Children of Ann and Myles Birket Foster

"Two songs by Myles Birket Foster [ . . . ], "What Joy the Fair Young Summer Brings," and "Bonnie Wee Thing," have much sweetness in them."

"The Children's Christmas" is a very neat little book, containing words and music, the former by Dr R. Spence Watson, the latter by Myles Birket Foster, representing nine Christmas scenes.

"The Children's Christmas" contains nine carols by Mr. R. Spence Watson, with music by Mr. Myles Birket Foster, who, as the organist of the Foundling Hospital, well knows the kind of melodies that fall with sweetness on the ears of childhood.

JUVENILE CONCERT AT KEIGHLEY.—The annual concert by scholars from the Keighley schools was very successfully given on Thursday evening in the Congregational School, Spencer Street, Keighley, after many weeks of preparation. The programme consisted of a cantata, entitled "The Children's Christmas," and a number of songs, &c., all of which were rendered with delightful enthusiasm and astonishing ease. The cantata is an especially suitable little work for an occasion of this kind. The words are by Dr Spence Watson, of Newcastle, and the music is from the pen of Mr Myles Birket Foster, organist at the Foundling Hospital, a gentleman well known by the excellence of much that he had previously done. The success of the whole affair is very largely due to Mr Craven Laycock, the conductor, who has trained the children, numbering over 200. He and the other promoters and workers must have felt much gratification at the crowded attendance and the pleasure which the concert gave.

acquaintance of the anthem writer Sir John Goss; friend of the composer Sir John Stainer

Mr. Myles Birket Foster, of Willesden-green, has composed a short anthem for Whitsuntide to Cowper's hymn, "O for a closer walk with God;" and it is published in this month's Musical Times.

Trinity College Examinations, Y.M.C.A. Rooms, Leeds.

I have much pleasure in testifying to the excellent qualities of the Steinmayer upright Piano used at the above examinations.

Yours faithfully,

MYLES BIRKET FOSTER, F.C.O., L.T.C.L., A.R.A.M.

THE CHILDREN'S CONCERT.—The annual concert in connection with the Congregational school, took place on Wednesday evening at the schoolroom. There was a crowded attendance, many coming from a distance. The work chosen this year was "The Children's Christmas," composed by Myles Birket Foster, director of Music at the Foundling's Hospital, London, the orchestral part being written especially for this occasion by that gentleman. The work was performed five years ago, at the same place, but this year's production showed a marked improvement in style and phrasing, as well as tone. Previous to the cantata a few opening pieces were sung, "A Christmas carol" being encored. The first piece of the cantata, "Christmas Eve," showed the capacity of the children, being a most difficult piece and requiring marked attention to modulation, &c. "Santa clause [sic]" had a good effect upon the audience, who re-demanded it. Next came a fanfare and carol, which was led off by four little girls playing trumpets. This was followed by "Christmas day in the morning," and the "Host and his Guests," the character of "Host" being taken by Willie Edwards, who performed his part in a very creditable manner. "Round the Fire, " succeeded and was sung as a duet by Alice Harding and Lillie House, who well deserved the encore they obtained. This was followed by "The Christmas tree and dance round the tree," the various points in the latter being also well marked; the solo parts were taken by Annie Taylor. This brought the first part to a close.

Mr. Myles Birket Foster, of Willesden Green, was represented at the recent Worcester Festival by his anthem, "The Souls of the Righteous," stated to be "in memoriam F.A. Gore Ouseley and Langdon Colborne." The anthem was scored for orchestra especially for the Worcester Festival, but it was composed when Mr. Foster was a student at the Royal Academy of Music, as a memorial tribute to his fellow student, Master Corkram, who was drowned in the accident to the Princess Alice steamboat. Mr. Foster has for the past two years been organist and director of the music at the Foundling Chapel, where he has brought the services to a very high pitch of excellence. It may be remembered that Mr. Foster, prior to his appointment to the Foundling Chapel, was organist at St. Andrew's, Willesden Green.

SONG-WRITERS' SINS.

Mr. Myles Birket Foster delivered an entertaining lecture on "Words and Music" before the members of the Incorporated Society of Musicians at 20, Hanover-square on Saturday evening, Professor Prout in the chair. Deploring the want of agreement that too often prevailed between the sister arts of poetry and music, Mr. FOSTER furnished his hearers with a number of illustrations of what to avoid that kept his hearers in a constant ripple of merriment. [continues . . . ]

From Messrs. Weekes we have received a cantata for ladies' or boys' voices, entitled "The Making of a Rose," and written by Florence Hoare. The music, from the pen of Myles Birket Foster, is thoroughly fluent, and must needs prove agreeable to singers and listeners. [continues . . . ]

A Book for Music-lovers.

Entertainingly written, full of interesting illustrations, and dealing with a musical society in which everyone interested in the progress of English music may well be proud, Mr. Myles Birket Foster's new "History of the Philharmonic Society of London, 1813–1912" (Lane), is a book which should appeal to a large public. All the concert programmes, a description of the more important musical works which have been produced by this society since its foundation, as well as some vivid pen portraits of the singers and instrumentalists who took part in them, are included in this very interesting book.

Of great interest to all musicians and music-lovers will be Mr. Myles Birket Foster's "History of the Philharmonic Society of London: 1813–1912" (John Lane). The Philharmonic has this year celebrated its centenary, and the book forms a record of its hundred years' work in the cause of music. The programmes reprinted in the volume represent some seven hundred concerts, and are supplemented by tables showing the nationalities of the composers, conductors, and performers. A full index gives, under each composer's name, a list of his works performed at the Philharmonic concerts, with other particulars, and similar information about players and singers. The illustrations consist of manuscript letters and scores by various great composers, including Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Liszt.

• Methodist Free Church Hymns, 1889 (co-editor)
• Anthems and Anthem Composers (London: Novello and Company, 1901)
• History of the Philharmonic Society (London: 1913)

Mr. W.F. Foster, son of Mr. B. Foster, artist, of this place [Odiham], has again succeeded in obtaining a Queen's prize in the South Kensington examination for machine construction and drawing, at the Salisbury School of Science and Art; also several local prizes.

Private Lessons in Drawing, Painting, and Decorative Art.

MR. W.F. FOSTER has vacancies for a few Pupils in the above-named subjects.

Ladies or Gentlemen wishing to join the Special Class for Sketching from Nature will oblige by giving in their names as early as possible during the month of may to

MR. W.F. FOSTER,

ARTIST,

FISHERTON STREET, SALISBURY.

PROSPECTUSES ON APPLICATION.

SIR,—A nightingale has been singing at intervals during to-day in the copse on the cliff overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Hotel, Torquay, close to the path that leads to what is known here at Land's End. Judging by the numerous letters on the subject that have lately appeared in your paper, perhaps this will be of interest. As one of your correspondents, I think, said, "There can be no doubt about the bird to anyone who really knows it and its song." There is no doubt about this, for I know the birds well, having lived in a nightingale country all my life. I hope the bird will nest here. The high wall round its present haunt will be a great protection, and renders it fairly safe to describe its actual whereabouts.

WILLIAM FOSTER,

Member of the British Ornithological Union.      

Torquay, May 4th.

[ . . . ] The work is illustrated with no fewer than sixty-four coloured plates (250 figures) by Mr. William Foster, M.B.O.U. Some of the figures are, of course, more faithful than others, but on the whole they strike us as reaching a high level, and they will be much appreciated by, and will be very helpful to, the many who are sure to become possessed of what is a very charming book.

Harry writes that a partnership has been suggested to him, requiring for me far too much capital. [ . . . ] I could not afford to let Harry have more than £2000—and that would be a pinch at least at present. Are you quite sure that he is fit to take such a partnership supposing all is well? He is a good lad but I fancy the responsibility of a thing of that sort would be very great and that something much smaller would be better suited . . . .

[letter from Birket Foster to Robert Spence]

TO FIRE BRICK MAKERS.—WANTED, at once, a first-class FIRE BRICK MOULDER.—Single and thoroughly steady men may apply to Henry Foster and Co., Hotspur Brick Works, Backworth, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.

TO FIREBRICK MOULDERS.—WANTED, a First-class MOULDER, also a Boy who can make Bricks; father and son preferred; also a SETTER.—Apply, with references, to Henry Foster and Co., Hotspur Brick Works, Backworth, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.

WANTED, immediately, One SETTER and Four LABOURERS for Firebrick Works.—Apply on Saturday, the 8th inst., between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m., to Henry Foster and Co., Bank Chambers, Sandhill, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

WANTED, Two First-Class FIREBRICK MOULDERS.—Apply Henry Foster and Co., Firebrick Works, Backworth.

(To the Editor of the Daily Chronicle.)

Sir,—Kindly allow us to supplement Messrs. Cairn, Young, and Noble's letter in your issue of to-day upon the above subject. In our own experience, as fire brick manufacturers and exporters, we have found ourselves cut out of several markets by Glasgow shippers, not because of their fire clay goods being cheaper, free on board, than ours, but the shipping expenses are so much lower on the Clyde than on the Tyne that shipowners there are able to carry fire clay goods at a much lower rate than their Tyneside competitors, and as a result many orders are sent to firebrick manufacturers on the Clyde which otherwise would be placed on the Tyne. Only the other day a very large order for fireclay goods was placed with Glasgow makers which we believe would probably have been placed here had shipping charges, &c., been more reasonable; and this applies not only to our own special line, but affects all kinds of manufactures. Unless something is done, the trade of the port will undoubtedly suffer, As it is, what between the excessive charges of the Tyne Commissioners and the want of healthy competition with North-Eastern Railway monopoly, manufacturers in this district are very heavily handicapped. We sincerely hope that something will be done to remedy the present state of affairs. Would it not be advisable to arrange for a deputation, representative of the shipowning and manufacturing interests on the Tyne, to wait upon the Tyne Commissioners and lay their grievances before them, urging the necessity of some reduction being made at once.—Yours, &c.,

HENRY FOSTER AND CO.

Newcastle, June 2, 1894.

FIREBRICKS, quantity of 2nds, for Sale; also Broken Firebricks.—Apply Henry Foster and Co., Ltd., Firebrick Works, Backworth.

TIMEKEEPER, Wanted at once; must be ineligible; preference to discharged soldier.—Apply by letter, giving particulars of experience, wage required, etc., to Henry Foster and Co., Ltd., Firebrick Works, Backworth. No person resident more than 10 miles from advertisers' works or already engaged on Government work will be engaged.

ASHES and Clinker, good supplies available; suitable for Housing Schemes, new roads, etc; can be had free.—Apply Henry Foster and Co., Ltd., Firebrick Works, Backworth.

In September we had a fortnight's visit from R's two three cousins Maggie & Ellen Foster, Birket Foster's daughters, & John Foster's daughter Alice. A gay time we had—parties, lawn tennis &^c &^c & charming their sojourn here. Ellen became engaged to M^r Seymour Bell, an engagement that we trust may be productive of much happiness.

FASHIONABLE WEDDING.

A marriage in which a wide-spread interest was manifested was celebrated on Thursday week at the parish church, Witley, Surrey, the bride being Miss Margaret Ann Foster, elder daughter of Mr Birket Foster, the eminent artist, and the bridegroom Mr John Henry Dale, eldest son of Mr John Broderick Dale, J.P., of Jarrow, County Durham. A bright morning was anxiously hoped for by the community at large, but to the regret of all rain fell incessantly, without, however, damping the warm spirit of the villagers, as was strikingly evinced by the large congregation which assembled long before the time appointed for the ceremony, viz., half past eleven. The services of Mr Milton were hurriedly requisitioned to provide an awning, in which he succeeded admirably, while within the church Mr William Rothwell, the veteran church warden, earned the gratitude of the bridal party by the courteous manner in which he superintended the seating arrangements both for themselves and the congregation generally. The bridegroom, accompanied by Mr C. Richardson as best man, was almost the earliest arrivals, and was quickly followed by six brides maids, who took up a position just within the church, and awaited the coming of the bride. They were Miss Ellen Foster (sister of the bride), Miss Alice Foster, Miss Atchison, Miss Bell Foster (cousins of the bride), and Miss Ruth Dale (sister of the bridegroom), all of whom presented a charming appearance in cream Surah silk dresses, trimmed with lace, and lace hats with bunches of carnations, and each carried a magnificent bouquet of variegated carnations. The fair bride, who wore a rich ivory Duchesse satin, trimmed with elegant lace flounces, tulle veil of snowy whiteness, and wreath of orange blossoms, and carried a magnificent bouquet of eucharis lillies and stephonotis, entered the church with commendable punctuality, leaning on the arm of her father, who subsequently gave her away. Mrs Birket Foster (the mother of the bride), who received a respectful recognition on all sides, wore an exquisite toilet of terra cotta satin petticoat with bodice, and the train of rich brocade in every shade, and costly lace, and Leghorn bonnet with pale terra cotta feathers. Mrs Dale, mother of the bridegroom, wore a crimson satin petticoat, embossed with moss green flowers, with bodice and train of dark green velvet, and bonnet to match. Mrs Tinley Dale was attired in a handsome costume of pale terra cotta satin, merveilleux cascades of white lace, and bonnet trimmed with pale yellow roses and white tulle. Mrs Myles Foster wore an elegant toilet of black satin, trimmed with jet, and a cream bonnet and feathers. The interesting ceremony was impressively performed by the Rev. Alfred Burd, Vicar of Cleeton St. Mary, Cleobury Mortimer, formerly curate in charge of Witley, assisted by the Rev. Allen Edwards, jun., M.A., vicar of All Saints, South Lambeth, and locum tenens for the Rev. L.F. Burrows, rector of the parish. At its conclusion, the 'Wedding March' was brilliantly executed on the organ by Mr Myles B. Foster, brother of the bride, and the bells in the old tower above joined in the jubilation. As the newly married pair left the church, their path was profusely strewn with flowers and rice, and the entire wedding party were then conveyed to 'The Hill,' the charming residence of Mr and Mrs Birket Foster, where an elegant breakfast was provided, of which nearly forty partook, the company including Mrs Dale, Mr and Mrs Tinley Dale, Mr Robert Foster, Mr and Mrs John Foster, Mr and Mrs William Atchison, Mr and Mrs Evans, Mr Charles Dale, Mr and Mrs B. Foster, in addition to others already named. A splendid bridecake, supplied by Walker, of Piccadilly, adorned the head of the table. The only toast proposed was that of the health of the bride and bridegroom, given in a happy speech by the Rev. A. Burd, and drunk with the heartiest enthusiasm, the bridegroom responding effectively. At half-past one the newly-married pair left the Hill, amid the heartiest demonstrations of affection and goodwell [sic], for Guildford, en route for Oxford and Scotland, to spend the honeymoon, and if they only realise half the good wishes which follow them, they will indeed be happy. The bride's travelling dress was a soft striped woollen material with hat to match. The wedding presents were very numerous and costly, showing the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs J.H. Dale are held by a wide circle of friends.

A THOROUGH good, plain, single-handed COOK Wanted; entrées, savouries, cakes, etc.; good economical manager; Protestant; abstainer; strong, active; aged 30 to 34; wages £28-£30; parlourmaid and housekeeper kept; two in family; excellent personal reference essential; no agents. Address, Madame Stadnitski, Mitcham Grove, Mitcham.

WANTED, good single-handed Housemaid-Cook (Lancashire); parlourmaid kept; two in family; Protestant; strong and willing; able to wait at table; wages £22-£26; aged 22-27; near London by 'bus and rail.—Write Madame Stadnitski, Mitcham-grove, Mitcham, Surrey.

THOROUGH good plain cook and a thorough good housemaid wanted at once by a lady in a country house near London; parlourmaid kept, two in family; quiet, comfortable place.—Write Madame Stadnitski, Mitcham Grove, Mitcham, Surrey.

COOK wanted; thorough good plain; single-handed; family two; three maids; separate rooms; Protestant; age about 35; wages £40; good cooking essential.—Write, Madame Stadnitski, Mitcham Grove, Mitcham, Surrey.

In September we had a fortnight's visit from R's two three cousins Maggie & Ellen Foster, Birket Foster's daughters, & John Foster's daughter Alice. A gay time we had—parties, lawn tennis &^c &^c & charming their sojourn here. Ellen became engaged to M^r Seymour Bell, an engagement that we trust may be productive of much happiness.