ORPHAN CLUB'S CONCERT.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2490, 17 June 1915, Page 3

ORPHAN CLUB'S CONCERT.

The Carnival concert of last evening was supplied by the Wellington Orphans' Club, which submitted a very interesting programme to an audienoe which could have been larger. An excellent orchestra, under the baton of Mr. H. Moschini, played'the sparkling "Piquo Dame" overture of Suppe, and one of Brahms' "Hungarian Dances." Orphan N. Thompson sang "Mavournecn," and Signor A. Truda, the gifted flautist, plhyed the melodious "Sarlesalpes" of Terschay, and another charming composition by a now American coniiwsor for tho flute, named Delloranza—a simple theme delicately elaborated with variations. Orphan H. Hodges gave an example of his vocal strength in "Mine Enemy," and then subduing the fire of his soul to the spirit of the song, sang tho tenderly sentimental song "Coming Home," which was somewhat marred by ah obbligato by an orchestra in the largef hall. The hit of the evening wajf made by Orphan Culford 8011, who Ts*excellent in tho recital of verse that involves the Cockney idiom. His first essay was "Spotty" (a tale of the war), the story of a ginger-haired trooper who was fond of airing his limited knowledge of mispronounced French, but who dies like a hero in the trenches with an "0 Itewar" on his twisted lips. There is a strange ring of truth in the incident, the admirable recital of which brought a lump to the throat and moisture to the eye. As an encore Mr. Bell recited with equal ability "Tommy's V.C.," which describes the emotions of a ranker being decorated by the late Queen Victoria with the Victoria Cross. Orphan H. F. Wood saug "Love and Laughter" and "Rosebuds" ; Orphan Clarkson sang "Good Old New Zealand," and songs were also contributed by Orphans L. Exton, S. Aliwrigbt, and E. Luks, and Orphan H. Moschini played a clarinet solo. During the intermission, Orphan David M'Laren, after thanking the club for its generosity in giving the' concert, brought under tho notice of the audience a poem which had been writen in Egypt by Drummer T. Black, of the 10th Manchester Regiment, illustrative of the feelings of the "regulars" on seeing the New Zealanders arrive in Egypt. He stated that the poem had been forwarded to one of the members of the Wellington Performing Musicians' Union, who had been so struck with the sentiments expressed that he had prevailed on the union to have it printed. That work had been done in a strikingly attractive manner, and copies would be sold at 3d. each, all the money realised to be devoted to the Wounded Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund. Tho verses were read by Orphan Culford Bell, and earned the very hearty approval of all presont.