BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Tho Exhibition was again in popular favor yesterday. Additional visitors were present from all parts, and throughout the day made their way to the buildings, which are now such a centre of common attraction. The attendance at night was large, an extra number being drawn on account of tho attractions in the Orpheus Theatre, where little Joan Hughes ami Muriel Kershaw, her partner, delighted a very large audience. The ei-oni-itnts passed on the general display at the Exhibition by the fresh visitors were again of the highest.

The attendance at the cookery demonstrations continues substantial, and tbe interest of the housewives shows no sign of flagging. A’esterclay Miss Todlmnti*r gave demonstrations ill cooking with tlu* homely Hottentot, and the results surprised many. The advice and hints given b.v Hu* instructor in regard to cooking with gas are most helpful and many folk are gleaning first-hand information in the uses of gas economically, and learning much about the convenience of gas for home cooking not fully appreciated before. Several ladies have expressed their thanks to Miss Todhunter for the information and instruction imparted, and as usual all supplies made are readily bought up, the demand far exceeding the supply available. A further display with the Hottentot Gas Cooker will he made this evening. This is a very handy appliance for home cooking for small families or early morning or rush meals, and consumers of gas will find it convenient to have a Hottentot Cooker ready at hand. The gas hot-plate is another convenient*. far m advance of the ordinary gasring for adaptability. and housewives should enquire from Miss rlodlninter how these appliances can he used to the very best advantage. The Orpheus Theatre was crowded to overflowing last, evening for the first appearanee of the juvenile duo

from Christchurch. Standing noam only was to hi* had shortly before the entertainment commenced. The two little girls are surprises in the juvenile world, being in fact infant prodigies. Joan Hughes, who is blit i years old, is as much at home on the stage as a staid senior seven times that age. Her every movement tits in with the character she pourtruys. In character sketches and songs she is highly entertaining. As “The CharIndy" with the emphasis on the “ladv"—slu* was splendid, delineating a phase of character which was greatly appreciated. Her song of “The Dream Man" was another hit. Both numbers were encored, and the replaced items were no less pleasing. Indeed her closing number, “Good Night Alother,” was one of her best efforts poiirtraying a wayward child not anxious to respond to mothers behest to go to bed. Her partner. Muriel Kershaw, three years older, is also a cletoi girl. Slit* sang anil recited in a voice of remarkable strength, ami pleased the audience, winning recalls. Ihe pair did a. duel, “Two Dolls," captivatingly, the rivalry between the two being neatly brought out. Altogether their appearance proved a special pleasure i*ud delight. The juveniles were well supported by local talent. The Hokitika orchestra under the baton of Mr AT. E. Perry rendered two spirited selections, while solos were sung by Miss C-illoolv and Mr K*es. both being well received. The whole entertainment proved very acceptable to the audience, ami the applause all through was vorv prononneed. TO-NIGHT. To-night at 8 o'clock in the Orpheus Theatre the juvenile duo will appear again with local supports, There will he an entire change of programme. Joan Hughes will make a special appearance to-night, ns Jackie Coogan in “The Kid." The sketch has been written specially for Joan by Miss Lucy Cowan of Christchurch, and was performed lately for a full week in the Liberty Theatre. Christchurch, before crowded audiences. Joan will give other solo numbers, both vocal and elocutionary, and join Muriel in an amusing duet “The Picaninnies.” Muriel will also sing in eharaetei. “Miss Crinoline." There will he good local support of vocal and instrumental numbers, and a first-class evening s entertainment will he provided.

To-morrow at 2.30 o’clock there will he a matinee organised in the Orpheus Theatre for the entertainment of the visiting Runanga. picnic. Both the juveniles will appear in a series of new items, and will present a most entertaining programme. At 8 o’clock in the evening the duo will make their final appearance under the present arrangements, presenting a furthei change of programme. The pair have established themselves so well that they are sure to be popular for the remainder of the short season. COMING EVENTS.

Miss Lucy Cowan anil a clover juvenile troupe of entertainers, will bo the central feature of next week’s attractions at the Exhibition. 'J lie com-pany—-.while juvenile, is yet ol outstanding merit, included :n the personnel is little Kathleen Read, a little five-year old girl from Christchurch. Of her the judge at the recent competitions said:—“Whatever this little girl touches, she adorns.’’ This highwater mark of criticism was’applied in particular to her performance “iho Bird’s Nest” and “Daddy’s Sweetheart.” The remainder of the Company are all performers of credit, and the whole programme will he one of special distinction. Several of the sketches and scenes have liecn written by .Miss Lucy Cowan, who will, herself, be a performer. The company will appear for four consecutive nights commencing on Tuesday next. On .Monday week begins Miss Bessie Macdonald’s dance recital, which promises to he particularly entertaining. and will be given by the pupils of Miss Bessie Macdonald. Miss Macdonald spent all last summer at the Ruth St. Denis School of Dancing in bos Angeles, and lias gained much valuable experience and a wealth of ideas. Specially featured will be an Ancient Egyptian Corps do Ballet, in which Hi dancers and posturers will take part. Every movement lias been carefully studied and is historically correct, even to the most minute do- j tails, while the costuming will Ik? Imth colourful and “as worn” in the days of old. Another interesting and entirely original contribution will be a story pourtrayed in dancing, entitled “Dream Bird.” This story offers great opportunity for spectacular display. “The Toy Shop” was first danced by ( Madame Pavlova in London, and Miss . Macdonald, in a most ambitous effort, | will reproduce, the first time in lias ever been danced in New Zealand, the ; dainty little (lancers, dressed as golliwogs. tin soldiers, jockeys, teddy bears and even a .Tack-in-tlie-box. nil! be grouped together, to respond to a magic touch which brings them to life. A solo dance. Bacchanalia, will be given by Miss Macdonald, and a finale to the recital will be provided b> a foxtrot wedding in miniature. The Exhibition flower show takes place next week. Entries close at the Countv Chambers on Saturday night.. Copies of schedules etc. mav he obtained at the Exhibition buildings. There is the promise of a very tasteful displav at the Exhibition, which will be held in the Soldiers’ Hall, Sewell St. j