WINTER GARDEN FETE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 401, 4 October 1911, Page 5

WINTER GARDEN FETE.

A GREAT SUCCESS, Yesterday afternoon the Congregational Winter Garden Fete was inaugurated for an ail too brief season of two days and nights. The hail was appropriately decorated with pungas, lycapodium and other greenery, and pretty drawing room furniture was placed at the disposal of the patrons The afternoon session was wel! pat-

| ronised, and the evening concert, tableaux and fairy play attracted a numerous, but chiliing audience, so far as applause was concerned. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Boddie) presided. Perhaps the best effort of the evening was the fairy play, "Flower Fairies," presented by a group of young girls depicting different flowers, their costumes being both accurate and very tasleful. Miss Claire Boddie took the part of "Queen of the Flowers," with distinction, and supporting her were Rose, Lily, Pansy, Cowslip, Wallflower, Snowdrop, Discontent, Good Fairy and Poppies, ail of whom spoke their dialogue with ease and excellent elocution, a rare avis among amateurs. A chorus and solo were introduced, and the evolutions, though a trifle stiff, were satisfactory enough, all things being considered. The whole production reflects great- credit on Miss Boddie, who staged the play.

The tableaux "She Wore a Wreath of Roses," 'Child's Guardian Angei," "Lead, Kindly Light," "The Gipsy's Warning," "Little Jim." and "His Only Pair," were given effectively, and without hitch, the music and recitation being in keeping with the subjects. The other items comprised part songs "The Old Banjo" and "Good Night," by the choir; quartette "Sweet and Low" and "Good Night, Beloved," by Mesdames Ovens and K. Atkinson and Messrs Henry and Tassell; piano duet Mrs Laurie and Miss Mills; recitation "Boys' Rights," Master H. Dillicar; and songs were given as follows: —"There's a Land," Mr Karl Atkinson; "She Wore a Wreath of Roses," and "Mv Gentle Child," Mrs Karl Atkinson; "Deathless Army"—encore "Go to Sea," Mr E. C. Tassell; "Thora" encore "Marjorie," Mr R. Henry; "Let us Forget,' 'Mrs Ovens; and "The Gipsy's Warning," Miss Wells. Mr B. Clapham contributed a violin solo, "The Holy City." The accompaniments, shared by Mrs Ovens and Miss Wells, left nothing to be desired, and the credit for the absence of the frequent hitches usually prominent in performances of this description was due to the stage manager, Dr Paxton, with whom was associated Mr Macdonald.

It is to be hoped that early next month the attention of Mr Guy Fawke3 will be directed towards the piano at the local town hall—it is worse than vile. Enough said ! In conclusion we advise those of the public who did not attend yesterday to avail themselves of the final opportunity to-night and patronise a good show provided by purely local talent.