been given for the working people of the district, under the direction of the Rev. W. W. Hume. There were 350 persons present, and the calls for repetition were so numerous as to prolong the time beyond what was intended.
The Musical Union Again. Under the patronage of an aristocratic circle, another concert was given by this band of well-trained amateurs in the St. Leonards Assembly Rooms on the 20th of April, to a numerous and fashionable audience. The simple fact of there being seven pieces demanded to be sung a second time should be evidence of the gratification experienced by those who were present. The vocalists were Messrs. Dean (of the Chichester Cathedral) John Skinner, James Giles, jun., - Thomson, Alfred Wrenn, W. S. Tinley, H. Walter, H. Brett, jun. (since the principal New Zealand journalist) and H. Phillips. The accompanyist(sic) and conductor was Mr. F. Thomson.
Another Amateur Concert – this time for the Invalid Gentlewomens Home – was given in the St. Mary Magdalen Schoolrooms by a number of ladies and gentlemen, assisted by some of the church choir. A programme of sacred music, including selections from Stabat Mater, was sung in a most satisfactory manner. Miss Coventry presided at the piano and harmonium with an ability that might have been envied by many professionals. The status of the audience may be gathered from the fact that upwards of forty carriages were in waiting at the close of the proceedings. No charge was made for admission, but the collection at the doors amounted to more than £42.
(For Hastings concerts see next chapter)
Particular Dinners.
At the Sussex Hotel, on the 7th of February, nearly 50 persons sat down to a sumptuous dinner prepared by Mr. Ballard, to celebrate the licensing and opening the premises formerly known as the “Sussex House” for a first-class Hotel. The tables were spread in the large room then recently attached and fitted up as an assembly room, and upon those tables were displayed a galaxy of ornamentation incidental to feasts of an elaborate menu, as well as the more substantial viands and tempting delicacies enumerated in the bill of fare. P. Goepel, Esq., occupied the chair at the head of the table, supported by the Hon. Capt. Howard-Thurnwood, Esq.; Guedella, Esq., Mr. P. Descou, & others. Several toasts and sentiments were given during the evening, interspersed with glees, songs, &c., by the St. Leonards Amateur Musical Union. Solos (vocal) were given by Mr. W. Glenister, H. Brett, jun., H. Walter, J. Skinner, W. Payne and W. Walker. The toast of “The Press” was responded to by T. B. Brett and J. Bates.
(For Hastings special dinners see next chapter)
