EGYPTIAN EVENING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 33, 18 December 1945, Page 5

EGYPTIAN EVENING

POPULAR NOVELTY FUNCTION SERVICES QUEEN EFFORT Cairo came to the. Caledonian Hall on Wednesday night when the committee backing tlie Services Queen i Miss Pam King ; in the current R.S.A. Appeal staged an Egyptian evening. The Junction proved to be one of the best novelties it lias been our pleasure to attend. Everything smacked of Llie Middle East, even down to the grimy looking wogs who forced their attentions on visitors and the some two hundred dancers present received a realistic taste of the atmosphere of Cairo— an atmosphere which Kiwis know only too well, and which they poiv trayed with candour and realism. Those who entered the hall were first set upon by three rowdy wogs whose aim and ambition was to clean the patrons' shoes,. They fought eternally with the doorkeeper, the customers and themselves and vied 9 vociferously i'or custom. The unwilling were tempted by having a tin. of Kiwi nugget thrust under their noses ("See Kiwi! Verra good. . . .") etc. The majority surrendered unconditional]}*; the fee was a silver coin. * Inside, dancing was proceeding to the strains of the Premier Band. Mr Corbett weilded his authority as Master of Ceremonies in expert fashion, over a crowd attired in flannels khaki and short frocks. But the Egyptian vendors had. invaded the interior as well, and wogs in realistic robes and a red fez apiece peddled, sprays of flowers to the couples. (We noticed one complaining in a very disappointed j tone to the M.C. during a Monte Carfo that he couldn't seem to sell so the M.C. took a fcAV minutes out to find him a customer). The big thrill of the everting. was of course Madame Montmarengo, who told fortunes in her little mystic booth walled with drapings and lit only by a solitary candle. She was indeed, a mystic who attracted many who wished to peer into the future. On the dance floor, a succession of foxtrots, onesteps, military two steps elc. began to make the danc-/ eivs feel the warmth, and refreshments were much in demand. In order to meet 'this anticipated demand the committee had thoughtfully provided a soft drink stall. Supper was served,at the appropriate time 5 and was welcomed by the crowd. ' Winners of a Monte Carlo were Miss Isabel Sullivan and 'partner. The whole evening was a success from every point of view; no doubt the next such novelty will attract twice the number.