CAMP CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1048, 25 May 1912, Page 2

CAMP CONCERT.

A concert party, organised by the Rev. J. M. Thomson, and consisting ot the Presbyterian Church choit assisted by other friends, proceeded to the camp last night by permission of the authorities, and rendered a programme of music and recitation to a highly appreciative audience, which crowded every part ot the large circular tent so that lurther standing room was at a very high premium. The Colonel kindly introduced tue party, who were warmly welcomed by the men. The programme opened with a hue rendering ot the appropriate duet, “ Army and Navy," by Messrs Rung worth and Blaxely, followed by a sweetly sung solo by Miss Signal, Mr Collins’ singing of “ Devon, ’’ provoked hearty applause, as also did the duet " Earboard Watch,’’ by Messrs Henderson and Ruglass, while Mrs Wrigley’s solo, ‘‘Sunshine and Rain,” roused the greatest enthusiasm and an encore was vociferously demanded. Eitlle Mona McEwen’s recitation, “ If I were a Man,” brought down the house, but as the little maid was uot prepared with au encore piece her tiny brother, Reggy, filled the eucore later m a really masterful way, both little reciters receiving a great ovation trom the men. Mr Wrigley was splendidly received with another very appropriate soug, ‘‘The Oid Battle Flag,”- aud Miss Henderson was enthusiastically eucored for her rendering ot ‘‘The Roses,” and had to repeat the second verse. Mr Guilder scored a great success with the fine soug, ‘The Admiral’s Broom,” responding with auolher goon sea soug. Tnc tent rang again vvttu lona encores tor Mrs Boyes’ singing ot ‘‘Spring,” and the enthusiasm was renewed by Mr Henderson’s fine etforl, ‘‘The Marcn of the Cameiou Men,” his encore piece being “Where ’ere ye walk” (from “Elijah”). A fine finish to the programme was given by Mr J. K. Horn blow who captured the men completely with hts tale of

“How Bill Adams won the Battle ot Waterloo,” and had to respond to a double encore. Captain Palmer, on behalf ot the men, warmly thanked the party lor their kindness in affording them such a hne entertainment and invited them to return as their guests later. in his speech he showed a hue and noble sentiment in his reference to the gratitude of the mothers at home for what ladies of Poston had sought to do for their lads in camp. At his call the men endorsed his thanks with ringing cheers and musical honours, and, after the Rev J. M. Thomson had responded on behalf ot the party, at his request they sang the lust verse ot “Onwaid Christian Soldiers,” led by tne cnoir and sung as only soldiers can sing it. Tne effect ot so many men singing the old hymn with ail their ueait and voice was grand. “God Save I he King” wuu officers and men standing at the salute, concluded the evening's programme.

The accompaniments were played by Mesdames Boyes, Wrigley and the Misses Collins and Signal.