A CHARMING CONCERT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5056, 24 November 1926, Page 2

A CHARMING CONCERT.

GAIETY THEATRE CROWDED. AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCIp. During the past winter months in Paeroa the principal local ’functions have been almost exclusively confined to social ttud dance, except for the popular motion service as supplied by Mr P. Jennings. “'Vhen winter comes’’ social and euchre will prevail again, but in the meantime, no doubt, the curtain that has hitherto for the most part obscured our local and district vocal and instrumental talent v. ill be drawn aside and thus reveal such excellent qualities as were evidenced last night at the concert at the “Gaiety” so ably organised by Mi Ken. L. Slyfie'd.

By 3 o'clock the theatre was well filled, and a few minutes later sitting accommodation could hardly be locat-ed-—even those who had reserved found difficulty in securing seats, which were ably attended to by members of the Salvation Army, for which organisation the concert had been promoted.

The stage was plentifully lighted and decorated with flags, flowers, and forest adornments. It would take tod long, and more space .than we can spare, to adequately and individually describe the many items rendered; suffice it to say that the entertainment was quite above the average of .its class yet presented in Paeroa. # The programme was in two parts, and opened with music by the orchestra that bears the title of Pickford’s Paeroa Players and which is so popular that all we could say about it would not be at all new. It consists of eight musicians, and carried, with it a distinct jazzistic tone which seemed to have became infectious and had spread more or less amongst last night’s performers. Songs and duets .were rendered by Mesdames Lithgow and Jones, Miss Maisie Vercoe, Miss Agiies Murray, and Miss Harris, while the male vocalists were members of The Follies, 'from whoffi were released numerous highly appreciated items. Their farce entitled “The Obstructive Hat,” depicting a pit scene during a pantomime, was distinctly clever, and reflected considerable, credit on those who portrayed the various characters. Another item, entitled “Very Bad Colds,” by The Follies had a most “sneezing” effect.

The organiser of the concert thus describes; Mr Joe Smithson : “Managing director, head foreman, and office boy of Auckland’s merry-making manufacturers.” That this popular, versatile, and whimsical comedian is "out on his own” goes without saying. He knows quite well the tastes of his audience, and he deals it out in such 2 a majnner as cannot fail, to return him rounds of applause to his laughter-provoking qualities. His portrayal of “How I became a Tramp,” illustrated with music, song, recitations, and cpmicalities was such as those that only divulge from -a' highclass comedian, and that precisely describes Mr Joe Smithson. Mi’s Percy Hague-Smith accompanied this artist in all his characterisations in her usual excellent.manner, while Mrs J. W. Jones and Miss Joyce’ Shaw reflected equal credit upon the items otherwise rendered.

At the’conclusion of the performance a dainty complimentary supper was served by the ladies of the Salvation Army in the suppey-room. Besides the artists the member for the district, Mr A. M. Samuel, and-Mrs Samuel, and the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Marshall) were present. On behalf of the Salvation Army Captain Groves thanked the large band of helpers who had assisted the effort and expressed his keen appreciation df the clea,n humour and, first-class quality of the entertainment.