Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser Wednesday 26 Oct 1898
Page 5 & 6
TAUNTON AMID SMOKE AND FIRE.
THE ANNUAL CARNIVAL.
A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE, AND EVERYBODY DELIGHTED.
The above headings are not exaggerated. They are strictly truthful. Not since the night of the Diamond Jubilee festivities have the streets of Taunton presented so animated an appearance and been crowded with such throngs of delighted spectators as they were on Thursday evening, when the great carnival took place. The cyclists' carnival and trades procession is one of those events in the town which quickens the pulse of the people from the youngest to the oldest – helps them to forget that they have no penny trams or cheap omnibus rides, no free library or public reading-room, and the many other requisites which they ought to possess. Nevertheless they have their carnival, their annual flare-up, with high jinks in the streets, an opportunity for the “young bloods” to bandy jokes with the numerous “lady collectors” in the streets, and a general enjoyment of the thousand and one things which some declare are the only essentials that make life worth living, even in Taunton. Yet most pleasures, like flowers when gathered, die. Another year's carnival has come and gone, but the event on this occasion will not readily be forgotten by those thousands who witnessed it. Excursionists from the surrounding districts swarmed out from the Taunton Railway Station, and helped to increase the merry multitude of sightseers. The weather, truly, might have been better, but there is this consolation, it might have been very much worse, one must not be too expectant in this direction at such a season. There was a downpour of rain towards the end of the proceedings, but the glory of the whole pageant had then been witnessed, and the energetic collectors with the money boxes had nearly got in all the cash from willing givers. Those who were disappointed in not being able to help those two most deserving local institutions, the Taunton and Somerset Hospital and the useful Nursing Association, which will share the whole of the proceeds between them, can still oblige the Secretaries by sending along their remittances. Money given for such a good cause will never be regretted, and ought to make glad the hearts of the givers. The “man in the street,” whose opinion is always worth something, and he had “never seen such a splendid carnival in the town.” And this, judging by the many exclamations which could be heard on all sides, seemed to be the general opinion. It was a real big, brilliant, blazer – coloured fire, war paint, and animated life arrayed in wonderfully striking and picturesque costumes all along the route. “I shall never forget it” an old woman was heard to say. Honestly we do not think many will who saw the brilliant procession. It was a spectacular diversion which cannot fail to linger long in the memories of those who saw it, and it was one which reflected the highest credit to the many ingenious minds of those who had prepared it, and who took part therein. Now for a few details.
THE MEN WHO PREPARED.
The general arrangements come first in the order of merit. These necessary preliminaries were carried out by a large Committee, over whose deliberations Mr. J. B. DANIEL most ably presided. The Committee was comprised of the following gentlemen:- Messrs. G. PLAYER, L. C. GREGORY, W. H. BELLHAM, W. FOLLAND, J. HARRIS, C. PRING, A. J. SPILLER, H. J. GOULD, F. SCOTT, R. THOMAS, H. A. RYDER, W. H. MASON, A. IMBER, A. FOX, J. STONE, J. VEALE, H. F. POWELL, jun., W. NORMAN, E. LETHBRIDGE, HARTNELL, E. J. TYLER, Sergeant-Major SHORT, J. LOVATT, DOBLE, W. T. WEBB, S. J. GIBBS, A. JARMAN, DYER, TAYLOR, A. RAWLINS, W. ROOKS, A. HANCOCK, G. PARSONS, T. B. WILLIAMS, C. W. GLOVER, CHOWN, and E. BENNETT, with Mr. G. FOWLER as hon. treasurer, and Messrs. George BROOKES and W. J. VENNER as hon. secretaries. In order to carry out the numerous details arising in connection with such an event as the carnival this Committee was divided into a number of sub-committees, each of whom had specific duties to perform. These sub-committees were constituted as follows:- Advertising Committee – Sergeant-Major SHORT, Messrs. STONE, FOLLAND, IMBER, PRING, WILLIAMS, and FOX. Box Committee – Messrs. LOVATT and DOBLE (conveners), HANCOCK, BELLHAM, POWELL, ROOKS, GIBBS, VEALE, and STONE. Torch and Illumination Committee – Messrs. FOLLAND (chairman), JARMAN (convener), IMBER, PRING, HANCOCK, ROOKS, HARRIS, and SCOTT. Band and Entertainment Committee – Messrs. IMBER (convener), FOLLAND, HARTNELL, BELLHAM, NORMAN, PRING, PARSONS, THOMAS, and Sergeant-Major SHORT. Prize Committee – Messrs. DANIEL (chairman), WEBB (convener) FOX, E. J. TYLER, W. FOLLAND, and DYER. The Athletic Committee consisted of representatives from each of the Athletic Clubs in the town, and the object of the Committee was to bring pressure to bear upon the various Clubs to turn out in the procession. The Chairman of the General Committee, Mr. J. B. DANIEL, and the Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. BROOKES and VENNER, were ex-officio members of all the sub-committees, and they each took a very active part in the work devolving upon the majority of those committees.
DESCRIPTON OF THE PROCESSION.
Those who were to take part in the procession began to assemble shortly after six o'clock in the Recreation Ground at the eastern end of the town. At the principal gate Mr. J. B. DANIEL, the chairman of the Committee, sent off each group to its allotted position, and among those who assisted in these arrangements were several of the public men of the town. The members of the Taunton Fire Brigade were the first to arrive, 20 useful public servants all told, under the command of Captain COLES and Lieutenant HAWKINS. The machinery of the Brigade was, as in previous years, tastefully decorated, and consisted of two manuals, two fire escapes, and ladder and hose-carts. The whole was most brilliantly illuminated, the fire escapes especially, with flaming oil and naphtha-lamps suspended therefrom. Others soon followed in until the Recreation Ground was all aglow with flame, which was added largely thereto by a numerous band of boys who carried flaring torches. One of the principal sights of the procession was the exact miniature model of Nelson's famous flag-ship “The Victory.” This was really a clever and artistic piece of handiwork, manned by old naval pensioners who live in the town. These old tars have been for the last six weeks busy in preparing their trophy, which was the general admiration of all who saw it. They designed the whole thing, and did all the work themselves. The ship, which occupied the entire space of one of Mr. T. S. PENNY's large timber waggons, kindly lent for the occasion, was made as far as the body was concerned entirely of wood, the materials for the whole construction being generously given by various tradesmen in the town. The gallant craft also possessed three small boats and two cutters, and galley with two anchors hanging at the bow. The old Victory carried 104 guns, and these were represented on the model by large-sized wooden buttons painted to give the necessary effect. The mast, rigging, and sails were all complete with top-gallant yards crossed. The ship was dressed with flags rainbow fashion. From the bow to stern and yard-arm lighted lamps were hung. The signals exhibited were Nelson's favourites, “Engage the enemy more closely,” and his last famous signal to his gallant men, “England expects that every man will do his duty.” On each side of the ship, painted on calico, were the inscriptions “H.M.S. Victory, in which Lord Nelson fought and won the battle of Trafalgar, Oct. 21st, 1805.” “The signal hoisted at the yard-arm reads 'England expects every man will do his duty.'” These were necessary explanations to the uninitiated who could not be expected to make out the wording from the flags flying. To make up a pretty picture the Union Jack was flying “forrard,” the Royal Standard was on the main, and the white ensign on the peak. Painted on the stern were to be seen the words “Lord Nelson. H.M.S. Victory.” The crew who manned the ship were the following old naval heroes:- “Captain” Henry DYER, “Commander” S. B. SULLY, “Lieutenant” J. TURNER, “Officer of Marines,” Mr. TRUSS, “Secretary,” Mr. WITHAM, and Messrs. W. POTE, W. CRIDGE, H. ALLAN, and HAYMAN.
Another striking feature was the presence of the “Sirdar” on horseback, escorted by a detachment of troopers to represent the 21st Lancers. The Hero of Khartoum was represented by Trooper W. CHAVE, of the King's Arms Hotel, Wellington, and of the West Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry. The detachment of “Lancers” consisted of about 25 troopers of the West Somerset Yeomanry, drawn from Taunton, Wellington, Bishop's Lydeard, &c. These were under the command of Sergeant-Major TYROU, of the Wellington Troop, A. Squadron. Trooper PEARCE acted as Squadron officer, and Trooper MOUNTSTEPHENS was Staff officer to the “Sirdar,” who wore a splendid gold-laced uniform for the occasion. The whole scene was a very fine one, the men had splendid mounts, and dressed as they were in Kharkee uniform and helmets they presented a very imposing appearance.
The appearance of an Arctic tableau was so realistic that many people actually shivered. The scene was supposed to be in the Arctic regions, somewhere near the North Pole. “Dr. Nansen” looked much at home amid snow and ice. He was clad in furs from head to foot, and by his side was a collie dog. Imitation blocks of ice lent an artistic finish to the car, and fancy lights were introduced. “Dr. Nansen” was impersonated by Mr. BEASLEY, who last year secured the prize for the best individual get up, and he looked “the intrepid explorer” to the life.
Among the ladies taking part in the carnival the tableau “Winter,” sent out by members of the “Maid Marion” Court of female Foresters, deserves great praise for its pretty and effective conception. Eleven young ladies on a car were attired in white bodices and skirts, trimmed with asparagus berries and sprays, while the whole costume was set off by short red capes trimmed with swansdown, and to which were attached imitation snowballs. The chic hats were of Tam o' Shanter shape, and were also trimmed with swansdown and berries. Altogether the get-up was extremely smart, while the car was nicely decorated with standards wreathed with evergreens. At each end was the name of the tableau, “Winter,” and on each side conspicuous lettering informed the public that the young ladies were of such thrifty habits that they were female Foresters. Those making up the tableau were Miss B. COLEMAN (the energetic secretary of the Court), Miss E. HAYMAN, Miss F. DEANE, Miss J. COX, Miss L. LAKE, Miss A. HAWKINS, Miss F. SMITH, Miss E. DAVEY, Miss M. CRIDGE, and Miss L. CRIDGE.
An attractively turned-out tableau was that of “The Pawnee Indians.” On a gaily decorated trolley was erected a teppee, which was painted in effective fashion, while outside reclined three Pawnees in close proximity to a camp fire, over which, from a tripod, was suspended a cauldron. The costumes of the Indians (Messrs. S. ALDIS, F. C. GOODMAN, and T. B. WILLIAMS) were elaborately designed, and bore the usual fantastic figures in paint on the tunics and trousers, together with fringes on the sleeves and legs. The head dresses were composed of skins and feathers, and were beaded in an artistic manner, while bead-work in effective designs were introduced on the front of the tunics. On the backs were worn richly-embroidered quivers, containing real Indian arrows; while each “red-skin” carried a genuine bow, together with tomahawk and scalping knife.
Reminiscences of “The Mikado” and “The Geisha” flocked through one's mind as a gaily decorated car passed with a crowd of “Gentlemen of Japan” to quote Gilbert, who were making merry in charge of a tea house. They were getting along wonderfully well, considering there was no Mimosa Sans or other young ladies to attend to their wants; but they seemed to have introduced into that picturesque land a new custom in the way of hirsute adornment. The car had been tastefully decorated through the kindness of Messrs. Arthur STEEVENS & Co., and was lighted by fairy lamps. The members of the troupe were made up well in head and face, and wore elaborate-flowered costumes, and carried fans and umbrellas. The lorry on which the tableau was shown was drawn by two handsome greys, with postillions. The names of those on the car were Messrs. SHAWCROSS, S. WOOLLEY, R. A. FARNHAM, A. C. L. PRICE, F. H. PRICE, H. O. SAMSON, W. N. KELSEY, and W. H. SPILLER.
Another striking tableau was that of Little Bo-Peep, in which a fair bevy of young girls, members of the Order of Shepherdesses, who were all prettily dressed to represent the “Fair Maids of Taunton Deane” took part. The car was tastefully decorated with artificial flowers, Japanese lanterns, &c., and those who took part in this tableau were the Misses M. ABBEY, E. HOLMYARD, F. M. MOUNTSTEPHEN, B. L. POTE, POTE, P. BOOBYER, L. BENHAM, A. BENHAM, R. BENHAM, and N. BENHAM. An elaborately got-up little sketch was “De Blue Bell Pickaninnies,” in which a little boy and little girl – Ernest and Ethel BROWN – were seated in the centre of a dog-cart, dressed out in blue, to represent a room. The youngsters were also prettily dressed in blue, one handling a miniature banjo, and the other a mandoline. Each had a little electric light lamp, with a supply of electricity, to turn off and on as they wished. The father of these children, Charles BROWN, was in charge of this tableau. He was dressed as a nigger, and took the character of bones. He also had the electric light laid on about him. A pretily laid out car was that representing a Darkie's scene, “Under the Palm,” by moonlight, which was depicted by the Taunton Blue Bell Minstrels, from the Newton Electrical Works, Ltd., consisting of G. TURNBULL, leader; C. RIDDLESTONE, organist; A. BAKER, banjo; F. BAKER, banjo; F. WALTERS, banjo; A. PAUL, violin; E. EVANS, violin; J. SHATTOCK, mandoline; H. BLAKEMORE, tambo; L. MOUNTSTEPHENS, bones; S. JARVIS and R. JARVIS, coachmen. The front of the car represented Uncle Tom's Cabin, with creepers growing up over and a hugh palm tree growing in plantation behind the cabin, at the back of car being “Kindly support the Hospital” in large letters. The whole was embellished with the usual drapery, fairy lights, and evergreens, the wheels being covered with blue bells. “Our Harmonic Club” consisted of a car of jovial young bucks representing a card party, with a table in the centre, and playing a game. The members were Messrs. G. HOLMAN, Sid HOLMAN, J. LARWAY, W. DENHAM, G. LEE, J. DEAN, C. CARPENTER, A. BRACHER, and B. HOLMAN. An effectively got-up group were “Old Kentucky and Pytrow on tour.” Messrs. W. PHILLIPS and W. SHARP were in charge, and the car was drawn by a pony and donkey tandem fashion. An exact reproduction of the front premises of Messrs. W. B. HELLARD & Co., wine and spirit merchants, of East-street, constituted an effectively got-up car, with bottles, &c., in the windows. Mr. F. CHOWN was in charge of this, and, as a proof of its success, the judges awarded it first prize for the smartest turn-out trade conveyance. Messrs. EADES & Son, jobmasters, of Taunton, has a smart turn-out driven in tandem fashion, Mr. A. EADES, jun., dressed to represent a jolly Jack Tar, handling the ribbons. Messrs. HANBURY & COTCHING's brewery were well represented by Mr. F. KITCHING, one of their travellers, seated in a smart gig. With him were also Messrs. A. BARLETT, T. W. MARKHAM, and F. C. BALL, the latter wearing a night-dress. A novel feature of this turn-out was the perching of an Airedale terrier, named “Rough,” who was perched on the back of the horse, and was warranted to keep his position there at the smartest trot. He certainly kept his place, as far as could be seen, all through the procession, and the owner of this “steady” dog is Mr. KITCHING. Messrs. C. WAY, basket-maker of St. James'-street, and J. BRICE, poultry dealer, of Each Reach, turned out with specimens of their trade. Messrs. ARNOLD & Sons, Ltd., had one of their trolleys filled with barrels of beer, hops and malt. The men in charge of this were James COLES and John PEARCE.
The cyclists were well represented. The Taunton Bicycle Club had most of their members out, and were led by Mr. W. J. VENNER, Captain of the Club, and Mr. W. H. BELLHAM. They presented a novel appearance, each being dressed from head to foot on one side black and on the other white, the machines being decorated to match. The idea was certainly a good one, and they received a special prize between them. E. H. VINCENT (T.B.C.) was splendidly got up as Mephistopheles, and carried off the Committee's first prize. F. GOVIER, another member of the Club, took second prize. Other cyclists who turned out well in artistic get-up were Messrs. H. TUCKER, F. T. PEARCEY, J. GOULD, A. YANDALL (splendidly got-up as a New Woman), F. BEALE, W. KEEN, E. W. BLACKALL, H. BECKETT, and others. Among the cars should be mentioned a representation of a butcher's shop from Eastman's, Limited. The Banshees were a peculiarly got-up group of six, who attracted a good deal of attention as they walked about in their strange attire. They were Messrs. L. WILLIAMS, M. WILLIAMS, F. POTTER, R. BADCOCK, W. LADD, and S. WILCOX. Old Father Time was represented by R. S. THOMAS, and very well done it was. Among the general characters were two young fellows, who claimed to come direct from Buluwayo. One, J. MEE, was dressed as a member of the Cape Mounted Rifles, and the other, J. HUNT, as Louis 14th; A. T. HARRIS, as Li Hung Chang; A. SHORT, pirate king; R. W. MILLER and S. BAKER, clowns; H. FLOOD, Mephistopheles; A. J. WYATT, clown; Alf CHALK, Indian spy on horseback; M. RICHARDS, old warrior; G. HUGHES, old Volunteer; G. P. BERRY and H. D. ALLEN, Druids (Lodge 746, Taunton); W. A. CREED, 9th Lancers; D. PHILP, Highlander; J. BUSSELL, old Welsh woman; A. JARMAN, French Zouave. Mr. W. J. HOLWAY was smartly dressed in the uniform of the 1st Life Guards, and looked quite martial on horseback.
THE LINE OF ROUTE.
Sergeant-Major SHORT, of the West Somerset Yeomanry, marshalled the procession, which left the Recreation Ground about 7.30 and paraded the town according to the following route:- Through East Reach and East-street to the Parade, High-street, Upper High-street, Shuttern, Compass-hill, Park-street, Corporation-street, North-street, Bridge-street, Station-road, Rowbarton, through St. Andrew's-road to Cheddon-road, returning through Station-road, Bridge-street, St. James's-street, Canon-street, Magdalene-street, and Hammet-street to Corporation-street.
The bands of the Depot P.A.S.L.I. (under Bandmaster COX) headed the procession; other bands taking part were the G.W.R. Brass Band (under Bandmaster CULLIFORD) and St. Andrew's Company of the C.L.B. Under command of Chaplain Rev. G. RUCK).
THE JUDGING.
The judging, as in previous years, was done immediately the competitors had assembled on the ground, and although the dark proved much more difficult than in previous years, it was accomplished in the end with satisfaction to almost all concerned. The gentlemen entrusted with these duties were Dr. MACDONALD, Councillor LEWIS, Mr. W. BADCOCK, Mr. J. DARBY, Councillor A. J. SPILLER, Mr. W. FOLLAND, Mr. W. NORMAN, and Councillor A. HAMMETT, while MR. Gerald FOWLER acted as referee. The judges' stewards were Messrs. W. T. WEBB, H. F. POWELL, A. FOX, J. B. DANIEL, and HARTNELL. Each pair of judges had two classes to adjudicate upon, the whole of them meeting together to decide which was the best feature in the procession. The only class in which the services of the referee were requisitioned was the one for the best costume worn by a lady collector. Following is a list of the awards:-
PRIZE-LIST.
Class 1. - For the best feature in the procession, £2 2s, the Victory, captain, Mr. H. DYER.
Class 2. - For the best turned-out cyclist and cycle - 1st prize (given by Mr. G. FOWLER), £1 1s, Mephistopheles, Mr. E. H. VINCENT; 2nd (given by Councillor A. J. SPILLER), 10s 6d, minstrel, Mr. F. GOVIER; special prize, Black and White, Messrs. W. H. BELLHAM and W. J. VENNER; v.h.c., Mr. A. H. VICKERY, in Court dress; h.c., Italian, Mr. BLACKALL.
Class 3. - For the most effective trade or other car - 1st prize (given by Messrs. HANBURY & COTCHING), £1 1s, Newton's Blue Bell Minstrels; 2nd (given by Mr. J. PAYNE), 10s 6d, the Fire Brigade, under Capt. COLES.
Class 4. - For the best troupe or gang not included in Class 2 - 1st prize (given by Colonel WELBY, M.P.), £1 1s, the 21st Lancers; 2nd (given by Mr. E. J. TYLER), the Fair Maids of Taunton Deane; special prize divided between the Pawnee Indians and the Japanese.
Class 5. - For the best individual get-up, gentlemen only (given by Mr. H. FRANKLIN), value 10s 6d, Mr. W. J. HOLWAY; v.h.c., Louis XIV., Mr. J. G. HUNT; c., Bugler, Mr. F. MEE.
Class 6. - For the best costume worn by a lady collector (given by Mr. George TRENCHARD), value 10s 6d, Miss HAWKES, Flower Girl; v.h.c., Emily PRANCEY and Rosanna FROUNKS.
Class 7. - For the best comic get-up in donkey or pony-cart (given by Messrs. HELLARD & Co.) - 10s 6d, 'the Pickaninnies; special prize, John BULL, Mr. BEVAN, Bishop's Lydeard.
Class 8. - For the smartest turned out trade conveyance – 1st, £1 1s (given by Messrs. STARKEY, KNIGHT, & FORD), Messrs. W. B. HELLARD & Co.; 2n, 10s 6d (given by the Taunton Rugby Football Club), Messrs. EASTMAN, Limited; v.h.c., Messrs. D. W. ARNOLD & Co., Limited.
Class 9. - Special prize, for non-residents of Taunton only (given by the members of the Carnival Committee) - £1 1s. Messrs. A. BAKER and R. W. MILLER, a pair of clowns from Bridgwater.
Class 10. - To the box-holder, either sex, collecting largest amount, prize given by the proprietors of the Somerset County Herald, value £2 2s – Mrs. CRIDGE, Pool Wall Mills, who collected £3 16s 6d, this being the third year in succession she has won the prize for collecting the highest amount.
Class 11. - To the lady box-holder, other than the winner of the previous prize, collecting the largest amount (given by Mr. F. SPILLER), value 10s 6d – Mrs. GRANVILLE, Pool Wall Mills, who collected £2 5s 1d.
Class 12. - To the gentleman box-holder, other than winner of the first prize, collection largest amount (given by Mr. W. NORMAN), 10s 6d – Mr. C. BROWN, Magdalene Street, who collected £3 11s 10d. Mr. BROWN has since handed to the treasurer another 8s 2d, making the total amount of his collection £4.
The collections realised about £65.
THE COSTUME BALL.
Subsequent to the carnival a costume ball was held in the Parade Assembly-rooms, when there was a large attendance of the ladies and gentlemen who had taken part in the procession. The arrangements were excellent, Sergeant-Major SHORT and Mr. W. J. VENNER acting as M.C.'s. Refreshments were supplied by Mr. A. PEARCE, of the Alfred-street Inn. An excellent band was in attendance, the musicians being Mr. MEAD (piano), Mr. POLE (double bass), Mr. CULLIFORD (cornet), and Mr. PRIEST (violin). Dancing commenced shortly before 10, and was kept up with much spirit until three o'clock.
THE CONCERT.
A concert was held at the Parade Assembly-rooms on the following (Friday) evening, under the presidency of the Major (Alderman W. POTTER), and an excellent programme was given. The proceedings opened with a banjo and mandoline duet by the Misses STANSELL and GURNETT, which was ably rendered, followed by the stirring song “The Gauntlet's Down,” given in admirable style by Mr. P. H. BROWNE. Miss Laura MOORE was heard to great advantage in “The River of years,” and Mr. KING secured a well-merited encore for his rendition of the popular song “Whisper and I shall hear.” Mr. T. G. CRUMP greatly pleased the audience by a finished execution of a flute solo, fantasia polka, “Cleopatra.” Miss BIRCH sang sweetly the favourite song, “Tit for Tat.” Mr. LETHBRIDGE naturally did justice to “Island of dreams,” and Mr. Mark MATTHEWS, familiarly known as “the young man from the country,” brought down the house with “Oh! What a day we're going to have to-morrow,” and to the inevitable encore he replied with “That was enough for me.”
During an interval in the programme the MAYOR presented the prizes to the successful competitors according to the list given above. Prizes to the value of £8 2s 6d were handed back for the benefit of the funds, including an extra subscription of a guinea from the Fire Brigade. Following is a list of those who returned their prizes:- H.M.S. Victory, Captain, Mr. H. DYER, £2 2s; Messrs. NEWTON's Bluebell Minstrels, £1 1s; the Fire Brigade, Captain, Mr. H. T. COLES, 10s 6d, together with an additional £1 1s; the Fair Maids of Taunton Deane, 10s 6d; the Pawnee Indians, per Mr. T. B. WILLIAMS, and the Japanese, per Mr. SAMSON, 10s 6d; Mr. W. J. HOLWAY, 10s 6d; Messrs. HELLARD & Co., £1 1s; Messrs. EASTMAN, Ltd., 10s 6d; Messrs. BELLHAM & VENNER, 5s.
Mr. DANIEL thanked the Mayor for giving away the prizes, and those who had contributed, and would do so, to the programme during the evening.
Major-General EMERSON, on behalf of the Hospital and the Nursing Association, acknowledged the value of the carnival in assisting the funds of those institutions, and said he was very much struck with the generosity of those who, having won prizes, had given them back. (Applause.)
The second part of the programme opened with a flute solo by Mr. CRUMP, followed by a splendid rendering of “My Queen” by Mr. KING, who is to be congratulated on possessing a fine and promising tenor voice. Miss BIRCH contributed the ever-welcome Scotch song, “Coming thro' the rye,” and Mr. DAWSON gained an enthusiastic encore for his charming little song “Grown-up children's games,” while he met with a cordial reception for the clever song “Rich and poor.” The next item was a very acceptable and meritorious one, Miss MOORE singing “The Swanee river” to her accompaniment, being assisted by Miss GURNETT (mandoline) and Miss STANSELL (banjo). “The Naval Brigade,” given by Mr. BROWNE, preceded an excellent interpretation of “Love, the Rover,” by Miss MOORE. Mr. LETHBRIDGE was very successful in the charming son “My beloved Queen,” and Mr. Mark MATTHEWS again made his audience roar at his description of “Our happy home,” and in response to a recall he informed those present that what “he suffered nobody knows.”