A COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1931, Page 4

A COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT

There was at attendance of about 400 at the Princess Theatre last evening for the Coimminity-Sing-Soug in aid of the Hawkes Hay Relief Fund, and proceedings passed off very happily. The community singing was much enjoyed, and but for the length of the concert programme, more demands for song numbers could have been mot. The interpSrsed items, however, pleased greatly. There waft much variety in song, story and dance, and not a dull moment the whole evening.

The programme was well fortified by the appearance of several supporters from G reyiiioui; h. Mis*s Adria R. Bush, is a noted elocutionist. Last night the lady essayed comedy characters, and created much fun in several appearances. A number of very amusing numbers were given with excellent effect, and pleased the audience greatly. The dancing by Miss Thwaites was much appreciated. In the first half by special request, the lady danced the Irish Jig, and in the second half, it Columbine dance. Both numbers were applauded rapturously. Mr A. Wild* and his comic assistant Mr T. Coll, gave much pleasure in their comedy sketches. The first treated with the Village Blacksmith, but in quite u new setting, and many jokes were perpetrated to the accompaniment ot much laughter among the audience. Another very amusing sketch was the' hypnotised Singu who made several local hits in his topicalities, also much to the amusement of the audience. For this number Mr A, Lawn at the piano was indispensible. The local performers all did excellently. /Misses Giese and Daly opened with a pianoforte duet, "Irish diamonds,” and vocal items were given by Miss Lynn, Miss Rita Morgan, and Mi.s.s M. Hanrahaii; Mr Cecil Wright, Mr T. Stopforth and Rev. Naylor. All Saints’ Choir rendering the glee “Hail Smiling Morn,” very pleasingly. The ’cello solo by Mr Robilliard was most acceptable and encored. The accompanistes were Misses Giese, Daly and .Mrs Robilliard, and the whole concert section was most enjoyable. Mr A. Wilde led in the community singing, and Mr Coll lent comic relief to bits part of the programme. AltLawn was admirable at tlie piano, all the demands of tho audience for popular songs of the day being promptly responded to by the pianist. In a triangular competition, ladies, gentlemen mid juveniles, the latter backed by Mr Coll won. The csinging generally was very hearty, Air Wilde’s happy stylo encouraging the folk to respond with enthusiasm. The whole effort was very jolly and sociable. Before .the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and the National Anthem, the audience was thanked for its patronage, and the performers tor their great help. All who helped in other directions were like-wised thanked eordinllv for their ready response to tlie worthy cause in view.