CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIII, Issue 48, 3 April 1896, Page 19

CHRISTCHURCH.

(Prom an occasional Correspondent.)

FfiOM the crowded state of St Mary's Hall last night it is plain to see that the club's Bixpenny concerts in aid of that most deserving object, tbe schools, are gaining in popularity on each occasion. In order not to clash with the banquet on St Patrick's Night, the club's council decided to celebrate tbe national festival on the 19tb. The manangement are to be congratulated upon tbe excellence of tbe programme submitted, and the best thanks of all interested in tbe good of Christian education are due to tbe ladies and gentlemen who so generously tendered their services. Mr Harry Roasiter, the obliging and talented conductor of St Mary's choir, made efficient arrangements for the musical portion of the entertainment, which, from beginning to end, went without a bitch. The opening item produced a new feature in the hall gatherings, an overture by a quartette band ; two cornets, Messrs Tankard and Daniels; flute and violin, Messrs Poore and Fleming ; accompanied by Mr Rossiter, piano ; which went with a jubilant swing, at once putting the andience in a happy mood. Misses Tnggs and Barker played a pianoforte duet on Irwh airs with brilliant execution and great taste. Mr L. J, Blake, in the well worn Father O'Flynn, was very successful and had to come out again witb " Hail shamrock green," which was given witb great spirit, Mr J. Daniels tten played a most enjoyable cornet solo on national airs, witb variations. Tbe result of " Teaching French in Killaloe " was then musically explained by Mr J Chase, which, needless to say, was inimitably rendered and had to be repeated. Miss Thompson's singing in tbe " Dear little shamrock " was much appreciated and received a vociferous encore. Tbe Rev Father Malone contributed " The last moments of Robert Emmett " in a very pleasing and patriotic manner. The next number was an Irish jig, danced by a true son of tbe Emerald Isle, Mr Murpby, who, despite his threescore years, "rattled the flure" with all the vitality of youth, The next, a solo, with invis ble chorus (Miss Thompson, with St Mary's Choir, chorus) had a very nice efEect, The comely twin brothers, Misters J. and R. Peterson, two young gentlemen of nearly the same age, appearance, and voice, in their vocil duet, "England and Ireland," sounded admirably. Tue last item of the first part, Mesbrs Rcss and Blumski's sketch, entitled " The Joddellers," nearly convulsed the audience with laughter, and like other extravaganzas by these droll gentlemen should be seen to be fully appreciated. The second part opened wi h another enlivening and beautifully executed duet, by Misses Triggs and Baiker. Mr Ryan, that facile princeps reciter, next kept the whole assemblage in roars giving tbe details of how he " bate Jem Mace," and, of course, was encored. Miss Cunningham sang " Come back to Erin," very efficiently accompanied by Miss Evans, in a most pleasing manner. " Fontenoy," recited by Mr F. Cooper in his usually accomplished stjle, was a great treat. Mr P. O'Mally then, with voice and accent racy of the brogue, discoursed in dulcet tones on tbe quality of " The Hat his father wore," which had to be repeated. Mr L. Blake next went " OS. to Philadelphia "in great style. " Three Leaves of Shamrock," by Rev Father Malone, caught on with the audience immensely, many of whom joined in the tunefnl refrain, Another dance by the veteran Mr Murphy brought one of the most successful entertainments ever held in St Mary's Hall to a close. Tbe Rev Father Malone in a few well chosen sentences returned thanka to the ladies and gentlemen who by their kindly and gratuitous assistance had conduced so much to make our firßt " Irish Entertainment " such a splendid success.