ANDREW LEES, 48 George Street.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 14, 3 August 1894, Page 25

ANDREW LEES, 48 George Street.

Kiglish ballad, she sang delightfully. To say that the audiences w;re appreciative is to do thorn simple justice. Dull, indeed, must b> the listeners not to feel the cbarms of such music. It is ona thing, however, to be appreciative, and another to bo exacting. The insistance on encores, that marks a Duneiin auJience, passes the limits of what is fair. Beside?, to expect a singer to repeat ona of the finer songs is impossible. Oae of these songs, moreover, sung as they are by Mr Newbury and Miss Spaia is enough for the time. I s strains are to be carried away in the mind and pondered over. The effect is spoiled by a descent to suit the persistent demand. It is the audienci who are to blame. In the greater songs at least, the singer should be let off with the applause deserved ; in the instances alluded to that could hardly be too loud. Miss Clara Mongredien, who accompanied Mr Newbury and Miss Spada from Melbourne, was already known in Dunedin, where last summer she sang at some concerts. She possesses an even-toned and mellow contralto voice, and sings with taste and expression. Mr Harry Smith who also took part in the concerts is always welcome to a Danedin audience, and the hearty applause that followed hia singing testified to its merits. The instrumentalists were the Misses Jennie West and Nina Schlotel. Miss West's piano solos were aa usual distinguished by brilliant execution and an intelligent understanding of the works interpreted. Miss Schlotel's violin playing was remarkably good. Mr William B. Nott as accompanist, fulfilled his task admirably. The concerts altogether were a rare enjoyment. Mr William Angus, the energetic agent of the company, is to be con* gratulated on the success gained from a business point of view r which was largely due to his well-dirctod efforts.

The Manchester Ship Canal in England is not proving a financial success. To the end of the year the directors look for a deficit of *146,862, equal to 734,310 dols. But a few weeks aga the canal wu formally opened with nil the splendour and impresßivene9B that earthly royalty could impart. Tba projec ed pilgrimage from Ireland and England to the holy island of lona, inseparably identified with the fame of the illustrious St Columbkille, promises to be a great succeßß. The committee are engaged making arrangement?, and the pilgrimage has been hailed at one of the most attractive of the time.