Queensland Disaster Benefit Concert.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 9 February 1918, Page 3

Queensland Disaster Benefit Concert.

A.he energetic piumuLeis nuvo cVciy iCaoUii i.U it'dl CitlLldiiC'Cl \\ llli ineir "Hustle concert , m tne orieiest pussiDie liuuc .luj. mo oenenc ox tne stinereis L»y uisasiL'uus Wiu'l!li.uu noon. On i uesday lust, Jiessrs xv. zi.itiie.u and JJ. VV. iUatiieson decided iu give Jjevm an opportunity ox snowing practical sympauiy witn a less fortunate part oi tne iilinpire, ana in tnree snort days tney produced a tip-top concert programme and so succeedeu in arousing public interest mat tne Century xiall was crowded last night anu over was raised ior tne worthy cause, in the course ox: liis remarks during the concert tne ALayor reierred to tlie good work done by tlie two promoters, not only in connection witn tne concert, but wiiere all patriotic matters iwere concerned, His remarks being loudly applauded. Jtiis Worship also thanked the performers, some of wiioin hud come from a distance at considerable inconvenience, the Century Hail trustees and the two local printing houses, for tlieir lielp in making tlie entertainment tlie success it deserved to attain. Unlortunately the enjoyment of the concert was in a measure marreu by the noise made by a nunibei oi juveniles in the gallery*

jLHe presence among tne penormers o± Jilrs JDxve, ALiss jJryers and Miss Richardson, of Wellington —to say nothing of Mr liyron .brown —made tne programme ol more than usual merit. Ike two lirst-named ladies were vigorously encored for a finely rendei'ed overture, while a violin solo iroin Miss Bryers was another successful item. Miss ltichardson, the possessor of a rich contralto voice, >vas encored for her splendid singing of "For the Green," and in response, gave "Heaps of Lickin fine style. Jjater in the evening the same vocalist was heard m an effective rendering oi

"A big- lot of sunshine." Mr liyron Brown was in good form and his spirited interpretation of Henry 'V s Agincourt speech delighted the audience who had the well-known elocutionist back twice. Later in the evening Mr Brown was again encored for a well-told version of "Who started the war?" Mr Howard Jones was recalled for his clever rendering of a parody on-"Where my caravan has rested" (with apologies to a well-known type of motor-car). Miss Winnie Walker's niceljr rendered "To-morrow and you," was well-received, while Miss Malcolm sang "Amber and Amethyst" in pleasing style. Three popular local vocalists, Messrs Mottershead," Hughes and Porteous were -all in exceptionally good voice. Mr Hughes sang 1 "Queen of the Earth" with much spirit and discernment. Mr Mottershead was recalled for his rendering of "Mary of Argyle," giving by request "My old Kentucky Home," while Mr Porteous was at his best in his item. The two dainty little Misses Lemmon were loudly encored for | charming descriptive dances, which added piquancy to the evening's pleasure. At an interval in the concert the Itev. Baw r den Harris brought the audience into closer touch with the reason for their presence by giving a brief and racy description of Queensland, its size, resources, and peculiarities. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Matthews with her accustomed restraint and effectiveness. The thanks of the promoters are tendered to Mesdames B. 11. Gardener, E. S. Lancaster and Miss Sutherland (for decorating the stage), Harvey and Co. (furniture), Patriotic Society (piano), Mrs Matthews (pianist), the Levin Band for playing outside the Hall and all who assisted with the programme.