CATHOLIC CONCERT AT HYDE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 25, 8 April 1892, Page 7

CATHOLIC CONCERT AT HYDE.

| (Correspondence o f Mt. Id* CkrtmitU.) I On Sr. Patrick's Day a grand entertainment was given in Hyde to raise funds to pay for an acre of land bought by the Bey F. Donnelly to build a church on in Hyde. Although there was a steady downpour of rain all day, the house was crowded in every part, same coming a distance of 40 miles to hear the grand programme prepared for the occasion. The concert was opened by the Misses Fowler, two young school girls, boarders from Ohristoharch Convent, who played a dnet from the grand opera of Tancredi in a most exquisite and finished style, their time, expression, and execution being simply faultless. These young ladies reflect very great credit oa their Alma Mater, and the good nuns who taught them. They also played tba * Qui Vive" in the second part of the programme with equal success. Mr Charles Msade, who possesses an excellent tenor of good range, gave in capital style, " The Agricultural Girl," for which he was loudly encored, and then gave " M'Sorley's Twins," which caused roars of laughter. Miss Ellen Annett sang "The Green Shores of Brin *' very nicely, and with great feeling. Miss Beaney, who is a great favourite in this district, sang a dnet with Mr Jago, New Zealand's finest baritone, " Huntingtower," which brought down the house in roars of applause, and in response to an encore they gave a duet from Maritana. Mr Brcwn (connty engineer, Naseby) gave, as he alone can, "Ora Pro Nobis," whioh was never sung better, bis rich voice, especially in the lower notes, being heard to great advantage, and he was encored, atd gave " Carissima " equally well. Mr Jago sang the " Highlandman's Toast " in exquisite style, and was encored, and gave " Father O'Flynn " with the true meaning of the composer, and was again and again enoored, and responded by singing " Waiting." The next item was a vocal duet by Mr and Mrs Browne, the "ABO Singing Lesson," which was a great treat. Mrs Browne has a sweet, well-trained soprano voice, and uses it in a manner which evidenced her possession of true musical skill. They were encored, and sang " Friendly Courtship," which was loudly applauded. Mist Beaney played a very difficult selection of Irish airs, with variations, which brought out the powers of the pianiste. She was enoored and played a selection of American airs, which stamped her as a finished and accomplished player. Mr Jago, who seesoed to have spell-bound the audience, gave the " Long Shore Mao," and was encored, and sang the " The Dear Little Shamrock." Mr Orr (Btok of Nsw Zealand, Naseby) played a solo on the piano— Thalberg'a '• Home, Sweet Home " in a manner not to be surpassed, bis fingering and time being excellent. Mrs Browne sang " Kathleen Mavournecn, " and was encored. Mr Hogg and Mr Kd wards played a duet on the piano and violin, " Marche aux Flambeaux," in excellent style, both showing a good knowledge of Music. Mr Jago gave " There is a flower that bloometh," from Maritana. It was in this in particular that the power of bis weli-traiaed voice came out prominently. In a word, he is a treat and a concert in himself. The other ladies and gentlemen who assisted were Mrs Arthur, Mrs Willi m Halley, and Mr Daniel Kicney. Misses Pendergast and M'Aalley serve 1 the refreshments in good style, while Mr A, Gray and Mr D. King decorated the school with ferns and holly in a most picturesqae fashion, which reflects the greatest credit upon their good taste.

The chair was occupied by Mr Dison, who, in a very neat speech, explained the object of the concert, and said be was delighted to see such a full house, notwithstanding the great rain. He was very glad although not a Catholic, to help the good aad zealous Father Donnelly, who was always ready and willing to assist every one in need. — The Bey. Father Donnelly, who was loudly obeered on coming forward, said he thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had come such a great distance to help in the good work. — A vote of thanks was then proposed to the chairman, after which " God Save the Queen ', was sung, and this brought the proceedings to a close,