CONCERT AND NOVEL EXHIBITION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1264, 27 June 1914, Page 2

CONCERT AND NOVEL EXHIBITION.

The Presbyterians are to be congratulated upon the complete success of their function, held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday night. The hall was filled and the programme, from start to finish, well merited the unstinted applause of the audience. The Rev. Mr Thomson occupied the chair. Mr Betty’s orchestra opened the programme with a nicely interpreted selection. Mrs Boyes, one of our most talented vocalists, was in good voice and her numbers were much appreciated. The vocal quartette party, Mrs Boyes, Miss Signal and Messrs Barr and Signal, contributed one of their well-balanced unaccompanied numbers, which was a real treat. Fox ton is to be congratulated upon having such talent to draw upon, as it is such items that tone up a concert programme. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs Chrystall, Signal, Buglass and Hornblow, and duets by Mrs Patterson and Mr Buglass and Messrs Buglass and Jenks. A gorgeously-attired “female" with a huge picture hat, gaily bedecked with bobbing roses, poured forth the “Fast Rose of Some Her,’’ and fairly convulsed the audience. It was impossible to catch the words of the song, except those ou the top notes, which rose above the hilarious laughter. The singer was certainly at variance with the piano accompaniment and violin obligato, but “she” had the audience with her. The “female” refused to respond to a vociferous encore. Mr Simmons’ instrumental item was greatly appreciated. The second half consisted of a burlesque living waxwork exhibition and despite the fact that there had been no rehearsals on the part of the principals, took on immensely. Mr Hornblow took the part of “Mrs Jarley,” the show woman, and was assisted by “Sammy” Mr Ken Furrie, whose juvenile get-up and funny antics created roars of laughter, Mr Bullard as “Captain Kidd,” the bloodthirsty pirate, acted the part to perfection and the mechanism enabled him to troll forth a growling chorus to the delight of the audience. Edgar McEwen, as the Fiji cannibal armed with a huge club —which on one occasion accidentally fell on the head of “Sammy"—was well got up. Mr W, Speirs as the “uncleeater” or “what-do-you think ?” an uncanny-looking creature with cone pointed head and fluebrush narrative, greatly amused the audience, as it made its appearance on a trolly drawn by “Sammy.” It let out some blood-curdling yells and the showwoman announced that it had been captured in the “round bush” by Captain Boyes and his gallant senior cadets after a great struggle. Mr J. Ross represented the “do do bird ” with a parrot like head, strong snapping beak and huge feet. Its affection for “ Sammy ” nearly cost the latter the loss of his nasal appendage, “The Austrian giantess” a most elastic lady, able to extend or diminish her size according to order, was one of the most amusing figures. The entertainment as a whole was most enjoyable. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Boyes and Miss Jenks.