DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5460, 12 August 1929, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

ngatea. EARTHQUAKE FUND CONCERT. A very enjoyable concert, given by a Waitakaruru pierrot troupe, in the Ngatea Hall on Wednesday evening in aid of the Earthquake Relief Fund attracted but a small attendance on account of the bad weather. The concert was arranged by a number of Canal Road settlers during the recent Plunket queen carnival, and performances were given at Waitakaruru and Kaihere, but on the visit to Ngatea influenza had depleted the numbers’ of the party. The Ngatea visit was arranged by the County Council, and as there were no expenses—all charges f<r hall hire, transportation, and printing having been remitted—between £7 and £8 was raised for the fund.

For an amateur show the entertainment was a very creditable one Between each vocal item stories and patter between Messrs C. C. Clark, E. Duffin, and R. Duffin amused. The troupe comprised four ladies and five men, and the opening chorus was followed by a mandolin solo by Mr W. G. Brown, a visitor to the district. Miss U . Thompson ' was the soloist in “Come to the Fair,” and was follbwed by Mrs G. Scurr, whose song, “Down the Vale,” was very well received. A dismal humourist, Mr C. C. Clark, amused with “My Motto.” The pianist of the troupe, Mr G. Pinnock, contributed a monologue, and the cornerman’s temporary absence was explained when Mr E. Duffin appeared in costume to amuse with “He is only a working man.” That old-time favourite “Somewhere a Voice is Calling” was contributed by Mr J. Gardiner, and Mr F. Pinchess followed with a fine rendering of “Roadways.” Another amusing number was Miss E. Burduss’ “Why do the men run after me ?” Miss U. Thompson was greeted with applause on rising to sing “The Dear Little Girl,” and was deservedly encored. t A second mandolin solo by Mr Brown was followed by “Swannee River.’- by Miss Thompson and the troupe. A fine number was rendered by Miss Thompson and Mr Pinchess in “Absent.” “Mother Machree” was next contributed, the singer being Mrs C. Scurr. The amusing monologue “The 11.69” was given by Mr G. Pinnock, and was followed by another comic song by Mr E. Duffin, “Are you working.” Further humour was provided by Miss Elliott and Mr E. Duffin’s dialogue number and by Mr J. Gardiner’s song, “We all walked into the ship.” That fine old song; “Vale,” by Mr Pinchess, and “Excelsior,” by the troupe, concluded the programing. Thanks to the party for its entertainment was expressed by the county chairman, Cr. C. W. Harris, who explained that the proceeds of the evening’s function had brought the county’s contribution to the earthquake fund to aj roximately £lOO, excluding the numerous small sums which were listed at the various centres on the Plains. A dance was held at the conclusion of the concert, the music being '.'■contributed by the Ngatea orchestra :