BENEFIT CONCERT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5094, 4 March 1927, Page 2

BENEFIT CONCERT.

ENJOYABLE MUSICAL TREAT.

PROJECT WELL SUPPORTED.

It is always, gratifying to record appreciation when the public comes forward to liberally support any function that may be arranged ’for a charitable object. Through good organisation and plenty of publicity the musical entertainment given at the Gaiety Theatre, Paeroa, last night drew a crowded house. The object of the entertainment was for the purpose of raising funds to assist, Mr Eric Robson an ex-Paeroa lad and footballer, who is at the present time an inmate of the Pukeora Sanatorium, Hawke’s Bay, and the support received must be very gratifying to the promoters, as the large audience was thoroughly representative of the Thames Valley and Goldfields. Held under the auspices of the Thames Valley and Paeroa Rugby Unions, last night’s function was organised and produced by Mr K. Slyfield, to whom too much praise cannot lie given for the success that attended his efforts. A meed of thanks and appreciation is also due to those artists who came forward from all parts tf the district and helped to provide the enjoyable programme.

The stage was gaily decorated, and from the overture, contributed by Pickford’s Paeroa Players, to the final ringing down of the curtain there was ■not a dull moment. The quality of the programme can be gauged by the fact that every item was encored, and in many instances the artists were recalled three times.

Following the overture, Miss Mabel Briggs was encored for a delightful rendering of “The lass with the delicate air,” and responded with “Break o’ day.” The next to appear was little Eileen Bell, who pleased greatly with the monologue “The little yellow d<>g.” For an encore she gave “G&mina.” and on being recalled a third time recited “When all the children pray.’’ Mr A. Williams (cornet) and Mrs Williams (piano) delighted the audience with a duft, and responded with “Somewhere' a voice is calling.” A couple of rag-time solos by Mr Ray Foster were popularly received. The interpretation of musical monologue work by Miss Eileen Kelly (Thames) was much enjoyed, her first item, “Lorraine Loree,” being particularly pleasing. In response to the applause that was accorded her, Miss Kelly contributed “The inventor’s wife,” and “Teddy Bear.” Mr J. Galloway was heard to advantage in his rendering <'f “The Bandoliero,” followed by “Red Devon by the sea.” The humour of tire evening was provided by Mr Herbert Beech who contributed in his own inimitable style “The Farmer’s Boy,” “The Egg,” “Yet I don’t know,’’ and “Eat more fruit.” After, the orchestra selection in the second half of the programme the Waikiki Hawaiian Orchestra, a clever band of eight young men from Thames, delighted with the sweet music produced fr°m the steel, guitars, mandolin, banjo, and violin. A firm favourite is Miss R. McCullay, whose sweet voice w’as heard to advantage in her contribution o’f “Danny Boy.” In response to an enthusiastic ejicore Miss McCullay sang “Robin Adair” and again received rounds of applause. Another old favourite with local audiences was Mr A.. J. Briggs, who sang “The Ballad Monger” and “A Sergeant of the Line” in his: wellknown acceptable style. “Parson Jim” caused roars of laughter with his topical sketches, and the local “hits” were well received. Mr Geo. Foster selected t-Jie song “Love, could I only tell thee” for ihis: first number; which won him hearty applause. He responded with “I passed by your window.” A word of special praise is due to Messi s J. Buchan and Leo Foster, who acted as accompanists for the programme.

At tiie conclusion of the entertainment the artists were entertained to supper. Mrs G. H. Haylor acted as hostess, and was ably assisted by the lady members eff the benefit committee. The opportunity was taken by the president the Thames Valley Rugby Union (Mr J. W. Silcock) to thank the artists and all those who had assisted to make the evening the success it undoubtedly was. It is expected that the fund will benefit to the extent of over £2O as a result of last night’s effort.