WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 November 1916, Page 3

WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC FUNDS

HELENSVILLE BRANCH GRAND

ENTERTAINMENT.

THE entertainment arranged by Mrs J. Carter was a decided success, both artistically and financially. The Star Theatre was comfortably full, with an appreciative audience. All the items were so good that it is difficult to point to anything outstanding. The dances by the children displayed great ingenuity and taste by Miss Ganley, who taught and composed these dances. Miss Ganley deserves all the* more credit as many of her pupils were seized _ with measles at .the eleventh hour. All the children showed much grace, precision and rythm, and looked sweet in their beautiful dresses and general make-up. The music for the dancing was played by Miss Ward. Miss Rimmer sang "Still as the Night" in her usual artistic style, and receiving a well-deserved encore " Morning." Mr Piper-delighted the audience with rousing and well-chosen songs. His fine baritone voice was heard to much advantage in the Maori war song, "Ka Mate," which clever production was composed by a Maori boy, Te Rangi Hikiroa, who is now taking his place in the firing line ; the refrain introduces the old familiar Maori war cry, and the music is particularly suitable and the song certainly rouses zeal and enthusiasm, This was very evident by the audience's vociferous applause. Mr Baxter was unavoidably absent, and his place was taken by the Rev. Venables (a great acquisition to music in Helensville) and Mr Carter, in a violin duet.

The farcical comedy, " The Rest Cure," was the best, of its kind yet produced by Helensville amateurs. It was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr A. Ferguson, of Auckland, who has just brought it out from England. A hypocondriacal and neurasthenic author seeks refuge in a private hospital, and finds the cure worse than the disease. After a number of combatative situations with the nurses in respect of the food and sleeping conveniences, he gains the sympathies of the maid and plans to escape. The chief part was taken by Mr Rose who gave a most creditable exposition of histrionic ability. Miss Ganley, as the maid, was excellent, providing much humour and meeting the various plights with telling effect. The two nurses found excellent interpreters in Mrs Carter and Mrs Meinhold, and worried their patient to the joyous appreciation of the audience. Miss Wilson, as the patient's wife, was tender and sympathetic. The play was enacted without a hitch, and Mr A. J. Hill, as stage manager, is to be congratulated on the production.

As a result of the entertainment, the sum of £1§ will be handed to the Fund, and we hope another such entertainment will soon be arranged,