CATHOLIC CONCERT AT PALMERSTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 43, 31 July 1891, Page 19

CATHOLIC CONCERT AT PALMERSTON.

(From the correspondent of the Nirth Otag* Tiimet.')

A aaAND vocal and instrumental concert took plaoe in the Town Hall, Palmerston, on Friday, the 24th July, before a crowded house, numbers being unable to gain admittance. Mr Scott, Mayor of Palmerston, io a few words explained the objecc of tha concert. He said he was greatly pleased to see the liberal response that wis made to the call of charity, and added that the Rev. Father Donnelly was pastor of the mission, and although but a few months amongst them he was highly respected by all creeds and classes, and this fall house pro Ted the esteem in which he was jactly held (great applause). The programme arranged for the evening was a long one, and comprised some of the choicest selections from the principal works of the great masters, and he would not detain them any longer from hearing their friends who had oome from Dunedin to give them a treat. The concert was opened with one of Haydn's best compositions arranged as a duet, and played by Mesdames J. O. Mackenzie and Murdoch. These gifted ladies played it in a most faultless, artistic, and fiaished maoner. The duet was a most difficult one, and brought out the execution and perfection of the players, who played it with the true appreciation of the composer's meaning, and they were loudly applauded for it. Mr J. Jago, who is a concert in himself, gave " The Highlandman's Toast," which brought down the house. Then the great baritone gave as an encore "The Long Shore Maa " with equal snccess. The song, " Bid me Good-bye " was sung by Miss Elizabeth Fagan sweetly, and in a manner which evidenced her possession of true musical feeling. The duet " Excelsior " was snog by Messrs Umbers and Jago, and was encored. "II Begtetto" was eung by New Zealand's foremoßt contralto, Mrs Angus, which was the greatest treat ever a Palmerston audience had heard. She was encored, and gave •• Katie's Letter," which delighted every one. '• A Hundred Fathoms Deep," sung by Mr Young, with his rich, well-tiained bass voice, was a musical treat, and was applauded again and again. A ladies' trio "Ye shepherds," was sung by Mrs Anguß, and Misses Beaney and Blaney, and was encored. "The Englishman " was sung by Mr Umbers in right good English style. He possesses a rich voice, of fine quality and good range. H« was encored, »nd sang " Father OFlynn," which brought down the honse. A recitation by Mr J. Q. Findlay was given in a moat pleasing, natural, and eloquent manner, which delighted all, and was loudly applauded. Miss Rose Blaney sang " The Land o' the Leal." Tois lady possesses a remarkably we l-tr<tined, clear, and sweet soprano voice, which is a treat to listen to. The song was one of the g?mß of the evening. ProloDged applause followed all her songs. Never has suco a voice been heard in this district, and we hope soon to hear her again. Thalberg's "Last Rose of Summer," was played by Miss Mary

Beaney in her usual finished style-a difflcalt pi«ee_whieh bronght out the powers of the piano in their fullest grandeur. "My Sweetheart when a Boy " was soog by Mr M'Laughlan with gre»t feeling and maiical skill. A dnet snog by Miss Blaney and Mr Jago— " Jimmey and Jennie "-.was well received and redemanded. They bowed, but the audience would take no refusal, and they gave another duet from Maritana, which was simply splendid. These two artistes are sufficient to draw any audience, and are worthy of every encouragement. This closed the first part of the programme. After an inter?al of five minutes, the second part of the programme was opened with a pianoforte duet, " Qni Vive," which was faultlenly rendered by tbe accomplished and finished pianistes Miss Kate Fagan and Miss Beaney. Mr. M'Farlaoe gave a comic recitation, " The Scotch Bermon," in good style, and caused roart of laughter. Mrs. Angus gave " Thady O'Fjynn." which wag rendered powerfully and expressively, and established Mrs. Angus as one of tbe greatest favourites, if not the greatest, that ever visited Palmerston. She was encored, and took part in a duet with Miss Blaney, " The Cousins, " which charmed everyone. They were encored and forced to repeat it. Mr. Jigo sang '* The Laird o' Cockpen," as # he did all his other songs, in grand style, and was encored, and took'part in a duet with Mr. Umbers, called •• Strictly Proper," which took exceedingly well. Messrs. Young, M'Lacghlan, Beid, and Miss Duncan also contributed towards the success of the best concert ever given in Palmeraton. At the close of the programme a tall, superior, gentlemanly, looking man, and an ex-Indian officer (Mr. J. O. Mackenzie), who is immensely respected in Palmerston, walked upon the stage, where he was greeted with applause. In a few well-chosen words he said on behalf of the Bey. Father Donnelly, he thanked the performers for their musical treat, and the audience for their large attendance thera that evsning. He then proposed a vote cf thanks to the performers, which was seconded, and unanimously carried. Mr. B. W. Swing called for three cheers for the Bey. Father Donnelly, which were vociferously givenThere were present the Bey. Father Hunt and clergymen of other denominations. Mr. Oswald's well- trained band played several selections during the evening. " God Save the Queen " closed one of the very best concerts ever given in Palmerston.