The entertainment conclude I with tho farce of “ Jofliu’s Latch Key,” tho characters being filled respectively by I Messrs 6. W. Broderick, S. 8. Myers, with the two Master Young’s ns lady amateurs. The house was well filled with. an. appreciative audience, tho majority of whom dispersed apparently Well pleased with the bill of fare which had’beeu provided them