DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5171, 29 August 1927, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TURUA. amateur theatricals. The Turua Concert Party staged its second production in the Turua Town Hall on Thursday evening before a comparatively small audience. Profiting by its experience in the initial effort, the company provided a shorter and more attractive programme, and as menjbers were .word-perfect, and took their parts like veteran actors, the concert moved quickly without a dull moment, and the audience was highly entertained!.- The variety of items revealed much talent and versatility, and the contributors were accorded the heartiest applause. . Opening with t,he chorus from the “Frothblowers’ Anthem,” led by the Rev. W. W. Averill, the whole company, including tlTe beauty chorus of eight young girls, was seen. Then followed a short comic sketch by Messrs A. J. {duller, H. Owens, and A. Walker, and a song very well rendered by Mr Muller. The Rev. Averill showed out well as an old soldier in his two numbers, “When the Sergeant-Major is on Parade/’ and “The Drum-Major,” and Mrs A. Walker and Mr H. Owens were delightful in the humorous character song “Do You Recall ?” In t<he caricature of a parson Mr A- Walker delivered a ihumorous sermon from the tale of “Old Mother Hubbard,” and in thei next number Mr H. Owens proved himself a, capable female impersonator. Two songs by Mr A. Sutton were well received, as also was a contribution by Mr Walker. Another funny little sketch by Mrs Walker and Messrs Muller and Walker concluded the first part of the programme. Mrs Mules was the accompanist. The comic sketch “Freezing a Mother-in-law” took up the. rest of the- evening. The story deals with the efforts of Ferdinand (Rev. Averill) to demonstrate the effect on a human being of a drug made for the purpose ‘ of freezing catttle while qlive and the way he and the very hen-pecked husband (Mr Owens) get Mrs Wattnot (Mrs A. Walker) to be the first human victinj. She is acquainted of the plot by Walter (Mr Muller), who is endeavouring to overcome her opposition to his-suit for the daughter (Miss N. Schmidt), and she replaces the drug with harmless water and pretends that it-has taken effect. The dismay of the two gay plotters when they find that the antidote has been mislaid and the scheming of the two young lovers, who know of the woman’s deception, .make some very entertaining scenes. The acting was very creditable, each part being excellently portrayed. The entertainment will probably be repeated in- other centres in the near future. •