CONCERT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3160, 24 September 1892, Page 2

CONCERT AT CAMBRIDGE.

<) The annual concert in aid of the Cambiidge Library was held in the Public Hall, on Wednesday evening and was well attended ; but, as is usually the case when there is a special sale held on the same day, the larrikin element was present in force, and by their bad behaviour greatly marred the enjoyment of those who wished to listen to tlio performance. Constable, Cavanagh felt compelled to " empty out" one or two cf those who had evidently imbibed intoxicants to excess, and it is a pity he did not extend his sphere of operations and eject a few of the "howlers," who interfered with the comfort of the majority. To the credit of Cambridge, be it said, the greater portion of the disturbers were strangers ; but because we mention this fact, it must not be implied that the town cannot furnish a fair share of those who think that when they have paid their " bob " they have a right to make as much noise as they please at entertainments. However, on this occasion they left the business pretty much in the hands of the visitors. There were several alterations in the programme. The following is a list of the items given :— " Turkish Cavalry March," orchestra; song, "Sunshine and Rain," Miss Rimmer ; song, "The Gallants of England," Mr H. Durham ; song, " Mrna," Miss W. Walker ; song, " I Seek for Thee in Every Flower," Mr T. Prince ; violin solo, " Blue Belts of Scotland," Mr T. H. White; song, "Daddy," Mrs C. Hunter; song, "Never More," Mius Rimmer; song, "Vanished," Mr O. Garland ; comic song, "The Harmonic Club," Mr Dalston. Interval. Valse, "Les Nymphs," orchestra ; song, " Dear Heart," Miss Rimmer; song, "Tell Her I Love Her So," Mr T. Prince ; scng, " The Flight of Ages," Miss Walker: song, "The Light Brigade," Mr H. Durham; violin solo, "The Last Rose of Summer," Mr T. H, White; song, " When the Lights Are Low," Mrs C. Hunter; character duet, "Darby and Joan," Mr and Mrs 0. Garland ; song, " White Wings," Miss Rimmer. The National Anthem was then played, and the hall was prepared for the dance. Miss Rimmer sang splendidly, and of course was loudly applauded. This lady is a groat favourite with the Cambridge people, and her pure mezzo soprano voice and clear articulation always pleases them. Then again, through the several visits Miss Rimmer has paid Cambridge, many of the inhabitants have become personally acquainted with her, and they all esteem her for her personal qualities. She not only contributed four items, but also responded to an encore by singing " The Swanee River." MrsChas. Hunter sang " Daddy " in a manner that commanded an undeniable encore, and she repeated the last verse. We never heard Mrs Hunter to better advantage. Miss Walker sang "Mona" very nicely, and was much applauded. Her second effort was greatly marred by nervourness. In the charaetei duet " Darby and Joan," Mrs 0. Garland rilled the role of Joan to perfection. This lady does not often sing in public, but whenever she does she always quits hersolf_ well. She possesses a pure contralto voice of great power, and is always true as regards tune and time. Her enunciation likewise is also very good. When Sullivan's "Darby and Joan" is taken as a duet, there is very little for Darby to sing, so Miss Wilson—who played the accompaniment—wrote out a solo for D.irby, which Mr Garland sang betweeen the second and third verses of the song, in which, and also in his solo "Vanished." he was very successful. Mr T. Prince's voice is hardly powerful enough for a large hall. He rendered his songs well, bet the larrikins, we presume not being able to hear him distinctly, talked nearly the whole time he was singing. He has a tenor voice of good quality, but lacks power. When H. Durham appeared the larrikins had to "take aback seat," i.e., keep a respectful silence, for he could smother the whole lot of then.. He possesses a magnificent baritone voice of great power, but it wants cultivating. If this gentlein-in undergoes a course of training in the vocal art, we shall be much surprised if he is not heard of in the future. Mr Dalston was very good in his comic song, the last verse was a little too of the state of those members of the audience whom the constable had to eject. Mr T. H. White played two of Henry Farmer's well known solos, and they exactly suited the audience. He was vociferously encored and played "La Reve "in response. He will always find a ready welcome in Cambridge. The orchestra consisted of the Misses Archer and Chambers (violins), Messrs BumMurdoch (Bute), U. Stewart (cornet), C. Stewart (clarionet) and McdJe-mott (piano). They di.l their portion in a creditable manner. We cannot close this report without giving Mr Geo. Dickinson, what is undoubtedly his due, viz., the thanks of the members of the library for the great trouble lie took in arranging all matters in cm nection with the concert. Only those in the habit of getting up entertainments know the trouble they entail. He had an able Lieutenant in Mr W. 11. Westby, the librarian, and they certainly did a stupendous day's work on Wednesday. The thanks of the subscribers are also due to the performers, many of whom came long distances at considerable personal inconvenience.