"Princess of Poppyland."

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 September 1913, Page 2

"Princess of Poppyland."

The grand operetta, " Princess of ! Poppyland ," is to be staged -next luesday evening by the Helensville (ilee Club. The members have given diligent attention to the preparatory work and the rehearsals, and a very successful presentation of the pretty operetta is expected. In addition to the Glee Club members nuniberins: about 40 there will also be a number of juvenile performers , taking part. Ihe scenery and effects, dresses, etc are all being prepared locally, and everything will be of an artistic order.' Tne chorus have had a long period of training for the various items in the I operetta, which they now give in very creditablo manner. Lovers of music are assured of an enjoyable evening. Ihe story shows that the King of Poppyland has decided to celebrate the debut of his daughter by throwing open the country to visitors -e£. all nations. He . has-ievite-d^lhe * Baron insbmura to attend in the hope,of making a match with the Princess who novtever, has othor views, for she is secretly m love with Prince Wideawake who is travelling disguised as a humble student. The fortune and welfare of Poppyland is .contained in the magic casket " Be.autv Sleep." Ihis casket, Baron Insomnia, through his attendants decides to steal. This is accomplished and is followed by a strange loss of power to sleep, which is most strikingly developed by the Honourable Dozey, who on ordinary occasions is very rarely found awake. The King gives orders that the loss of the casket should not interfere with the festivities, and the Reception hall is kept gay with dance and song. The Prince then appears with the Baron's servants, whom hs has caught in the act of removing- .the Casket to a saferhiding place. The King asks the young student to name his reward for recovering the Casket, at which the Prince discloses his identity and claims the Princess. The consent of the King is given, and everybody is pleased except the Baron, whose dis- v comfiture is now complete. The curtain descends to the merry pealing of golden wedding bells.

The Grane Miking Machine Co. has uovv installed 17 machines in the Northern Waivoa district.