ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL

Evening Star, Issue 22444, 15 September 1936, Page 6

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL

CARNIVAL FUND CONCERT Though the original intention was to hold a community sing, with Mr Tano Faina and Mr P. H. Lampen as leaders, in conjunction with the concert at His Majestv’s Theatre last evening in aid of the St. Joseph’s Cathedral carnival fund, the standard of the items presented was so high that it was decided to eliminate the sing, so that the function finally resolved itself into a remarkably entertaining concert, which met with the fullest appreciation from a large audience. In a brief speech, Mr Lampen introduced Mr R. (“ Whang ”) M'Kenzie, the' man whose popularity in Rugby football broadcasts is indisputable, to the audience, and Mr M'Kenzie was presented with the “ freedom ” of the majority of Dunedin’s entertainment houses in recognition of the excellent entertainment ho has provided during the football season. In reply, Mr M'Kenzie told several amusing stories concerning those who had organised the concert, and outlined some of the details about broadcasting football matches which have proved puzzling .to many who listen to the broadcasts, r The programme was opened with a selection by the Waverley Boys’ Brass Band, and Miss Deslys M'Kenzie (daughter of Mr R. M'Kenzie) was heard in a delightful vocal number. Mr G. Bennett, more familiarly known in Dunedin as “.Uncle Ben,” provided a musical item in which he performed simultaneously on the mouth organ, accordion. and drum, and tivo of Miss Anita Winkel’s pupils were lipard in a vocal duet. One of the most remarkable turns was that of Mr Les. Carter, juggler, who tossed in the air all manner of articles and also balanced with the utmost skill an even more formidable array of parasols, bayonets, and tin basins. Mr Tano Fama. in a turn reminiscent of the days when “ The Diggers ” were a famous concert party, kept the audience amused for several minutes with patter and song, and Miss Ngila Slowley presented an exceedingly graceful dance number. A choir formed of Miss Anita Winkle's pupils was heard in several attractive items, and Miss Ana Hato, the popular singer of Maori songs, proved one of the most popular of the evening’s entertainers. A half-hour play presented by Mrs Hamer and party proved exceptionally successful; and Mr M. Eggers, ventriloquist, supplied an item which called forth enthusiastic applause. A ballet presented by Miss Gwen Webster’s pupils was a very colourful number. The audience was promised a surprise from Mr “ Spud ” Murphy, and this proved to be an auction sale of various articles which had been presented for the purpose. The official accompanist was Mr David Sharp.