PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1487, 18 December 1915, Page 3

PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

As was expected, there was a bumper house at last night’s patriotic concert, and the general opfnion is that it was the best local concert yet submitted. The grouping of the performers, attired in military and naval costumes, with the Britannia tableau in the back ground, set amidst a festoon of bunting, was artistic and spectacular. The outer group line was formed by a squad of senior cadets fully equipped and they carried themselves with military precision. The soldiers and sailors filled the inner circle in easy positions without ovefcrowdiag and during the solos seated themselves on the stage. The evolutions during the choruses were graceful and broke down what would otherwise appear a stiff setting. The Britannia tableau was very appropriate even to the war scarred soldier. The dressing throughout was charming. The only fly in the ointment in this connection was a too lavish application of grease paint which marred rather than added— if such was necessary—to the natural colour of the admittedly pretty faces. The chorus work gave evidence of careful training, but more male voices were needed to give a better balance and colour to the choruses. The movements were graceful and not overdone. The songs selected were very appropriate and the audience marked their appreciation by demanding recalls. An orchestra (Misses Jenks and Cook and Messrs Baughen and Simmons) provided orchestral selections and accompaniments. The opening choruses consisted of National Anthems, including “God Save the King,” “Rule Brittanuia,” Russian National Anthem sung by Mrs Boyes, Miss Signal, Messrs Barr and Signal and the “Marseillaise,” was sung by Mrs Teviotdale, in Napoleonic costume. “Soldiers of the King,” was done full justice to by Mr H. Signal who also contributed “Three for Jack” in the second half. Mrs Boyes gave a fine interpretation of “Jack’s the Boy.” Mr Alf. Jenks rendered “What do you Think of Australia Now ?” and “Sons of the Sea.” “Little Tommy Aitkins,” sung by Mrs Freeman with Nelson Ball in the role of the title, fairly brought down the house. The little chap’s martial bearing and get-up was excellent. Mr Barr contributed in good voice, “True British Sailor” which song does not lend itself to the spirit and vim of other like numbers. Miss Sigaall created quite a lurore with “British Every One,” the enuniciation of this singer in all her songs, backed by a naturally sweet voice, is very fine. Mr Aitken was at home in the rollicking sea song, “It’s the Navy” also “Khaki and Gold” and received a great ovation. Miss Kempton stirred the military ardour of those present with “The Territorials” and later on “The Midshipmite.” Mr Hornblow contributed “Algernon.” Mrs Freeman put plenty of vim into the rendering of the stirring song, “When the Boys Come Marching Home Once More,” and received a great ovation. The closing chorus, “Ship Ahoy,” with Mrs Aitken in the lead, was a most stirring finale to the concert programme. The sketch, “Mechanical Jane,” by Mesdames KerrHislop, Boyes and Freeman was very amusing and splendidly acted. In order to get over the servant trouble the two sisters, Mesdames Hislop and Boyes,' decide to purchase a mechanical help—(Mrs Freeman) and the antics and actions of the latter provided the iun and created roars ot laughter. The piece was nicely staged and each one carried out their part to perfection. “The Flags of the Nation” was a fine spectacle and as each entered and sang their parts, dressed in the National costumes, the audience gave vent to their feelings of delight prolonged applause. The following took part: Russia, Mrs Teviotdale ; France, Mesdames Aitken and Boyes; Italy, Misses Kempton, Pearson and Hawke; England, Mrs Freeman ; Ireland, MissLenihan ; Scotland, Miss Fraser ; Wales, Miss Bryant; Canada, Miss Greig, India, Mrs Kellow; Auss tralia, Miss Edwards ; New Zealand, Miss Pearson ; Belgium, Miss Signal. The following made up the Brittannia tableau: “Britannia,” Miss Cumber worth, “Belgium,” Mrs Raine; “France,” Mrs Harvey; “Japan,” Mrs Alf. Jenks; “Red Cross Nurse,” Mrs Preston ; “Wounded Soldier,” Mr Boyes. At a suitable interval the Mayor thanked the audience for their attendance on behalf of the Patriotic Society, whose efforts were all lor the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Big demands

would sooner or later be made on this fund. In this connection Foxton had only raised hundreds where thousands had been raised in other centres. The present concert was the most successful held and the thanks of the society was due to all who bad assisted. He specially mentioned Mr Aitken who had organised and trained the party, Mrs Freeman who had rendered valuable assistance and Miss Jeuks, the pianist. The Mayor also referred to the scheme of collecting funds per medium of placing boxes in each home. He had heard whispeis that objections to this scheme bad been made on several grounds and be sincerely hoped that such objections would cease, as the method to be adopted was the noblest form of giving and sacrifice. Each would give according to their means and without publicity. If the scheme is properly taken up it will do away with all special efforts and provide an equal opportunity for all to do their share. He felt sure that Foxton would rise to the occasion and do its share nobly. The performers were subsequently entertained by Mr and Mrs Freeman in the supper room where further congratulatory speeches were made. The Mayor suggested that the concert should be repeated in a few weeks time. We heartily congratulate Mr Aitken upon the magnificent success he obtained. He trained the company with tact and his ideas were carried out without friction. The following assisted in the choruses :—Mesdames Teviotdale, H. Signal, Kellow and Aitken. Misses Pearson (2), Greig, KentJohnston, Hawke, Bryant, Leulhan, Berthold, B. Fraser, Price, and Moxham. Messrs Raine, Kellow and Preston. We are asked to remind those who have sailor costumes to return same to Mrs Freeman immediate,y. All those who have tickets and money to return please leave at Mr Aitken’s residence, Avenue Road, before Monday evening.