WHAKATANE CONCERT HELD AT MURUPARA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 80, 9 August 1950, Page 4

WHAKATANE CONCERT HELD AT MURUPARA

' A good gathering of residents from Murupara, Galatea and surrounding districts met together on Wednesday night in the Rangitahi Hall, Murupara, to enjoy a concert given by a group of people from Whakatane. The Rev. R. T. Dodds, Whakatane, brought the concert party to the district and himself acted as chairman-compere for the evening in a humorous and cheei’y manner.

Most of the entertainers acted in a dual capacity in varying ways. After an introduction by the Rev. Dodds the choir opened their programme with an amusing chorus, which was followed by a pianoforte solo of • a Scotch medley by Mrs Dodds, who also acted as accompanist to all the other solo items during the evening. This medley was followed by two songs sung by Mr Davies, bass-baritone. Mrs N. Ferguson brought a different note into the programme by giving two recitations—one dramatic and one humorous, to be followed by the choir. Miss D. Stewart, soprano, proved very popular with her singing of “Come, Sing To Me” and “For Ever and Ever,” whilst the Scotch interest was again revived when Mr G. Paterson, tenor, sang “Sound the Pibroch” and “Loch Lomond,” in which the audience joined in the chorus.

Two flute solos by Mr Davies were very much appreciated, particularly his playing of “Humoresque.” ‘ The children in the audience came into their own when Mr. W. Tyssen began his conjuring tricks and held the attention of adults and children alike with his card manipulations, handkerchief changing and string tricks. Mrs Ferguson, appearing in her second capacity, sang “April” and “Bird Song at Eventide” in a very pleasing- manner, and Mr • Tysson proved his versatility by singing “Elegant Bertie” and a tonguetwisting tune about Shy Sue.

Mr Paterson’s second appearance was very well received and the skirl of the bagpipes had many a foot tapping as he played a good Scots medley. Mrs Dodds and the Rev. Dodds sang a duet “There is a Lady” and Mr Dodds followed this with a solo item “I Shot an Arrow.”

A final piece very well sung by the choir and a verse from “Abide With Me” sung by the whole congregation brought a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment to a close. Mr Hill, Murupara, expressed his appreciation and .thanks to the party on behalf of those*’present for coming a distance on such a cold night.