Irish National Concert.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 19 March 1918, Page 3

Irish National Concert.

The Irish National Concert arranged in aid of the funds of St. Andrew's Church drew a crowded house to Farland's Theatre last evening notwithstanding the threatening weather, and- those who went anticipating a varied and artistic entertainment were not disappointed. The promoters of the conqert spared no effort in bringing together an array of talented favourites, and the presence of such vocalists as Mr Hamilton Hodges and Mrs Reggie D'Ath gave added interest to the gathering. The veteran baritone was in goocl voiee and in his powers of interpretation are as fine as ever. ■ He made three appearances, his numbers being "The Trumpeter," and "The Minstrel Boy' 'as j an encore; "If I were King of Ireland," "There's a big lot _of Sunshine coming soon,'' which was double encored and produced by special request "The Rosary," one of the gems of the evening. Mrs D'Atli, as 'usual, delighted her auditors with her numbers. The first, "A Dream," was encored and in response Mrs D'Ath sang "Trough Sunny Spain." Her second number was "I never Knew" and the recall item was "Kamate," again given in spirited style. Mr Percival Dodds again pleased bis audience with song and story. His "Good Night" and the encore "Ireland" were discerningly sung, while some humorous monologues were sure smile-producers. Miss Lynch of Paraparaumu, was heard to advantage in "For the Green" and "I don't know," while Mrs Leslie McDonald showed her talent as a pianist in McDowell's "Polonaise." Mr Ken. Aitken's rendering of "The Coward" was sucli as to make a recall inevitable, and the audience were rewarded with a clever monologue "Coming Home." On his second appearance the popular entertainer gave a new version of "The Village Blacksmith," and some upto-date serial stories in his best style. Not the least successful of the contributors were Mesrs Toby Maliema and Jacob Utiku, who in solo, concerted and instrumental numbers {greatly pleased their hearers, and secured double encores on both occasions. Last but decidedly not least, were the little Misses Lemmon, whose dainty dancing evidenced sound training and well deserving the loud applause and the recalls. Altogether the concert was a decided success and the accompaniments of Mrs Leslie McDonald, combined with the excellent stage management of Mr Ben Ling added materially to the evening's enjoyment. The promoters, more particularly the joint secretaries (Misses Nash and - Sevan) _ may well feel satisfied with their efforts.

After an enjoyable supper dancing was indulged in by a large number of couples till the small hours of the morning. .