Evening Proves Entertaining

Chronicle (Levin), 22 October 1949, Page 2

Evening Proves Entertaining

A nautical evening arranged by a committee comprising Mesdames M. Bracey and H. Tews, Misses .M. C. Holmes and R. Frier and Mi'. W. H. Townrow, in aid of the Anglican Beach Hall building fund, was heldyon Monday night and drew a ca^acity house. The hall was decorated with fishing nets and coxmtless imitaaon seagulls, with an array of huia costumes on the walls, and a huge poster realistically depieting a charming mermaid recllning in uhe background. The scene represented "The Mermaid Inn" and there was a keen air of expectancy long before the "sails were unfurled." None were disappointed and from the time the comp.ere "Captain" Townrow, resplendent in his nautical uniform, took the helm until che final officers mess the aiidiehce was in high gxee. The function was early proclaimed the best entertainment presented lor a long time. Cabin trunks and sea chests had been prised open and robbed of their hidden "treasure," and as a res'ult some of the uniforms and apparel were claimed to be up to 100 years old. Proceedings opened on a lively note with a game, followed by a mermaid song by xhe compere, with all shipmates joining in the chorus. Miss Tui Richards sang very pleasingly "Come Back to Sorento," after which a further game, yFish and Fan," was enjoyed by all present. The "Smugglers' Song," by Captain Townrow, came next, with mimes by Smuggiers Moss and Lumley, Mesdames Bracey and Tews. A spelling game wa^ followed by an . apt recitation by Mrs. J. Duncan, and the 'decks were then cleared for a game which proved a real highlight. All present formed a large circle and three haversacks, fllied with a.l sorus of old costumes were handed round. When the music stopped those in possession of the haversacks each had to extract some garment and put it on. The grand parade which then took place cause'd great amusement. Further laughter broke out when the judges, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simcox, presented the parade winners, Mrs. J. Royal and Mr. C. G. Anderson, wiuh their wellmerited prizes, a tin of sardines each. A dance and song duo in old (time music hall style and costume, very wetl ddne by Mrs. H. Gower and Mr. L. Moss, was a further comic turn which also brought the house down. Miss Nahleen Walton gave two highly pleasing performances when dancing in costume the sailor's hornpipe and Irish jig. Otaki's ace comedian, Mr. A. Lumley produced two songs especially suited to the occasion, set to Lhe tune of "Barnacle Bill the Sailor." Many committee members gained notoriety as a result of Mr. Lumley's effort, which was given a well deserved reception. Further variety was provided by Mr. N. Walker, whose humorous rendering of the sailor's hornpipe on the piano, with variations, was deemed very clever. Dancing to popular sea shanty tunes by Mr. and Mrs. H. Tews added further to the enjoyment of the evening, as dfd a delicious home made supper. At a suitable interlude Canon H. E. K. Fry thanked those responsible for their eft'orts, which had proved such an outstanding success. Accompanists during the evening were Mesdames C. G. Anderson and L. Moss. and Mr. N. Walker, wiih the posters and seagulls the work of Miss Frier.