"Princess of Poppyland."

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 1 October 1913, Page 3

"Princess of Poppyland."

The second presentation of the pretty operetta ." Princess of Poppyland " by the Helensville Musical Society on' Friday was even better than on the Tuesday, the musical portion being rendered far more effectively. There was a keenly appreciative audience, though not so numerous as on the preceding occasion and more items were encored in consequence. The various parts in the caste were again cleverly sustained, whilst the solos, duets and dances met with high commendation. Practically all the members had got clear of any " stage fright " that may have influenced the presentation on the Tuesday, and the result was a bright and convincing freedom in both action and song. Several of the chorus items were really tiptop and would have done credit to any Amateur organisation. The duet between Misses Ganley and "Wilson, and their dancing won deserving encores, also the duet between Miss Donovan and Mr C. White. The solo items by the two latter were warmly applauded. Other outstanding items of merit were the Sailor's hornpipe by Masters Mervynn Rawson and Val White, the Spanish gipsy dance and the Flower dance, all of which were accorded hearty encores. Miss Channon's Britannia song was another performance of merit, and with her companion national representatives contributed largely to the brilliance of the final scene.

The Society are to be heartily congratulated on the success of their efforts, which resulted in a substantial sum being raised to 3>ay incidental expenses and buy music, etc. A lot of new music is now on order and w_ien this comes to hand, after a brief spell, H start will be made in preparing q- Cantata for presentation about Q n Tistmas. The Society have a gOOG * membership, but require eight or nine more male voices, including g°od Quality tenors. Anyone desiring to join should ap ply to the Conductor (Mr J. Carter) or Secretary (Mr H. W. Stringer) —