METHODIST CONCERT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5180, 19 September 1927, Page 2

METHODIST CONCERT.

EFFORT RY THE MEN.

AN EVENING AT CENTENARY HALL

It was a great gathering at the Centenary Hall, Paeroa, on Wednesday night, and the programme was as varied as the recent weather. Being a men’s concert, the men naturally took a major part in the programme ; but, being men, they had to recognise their limitations and their need of reinforcement by the help of ladies. The audience appreciated every item —for each number had its, characteiistic excellence. In massed formation the men rendered with pleasing effect “Comrades in Arms” and “Land of Hope and Glory,” and received well deserved applause. With practice, a. strong, well-balanced male choii should be established in Paeroa. Messrs Darbyshire and Hall rendered the, time-honoured duet “Larboard Watch,” and as an encore they sang “Genevieve” with taste and expression. The solo parts sustained by the men were much appreciated. Mr Veinon Cocks sang “The Bandolero in appropriate to the song. Mr Hall was- heard to advantage' in “Queen of the Earth,” and in response to an encore “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.” Mr J. W. Cocks, sang “Blow, blow, thou winter wind,” and Mr West was encored for mouth-organ and mandoline solos.

The ladies’ parts were likewise, well sustained. Miss Gibb contributed two piano solos that were much appreciated by the audience. Miss G. Gibb sand with excellent taste 1 Arise O Sun” and was heartily encored. The elocutionary items were rendered by Mrs J. W. Cocks who was heard to advantage in “The Last Token” and “The Owl Critic.” In response to a hearty encore she recited “Aunt Tabitha.” A much appreciated item was the duet “Over the Hawthorn Hedge.” by the Misses Mavis and Dora Cocks, whose rendering- was musical and entertaining. In response to a rapturous encore a part of the duet was repeated.

The personnel of the concert party was strongly reinforced by the presence. of local celebrities who, with amazing versatility, electrified the audience, with feats of skill seldom seen in Paeroa. There was an example of ventriloquism where the answering voice was accompanied by the clatter of footsteps ; and various other minor demonstrations wore presented. The local celebrities, however, outshone othetr efforts in triumphs of manipulative surgery. Div Cabinets was ably assisted by Nurse Fitzgamble and Assistant Westunder. There were, three difficult operations, all of which were brought to a triumphant finish. The first was a particularly difficult dental extraction, which was only accomplished by a resort to stern measures and extraordinary forces; The second operation was for appendicitis, and the facility with which the patient’s anatomy was dissected convinced the audience that the doctor possessed extraordinary skill. The other operation was the mere sawing off of a leg, and this was accomplished with celerity. One feature of this- display of medical skill was the very effective anaesthetic used— outside pressure with a mallet rather than inhalation. The cures were completely effective.

At the close the Rev. W. B. Pickering tendered thanks to all those who liad contributed to the; programme. A most enjoyable evening terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.