RED CROSS CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 95, 1 December 1939, Page 5

RED CROSS CONCERT

KING STREET HALL PACKED

A FIRST CLASS PROGRAMME

The campaign for patriotic funds ■ commenced in splendid fashion last Wednesday evening when to a packed audience members of the local Lyceum Club presented a first class programme of variety entertainment which met with the wholehearted approval of the spectators who afforded generous applause to each and every item. The concert was definitely a great success and set a standard which will be hard to beat in any future •effort under the same head. The club is to be complimented on it,sj initiative, while the work of. the. •organiser, Mrs E. Armstrong, both in the promotion of the evening and in the items themselves was most praiseworthy. Nor must the work of Mrs Appleby, her capable assistant be overlooked. The popular Bert Bullen and his Canadian Orchestra supplied the opening item, rendering the 'Bugle -Call Rag.' They were also heard later with Miss Majorie Thatcher xvho sang several well known airs, for which she is now becoming so well known. Favourite with the audi ence was her handling of 'Liebesiraume.' Choruses in assembly by a group -of Red Cross Nurses, scouts and kilt•ed Scotties followed winning warm applause. Tlie pupils of Mrs Patience delighted with a stirring Russian dance, and a very dainty step tlancc by diminutive Coleens. The

same group also appeared later in a Quick Tap number and a ver\ r ipleasing Toe Ballet. Rousing hakas, poi dances and "Maori part songs, were presented by a lusty group from the Poroporo school. Under the leadership of their 'chief' the lads gave a great exhibition, the girls were graceful in the 'dance while the final combined 'chorus was a resurrection of the one of the Great War farewell songs as sung at Wellington when the Maori Battalion departed. 'Haste to the Wedding' a one-act play by members of the Lyceum Club assisted by a few friends was thoroughly enjoyed. The parts were ■convincingly played and reflected -credit on all in the cast. As the ■worried mother on the morning of "her daughter's wedding Miss M. Whiteside was particularly good. Miss F. Sloan made a good effort in the role of a Cockney servant and "Miss M. Dell was capable as the confident visitor. As the dear old 'Grannie Mrs E. Armstrong was exceptionally good, while the harassed sister of the bride was portrayed by Mrs C. Thomas. The male parts were taken by Mr H. Bruce whose acting was first class and Mr Tom Warner, who was also consistently -good. A physical culture display by mem bers.received the applause it deserved while a gymnastic exhibition by a squad -of huskies under the leadership of Mr P. F. Dixon was worth •coming a long way to see. The work '■-of the clown was a feature.

As usual, our popular comedian, "Mr Tony brought the house down with his numbers 'I Murdered Him' and 'Meanderings of Monty.' His straight pieces were no less in . demand. The one-act play in the second ""half 'A Little Bit of Life,' was presented by the Lyceum members. Mr :and Mrs Boswell of Poroporo figured as the principals in a typical Cockney home. Their troubles are not lightened by the procession of dismal visitors. Miss Ngatai carried out jßla difficult part in clever manner, ' while Miss X. Carlyon as the- prophet of gloom was also extremely good. The whole play was a tribute to those taking part. The concluding number Hill Billies -showed a full stage with members of the Boys' Moutliorgan Band giving lively choruses. Mr C. Kerr supplied the solo parts, and Mr H. Armstrong's pleasing tenor voice led some rollicking choruses. A nigger exchange by Sambo and Darkie found popular acclaim, when Messrs Jackson and Bruce tried a few chestnuts and smart exchanges. The concert concluded with community singing of 'Liftle Sir Echo' led by Mr Bruce.

Presentation. During the course of the second half the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, took the opportunity of addressing a few words to the audience, and in thanking the Lyceum Club, called Mrs E. xlrnistrong and Mrs F. Appleby to the stage where they were (Continued at foot of next colnim:,)

presented with dainty bouquets. MiBarry also outlined briefly the objectives of the patriotic campaign and commended its purposes to the public of Whakatane. ,