SAVAGE CLUB CONCERT

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 October 1920, Page 3

SAVAGE CLUB CONCERT

AT HELENSVILLE

In view of the fact that the concert to be given at Helensvine on Saturday evening of next week, October 23rd, will be practicalry a reproduction of the club's concluding night of the season in Auckland, the following account of that night's entertainment will be of considerable interest to our readers, who will gain a good idea of the excellence of the concert to which the club is treating the Helensyille and district public. Following is the report: —

The Auckland Savage Club's annual "Te Korero Wahine," with which the club's 33rd season concluded, was held in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday. There were over 500 present, including a large number of lady friends in whose honour the closing korero is held. The principal feature of interest was the representation of the ancient Maori custom ' of welcoming visitors. To this^end the hall was arranged with Maori carvings, scenery and palms, while a realistic whare was "a suitable place of. honour for the presiding rangafcira, Mr W. G. Fletcher and his suite. The choice floral decorations provided by Mr H. Brett, added to the artistic effect. A striking feature was the entry and installation of the rangatira. A. number of hakas and songs of welcome were executed by a party of '" braves," led by Dr Te Rangi Hiro, in which the excellent make-up, Icostuming, and lighting effects combined to give the right atmosphere. The orchestra, conducted by Mr Colin Muston, played the overture, " Orpheus in the Underworld," in an enjoyable manner, while the sea-songs by Mr F. G. Bourke were very acceptable. Items were also contributed by Messrs F. H. Wilkie, J. Simpson, T. T. Garland, Smithson, and Baker. A novel and humorous selection, entitled "A Southern Wedding," was given by Messrs Sheldon, Woods, and Wolley, assisted by the orchestra. An interval was allowed for supper and social intercourse. In the second half of the programme the club choir staged Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta, " Trial by Jury." The choir conductor, Mr Alfred Bartly, deserves credit for the production of the piece, and the members themselves displayed originality and humour in their costuming and make-up, representing many leading citizens. The Judge, Mr Leo O'Malley, sustained the role well, and the plaintiff, Mr J. F. McKenna, Bucceding in appealing to the hearts of the Court. Mr J. Williams was well placed in the part of defendant, and portrayed the hapless young man's emotion in a lifelike manner. As lawyer and usher respectively, Messrs R. H. Insul and T. H. Brooks, caused considerable merriment, and the audience was also kepi amused over the actions of the bridesmaids, Messrs E. Sly, J. Stricket, and J. Furness. The foreman of the jury, Dr C. Long, and the policeman, witnesses, and spectators each contributed to the mirth of the evening.

Tickets for the local concert are selling well, and a record attendance is practically assured.