CONCERT AT WHITAUNUI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1015, 8 July 1911, Page 3

CONCERT AT WHITAUNUI.

Another delightful entertainment was held in the spacious dining hall at Whitauuui last night. The attendance was so large that quite a number were unable to obtain a seat inside, and had to content themselves by listening to the concert from the doorway. Most of the performers came from Foxtou, and in the second half of the programme the laughable farce, “ Ice on Parle Fraucais,” was staged. Mr H. Gieig, Whitaunui Ltd.’s genial manager, occupied the chair, and extended a hearty welcome to those assembled. Mr Greig is very proud —ana justly so —of the Whitaunui •‘ooy=.” He referred to the laurels they had recently won in the football field, and humourously described the match played at Shannon. He said what he admired most about them was that whether at work or play “ they played the game.” (Applause). He apologised for the unavoidable absence of several of the performers, and paid a tribute to those who so willingly gave their services in order to make the series of entertainments so successful. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the programme, and their efforts were greatly appreciated : Overture (pianoforte), Miss McDonald; duet, ‘‘ln the Dusk of the Twilight,” Mesdames Clemett and Greig ; recitation, Mr Hornblow ; song, Mrs Boyes; song and chorus, “ Home, Dearie, Home,” Mrs IClemett; recitation, Mr Stephens; song, “ Gates of the West,” Mrs Greig ; recitation, Master Alex. Burr (the little fellow’s efforts were vociferously encored) ; song and chorus, Miss McDonald ; song, Mrs Hall (encored). Mr Yates’ humorous songs, which fairly brought down the house, concluded the first portion of the programme. The second part of the programme was occupied with the farcical sketch, “ Ice on Parle Francais.” Despite the lack of stage appointments, the company sent the piece along with a vim that kept the audience in a ripple of laughter. The antics of Mr Boyes as ‘‘Mr Spriggins,” and Mrs Stewart as “ Mrs tfpriggins,” were immense, while Mr Golder fairly revelled in the part of the love-sick Frenchman, which he acted to perfection ; Mrs Clemett, ‘ 4 Anna Maria, maid of all work,” asserted her independent spirit to good effect, and sent the audience into fits of laughter; the jealous and irrascible “ Major Rattan” found an excellent exponent in Mr Clemett; Mrs Boyes was very natural in her interpretation of ‘‘Angelina Spriggius”; Miss Jenks sustained the part of the gallant Major’s wife very well. The accompaniments were played by Miss McDonald and Mr F. C. Berthold. The interior of the room was most tastefully decorated with greenery and flags. The Rev Mr McKenzie proposed a vote of thanks to the performers, which was carried with acclamatiou. Refreshments were supplied in abundance, and much appreciated by those present. Before the gathering broke up, a flash-light protograph w as taken of the audience.