CONCERT AND BALL AT GEMMIE’S BUSH.

Western Star, Issue 1389, 14 September 1889, Page 3

CONCERT AND BALL AT GEMMIE’S BUSH.

Those who organised the entertainment in aid of the prize fund of the Gummie’s Bush School, which came off on Wednesday evening, must have been exceedingly gratified at the very large attendance. Mr Hopcroft’* commodious barn, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee, and which had, by the labors of a few enthusiasts, bsen transformed into quite a respectable concert hall—a roomy stage, with tho nsces--8 ry adjuncts, including a curtain to drop at the intervals, had been created, while the audience were accommodated with seats, by boards being placed on well filled sacks of grain—was filled in every part. That the auditory were highly pleased with tho efforts of those who had kindly given their services Was apparent from tho hearty applause that greeted the several items. Mr John Playfair, member of the County Council, occupied the chair, and made a few appropriate introductory remarks before calling on Miss Akhurst to play tho pianoforte overture. “The Battle March of Delhi ’’—the piece selected by Miss Akhurst—was g.ven with fine effect. This lady also played most of the occomnanim*nts in her usual finished sfcvlo. The school oh then sang with wonderful pre ision a glee ia f»-h half of the programme; and the contributions by the little ones wer* much anpreciated. their performance reflecting much credit on Miss McNaughton, who has evidently bestowed great care in their training. Miss McNaughton played the accompaniments to the glees on the harmonium. The other concerted pieces were given by the Thornhury Quartette Party, who favored the audience with “ Brannigan’s Band,” and " M ulligan Guards ”; these were given in character, and were provocative of much hilarity. The party did not pay any great attention to time or metre, but this in no way detracted from the pleasing effect. The first duet, “Over the hill, over the dale.” by the Misses McNaughton proved an acceptable item, and the same might be said of the other duet, “ The Cousins ” which was emtributad by the Misses Meek. The lady soloists were Miss Meek, who gave “ Janet’s Choice”; Miss Johnston, “ Love Not”; and Miss Lizzie Pattison, ‘ Call me back again”; acquitted themselves admirably. The last named young lady, whose first public appearance it was, created a most favorite impression, her song being rendered very sweetly. Two hunting songs—“ The MeyKell Hunt,” Mr Hutchison; and “ John Peel,” given with much spirit by Mr John Stevens —formed pait of the first part of the programme. The other gentlemen singers were Mr R. Instonc, “The Old Flag”; Mr J. Instone, “Clara Nolan’s Ball”; Mr B. Hancock, “ A boys best friend is his mother and Mr W. Hopcroft. jnnr., who was encored for his rendering of “ The Riverton Local Society.” The Misses McDonald, besides playing several of the accompaniments, opened tho second. half of the concert by playing in fine stylo a selection on the piano. Mr Armstrong's reading—a very humorus one—, “Jock Roppeth’s courtship,” was deservedly appreciated. A farce entitled <r The Red Chignon ” in which all tho characters were well sustained, brought tho enter, taimnent to a close. Mr Playfair, before the audience dispersed to allow of the room being cleared for dancing, called on the company, whom he thanked for their attendance, to pass a vote of thanks by acclamation to the performers. This was done right heartily; there was a round of applause given for the chairman, and three cheers for Mr Hopcroft. How well tho hospitable proprietor of tho premises, to whom tho committee owe so much, deserved the compliment can be estimated when we say that his was an “ open house” during the night, all and sundry being regaled with good things prepared by the Miss Hoporofts’ who along with several siistants who had bom pressed into the service were most attentive in looking after the wants of their numerous visitors. The dance which was kept up with spirit to music supplied by Messrs Green and Campbell was attended by 30 couples. Mr Cuff made an efficient M.O.