SCOUT CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 2, 22 July 1946, Page 5

SCOUT CONCERT

THORNTON’S NIGHT OUT LARGE CROWD ATTENDS Given in aid of the local Scout Troop, the concert in the Thornton Hall last Thursday evening was a remarkable success in spite of the severe handicap suffered by most of the performers who were endeavouring to make themselves heard above the storm. Rain however failed to deter the Thornton residents from giving the concert their fullest support, and of lending their warmest appreciation to each and every item.

Teeming rain upon the corrugated iron roof undoubtedly interfered with all vocal items but the general tone and presentation of the concert must rank it amongst the best Thornton has seen in years, and the greatest compliment must be paid to the Scout Committee who with Mr and Mrs Arbuckle at their head accomplished wonders in hall decoration and staging. The programme opened with selections by the recently formed Whakatane orchestra of eleven players who showing improved form presented a bracket of numbers at various intervals during the proceedings. We particularly appreciated ‘The Murray Moon’ and the ‘Middie March.’ Scout items were presented by the local boys, while the Cub Pack also gave a bright appearance in the singing of a specially composed Cub song.

Mrs Rushbrook was heard to fine effect in ‘Sing Happy Bird.’ Her solo work was particularly good, nor must we omit the splendid accompaniment by Mrs Goodwin, who with Mrs Smith also presented a pianoforte duet of high standard. Violin solos by Mrs Larmer were also warmly received. A Highland interlude was afforded by Miss Rivett’s pupils Janice Bell and Heather Metai who danced the Fling to music"provided by Piper Russell Hurst. The lassies later presented the Irish Jig and received the same full applause. Piper James Law added further to the flavouring by presenting a number of Sassanach tunes on the pipes in a manner which must have outraged his Pipe Major. A humorous interval and magic act was provided by Messrs. Rust and Penny, who as a delapidated pair of tramps delighted the audience with some desultry exchanges and sleight of hand. This precious pair were a great success and their their appearance in the concluding items gained them great favour with the smaller fry. Mrs K. and Miss Dawn Armstrong provided some beautifully harmonised duet pieces. We will not soon forget their rendition of ‘There’s a Happy Land.” Mr Eric Goodwin proved himself a good singer and his song ‘Macushla’ was a treat to hear. The final item was in the hands of Mr Hans Hauesler with his everpopular Chalk Talk. Mr Hauesler has a remarkable flair for discovering his audience, and his happy attitude in spite of the teeming rain which rendered his usual patter out of the question, made his item the highlight of the show. Mr Arbuckle who acted as M.C. throughout thanked all present for their attendance. The Scout County Commissioner then introduced Commissioner for Training, R. Aldrich, who addressed the gathering on the aims and objectives of Scouting, and concluded by presenting Scoutmaster Don Scott of Thornton with his warrant.

After an enjoyable supper, the evening concluded with a general dance.