PROCESS THEATRF.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1917, Page 1

PROCESS THEATRF.

' |,A;ST NIGHT’S CONCERT

There was afforded at tlio Princess theatre last evening one of those musi•al treats which' a Hokitika audience delights in. 'the Surprise Musical Party though few in''number were strong in quality, and a delighted audience rebelled in the good fare provided. Miss Chunn, of G'rcyinouth who cindly visited Hokitika.at half a day s notice, gave some pleasing numbers, being at once in touch with the audience 0 and winning generous applause. ‘‘A .String of Pearls” was a splendid number , while her encore items were quite captivating. Mr. Farrar distinguished himself with his violin solos. His tone is sweet and his interpretation appealing. “Berceuse” was specify fine, and the instrumental music quite a delight. Mr. Len Aldridge gave added variety to the concert by his "rapine recitals. Robert Service’s directiness on “The Fool” was brought out with telling effect. The humorous recitation, “Tommy’s Hynm of Hate’’ the story of a stolen custard, caused shrieks .of laughter, while Kipling’s fine tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Tndia water hearers, in “Gunga Min » was given with startling effect. Later Mr. Aldridge recited ‘No Sport’ some critical verses of Hun methods in the war. and provoked a storm of applause to which he responded with a son" “Nirvana” and sang most acceptably. Mr. Aldridge was associated with Mr. E. Short in n vocal duet “Watchman, what of the nighta very happy effort indeed Of the male voices, Messrs E. Short and Ivon AVilson divided honours with mi audience most exacting in its ce mauds: Mr. Short has a cultivated baritone, which lie uses with na viral effect- “The Bandoliero” was his first number and afforded means for a pleacant introduction. Then came a linmo, ous number and after that some *V*-. Hally fine songs. “The Homer, with its exacting accompaniment, proving one of the special gems of a great programme. Mr Ivon AVilson appeared in two songs first (a> .“I hear a -Thrush at Eve” and (b) “In a Garden Thev were given with an artistic do 1ca'cy, which whetted the desire for ■ more. Then came “Love and Laughter” with its lifting chorus, followed by other item s all affording the greatest pleasure. In the second half this

cultured singer gave Mallinson’s “Beau tiful Beatrice” and among others “A float Song.” These two numbers stood out. for their heightened charm, derived from the artistry of the accompaniments. The vocal portion of the programme was nothing short of a sheer delight. As indicated in the loregoing the musical success of the evening was contributed to immensely by the talented accompanist, Mrs Ivon Wilson, who was charged with the responsible duties, seemed to find a pleasure in her work. Her portion of the evening’s success was very remarkable, and the very hearty applause the singers won was given in no small measure to the aid rendered the performers by the lady presiding so capably at the

piano. Before the closing number, which preceded the National Anthem, Mr Evans returned thanks to the concert party for their very excellent entertainment—one of the best it had been the privilege of a local audience to enjoy. A vote of appreciation was carried by long-sustained approbation. Mr Evans also referred to the object of tlie concert—to raise funds for the Y.M.C.A. Trench Comforts movement. He intimated that the money would be cabled through headquarters to France, where the men in the firing line would enjoy t the hospitality of the Y.M.C.A. from funds provided from Hokitika. He invited further donations to the purpose | in mind, stating a remittance of the amount in hand would he made tomorrow. Among the amounts in hand for the Y.M.C.A. Comforts are the following: —Proceeds Mr Varney’s lecture £6 3s Gd; proceeds last night’s concert, £lO 11s; part donation N.Z. Insurance Company £l6 13s 4d; G. A. Perry (Mayor)' £8; Mrs W. Smith ss; J. '.T. 'Breeze os.