CONCERT AT THEATRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1917, Page 3

CONCERT AT THEATRE.

There was a large aud enthusiastic gathering at Piioccfis Theatre last | evening to wind up the day’s celebrations. An excellent concert programme was given, hearty recalls fceiug given in almost every instance. The singers were ia excellent, voice and the gathering proved most success! ul The programme yv>;b i is follows:— * National Anthem ; overture, “ Stars and S‘ripen,” Oversea-: Oiubesiia Performers— P. »uus tc, Mina Daly, A.T.O.L.*; violin?, \li?«as Hutch arid. 1 Foster, Messrs Barlttop aud Staff an » flatee, Messrs Gibbons and Wyllia ’ clarione', Master Riye Nalder; ccrcet* Mr L, Ross; euphonium, Mr E D.iw son; double B, Mr C. Rose; Mr Barltrop; conductor, Mr W. E, Peiry. Solo, Gounod’s “ Serenade,” (with date obligato by Mr Gibbons), Mrs Brook (ercored) ; recitation, War Episode, Mr L. F. de Barry; song, “ The Rosary,” Miss Wells (encored); instrumental duet, flute aud clarionet, “ Lo Hear the Gentle Lark,” Mr Gibbons and Master Nalder (encored) ; selection, “ Luoteaia Borgia,” O /erseaa Orchestra; song, Miss McLean (encored); 'song, “ The Trail That Leads i to Home,” Mr R, O. Irwin (encored) 5 recital " The Day,” Mr E Boyd (eu- l corei) ; military ■d-.rch, “ The British i Iel«-s, ! ’- Orchestra, The acccmpatiisis >*eie ' Mi?;e ADaly, Mi'S Limaeiofs -and Mrs Doctor.

Tha Speeches

Mr J, Grimmond (Mayor of Ross) aid he eoald not say too much for the work done by the Anz'c tner. His only regret was that like the Balaclava cbrage, their gallantry had proved useless. Referring to the course of the war ho said that Britain alwayH blundered on in har wars, but aiways wou the last big battle and fchat.waa what she was going to do this time too. There was an undercurrent of feeling that they all knew about, but he felt sure that New Zealand would stand true to Great Britain. The men of Arzac had shown great galiaq-_ try and many had died, but they had not died in vain, and be felt that one and all would do their own best to recognise in every way the worthy way in which those gallaut mon had upheld the bast traditions of tbo British race. The Rev P. B. Ftasar said at a time like this it was deeds and not words that count. All feel that this speaking is of small account, unless perchanca there is an opportunity as came last week when the citizens gathered to express their support of the Government. Ha a warning that they ought to bo ready at any moment to express our support of *he Government of th 9 country. The first thing that stands out clear is that they stood out for freedom, that they feared God, but feared no man, He was glad to know that the great Republic now stands beside the Allies for this very worthy cause The attempt of the enemy to crush the am Her nations wa9 referred to and the speaker said we may well thank God that wo had statesmen who stood up against such a course. It was a great trial and they bad an enormous job to carry out. As the pinch grows more 'and more, so will tbs (ask become more difficult, but we have reason to be thankful for our great unity end seif-sacrifice, unparalleled in any country, He tribnted New Zealand as the moat beautiful country in the world, with its people generous and splendid to a degree. When the call came our men had done their share. He was glad wa had the men ready to get out and get into the row. The men who left these shores and who landed in Gallipoli had shown the beat examples of bravery the world has ever known. He humbly endorsed the remarks of the' several speakers that day and paid hia tribute to the parents and all who mourn on this the anniversary of tho great occasion. In conclusion he felt the Government of this colony has done its best and they Bhould support them in any crisis in any step taken to keep the flag flying. Here he would like to say that on this Caast we have many places cf interest bearing foreign names and ho would like to suggest the advisability o' chaugiug these and in their place honoring those heroes of tho war, and fnuß commemorating such as Captain Fryatt and Nurse Cavoll, the dastardly murder of whom would alwaya he a blot on thoee responsible for the fearful crimes. Mr D. J. Evans, President of the Overseas Club, eaid it was gratifying fci that the day’s celebrations hid passed off so successfully. A gratifying feature was the assembly o' returned men them*elves who Bad formed an association. The Patriotio Society would be glad of their cooperation. It was our duty and the duty of the country to do all we can for the men who have done so well for the Empire. He thanked all for their attendance and the performers, for their valued assistance, specially mentioning the work of tho Overseas Orchestra. The National Anthsrn brought the concert to a dote.