IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT

New Zealand Tablet, 19 March 1914, Page 26

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT

HOKITIKA. The Princess Theatre held an enthusiastic audience when the above concert eventuated. An excellent programme was given—in fact, the entertainment was the best submitted in Hokitika for a very long time past. Besides leading local amateurs and Mr. K. S. Dillon, of Greymouth, Miss Coughlin, of Melbourne, and Mr. R. J. Harrison, of Greymouth, assisted very considerably towards the success of the concert. This young lady’s violin solos were indeed a treat, and those who were fortunate enough to 'be present enjoyed the music immensely. The audience demonstrated its approval in a whole-hearted manner, and Miss Coughlin had to submit to well-deserved recalls for each of her items. Mr. Rex Harrison added to the attractiveness of the programme, his appearance always being greeted with the plaudits of patrons. Mr. K. S. Dillon in his recitation, ‘ Fontenoy,’ roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm, ins effort being a particularly fine one. Mr. Dillon was, in fact, a host in himself throughout the evening, all his items meeting with very flattering receptions. Mrs Staveley gave a number of vocal numbers artistically, and encores were demanded in each instance. Mr. Charles Duncan contributed a vocal solo in the first part of the programme, for which he . was recalled. Miss L. Preston, in her song ‘ Believe me,' appeared to be a trifle nervous, but in her encore number this young'lady was more successful. The Dominion trio, Messrs. C. Gibbons (flute), C. Ogden (violin), and R. Heyes (piano), an enjoyable item, their performance being given in good style. Mr. Gibbons in the second half contributed a flute solo, ‘ II TTovatore,’ his rendition being artistically given. Mrs. S. W. Richardson, in h6r song ‘ Dublin boy,’ was heard to advantage, as was the case in her encore number. Mr. Lionel Broad scored a big success in his Vocal solo, ‘ Off to Philadelphia,’ and he was recalled twice. Mr. Tom Stopforth sang in excellent'style A toast to Erin,’ and in his second effort he was equally successful. Several pianoforte solos were given by Mr. R. Hey6s, his masterly performances meeting with well-merited applause. In the latter part of- the programme Miss Coughlin, by, special request, favored the audience with two recitations which proved quite as enjoyable as this

young lady's violin solos. The concluding item on the programme was an Irish'jig by Miss Freitas which was well received. The accompanists during the evening were Mrs. Dillon, Miss Higgins, A.T.C.L., Miss A. Daly, A.T.C.L., Miss Solomon, Miss Stopforth, and Mr. R. Heyes. During the interval Mr. H. Williams thanked the varipus performers for their kindness in assisting towards the success of the entertainment. He mentioned that they were honored that evening by the presence of his Lordship Bishop Grimes.