TRAVELLERS’ CONCERT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5186, 3 October 1927, Page 2

TRAVELLERS’ CONCERT.

SUCCESSFUL PAEROA FUNCTION.

DENTAL CLINIC FUNDS BENEFIT

“.One of the finest concerts ever given in Paeroa,” was the consensus of opinion expressed with reference to tiie effort of the Auckland Commercial Travellers’ and Warehouse-

nun’s Association’s concert party held at the Aurora Theatre, paeroa, <lll Thursday night. In passing, it should be explained that although the. Paeroa District ’High School Dental Clinic lias been erected, equipped, and staffed, and much valuable work

has already been done, there still remains a fair sum to be paid on the building. Realising that it, was desirable to liquidate the debt as soon us possible, the members of the local high school committee put their shoulders to the wheel and, through the valuable help of Mr Percy Williams, arrangements were made with Hie Auckland Commercial. Assoc in tion to bring its concert party t<> Paeroa. The, project was enthusiastically taken up by the, local business people, who hv their generous support and hearty co-operation contributed in no small measure to the success that attended the undertaking. Wheji it is realised that the effort resulted in a credit balance of nearly £73 the success achieved can the better be gauged, and it is a fair indication that the local public ist not slow to recognise and assist a worthy

causq. The programme, which was as diversified as it was entertaining, did not leave space for one dull moment. Rounds of applause greeted the artists in turn ; eveyy one was heartily encored; and some members received double, encores. The Auckland commercial ti%.vellers’ concerts are already renowned in the province, and Thursday night’s effort proved no exception. Long before the rise of the curtain the theatre; was filled with people, and the ushers had a strenuous time in conducting the- audience to the seats. The programme opened with the National Anthem, followed by the Travellers’ Ode, sung by the company. ’ Mr Jack Williams, who 'has been heard before, at Paeroa, again delighted the public by his .singing of “Give me youth and a day.” The soprano of the party was Miss Dorothy Youd, who contributed “I wonder if love is a dream,” and for an encorei “A Western Wind.” A clever monologue was given by Mr C. N. Raboaie, and his other items; were equally enjoyed. The contralto was Miss Beryl Smith, who delighted the audience with her rendering of “Sink, red sun” and' “To a Miniature.” In response; to the insistent demand Miss Smith sang Waiata Poi with delightful expression. The major portion of the humour of the evening fell to the lot of t,he popular Dan Flood, whose songs at the piano and clever character sketches kept the audience in a high state of merriment. One of the gems of the evening—and there were many—was the rich baritone voice of Mr A. Allen, who was recalled no less; than three times. His first song was “Muleteer of Malaga”; then he sang “The Volga Boatman,” and in response to the third recall delighted with “The Monk of Siberia,” which proved, to be a fantastic limerick. Clever character sketches and impersonations were given by Mr Rex Yates, and he was given, a great reception. The possessor of a sweet voice was Miss Stella. Thompson, whose, numbers, were “The, splendour of the. morn” and “The birth of morn.” A slight diversion which filled in the interval was the Dutch auctioning of a fine spring lamb, donated by Mr G. Buchanan. Competition was keen for the chubby little animal, which was gaily decorated in the colours of the association (pale blue and white), and was led on to the stage by Mr W. Boak, vice-president of the association. The lamb stood on the stage quite unconcerned, and amused himself fry sucking his ribbons while the auction was in progress. Finally it was announced that the “herald of spring” had brought the handsome sum of £32 10s. The second half of the programme, was opened by Miss, Smith contributing “My Ship,” and as an encore “That’s all.” Then followed Mr Rabon© with a. monologue entitled “A street watchman’s story,” which proved very amusing and won him

hearty applause. Mr and Mrs H. G. Watts were, heard to advantage in, the duet “1 did not know,” and their second number was equally enjoyable. Prolonged applause was accorded Mr Alien’s contribution of Schubert’s “Serenade,” and his second item, “Sacrament,” was equally appreciated. The humorous character sketch entitled “Nell,” by Mr Rex Yates, was very amusing. From humour Miss Youd followed with the song, “The Great Awakening,” and when the applause had subsided she excelled in “When night leans low.” Once again the audience was loath to let Mr Dan Flood leave the stage, and his songs at the piano and a lecturette on “Water” were clever, illuminating, and screamingly funny. The? tenor song “Ip Lovef” was fault-

lessly rendered by Mr Jack Williams, and his encore was well merited. A series of topical, hits were sung by Mr H. G. Watts, with an obligato accompaniment by Messrs C. N. Rabone and Rex. Yates, and greatly delighted the audience, the amusing references to local celebrities being well received. The; final item was a grand finale by the company.

The strenuous: duties of accompanists were ably carried out by Mrs H. G. Watts and Messrs F. Bartlett and Flood. Seldom, if ever, has such a talented company of entertainers been heard in this district, and the generous response of the artists to the demand for more, and still more, was in keeping with their good nature and enthusiasm displayed whenever a worthy cause, requires assistance. In apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) Mr E. Edwards (deputy-Mayor), on behalf of the School Committee,

extender hearty thanks and congratulations to the artists and the organisers of the function. He, said that he was assured he was voicing the opinion of the people of Paeroa and district in paying a warm tribute to the enthusiastic manner and loyal Help that had been given by the Commercial Travellers’ Association. The health of children was of national importance and it wasi a. matter for congratulation the manner in which help and support locally had been forthcoming. The object aimed at had been achieved, ami he sincerely hoped that that fact would to some extent compensate the organisers for all the hard work and time given to the cause.

Special thanks were accorded to several local people whose generosity had been outstanding in connection with the project, and at the call of Mr Edwards the appreciation of so much public-spiritednesa and sacrifice was shown in no uncertain manner.

On behalf of the association Mr L. AV. McGlashan (past president) acknowledged the tribute, and said that the association was ever willing and ready to Tend assistance for any worthy cause. This fac£ was evidenced when it was considered that the association had raised the sum of £93,000 in the Auckland province for charitable and deserving objects. (Applause.) The artists had all thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Paeroa, and were, very gratified that the concert had met with financial success. He trusted that the finances of the clinic would now be placed upon a soqnd footing, and that much good work and widespread benefit would result. In conclusion he congratulated the School Committee on its energy and resourcefulness, and expressed the opinion that its efforts should be at all, times supported by the public. During the programme progress report in connection with the Raglan by-election were announced.

At the conclusion of the conce,ri the party were tiie guests of the com mittee .at supper.