GRAND NATIONAL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1524, 18 March 1916, Page 3

GRAND NATIONAL CONCERT.

The Grand National Concert held in the Town Hall last night, under the auspices of the Foxton Catholic Church Committee, was a decided success. The attendance was good. The stage bad been tastefully arranged for the occasion, and presented a cosy and restful appearance, lending effect to the proceedings. The programme submitted was well received, and throughout the whole proceedings tbe applause was decidedly hearty, encores being demanded of almost all contributors. Without doubt, Miss Mabel Sedgewick, one of Wanganui’s leading amateur artistes, who had come to Foxton specially to assist at this function, proved equal to her reputation for versatility and accomplishment, her sweetness of voice, variety of 'repertoire and pleasing stage appearance winning lor her the marked approval ot the audience. Miss Sedgewick was appropriately dressed for the occasion, and her contribution included “Come Josephine,” “.Sammy, Come over Here,” “Bill Smith” (recitation), and a patriotic song in character, “Hullo, There, Little Tommy Atkins !” in which Master Nelson Ball took the part of little Tommy Atkins. The programme was preluded by a fine pianoforte solo, “Wearin’ o’ the Green,” by Miss May White, followed by a chorus, “Meeting of the Waters,” bv the Convent school children, which was harmoniously rendered, Miss Bryant contributed a very sweet number, which was deservedly encored, and Miss Doris Signal was equally successful with her contribution, and such well-known vocal favourites as Mrs Guilder, Mr Alf. Jenks, Mr Aitken, Mr Will. Hooker, and Mr B. Hooker also rendered items which were well received. The programme was resumed after the interval with a pianoforte solo “Irish Diamonds,” by Miss G. Walls, followed by a further chorus by the Convent children. A pianoforte duet, “Carnival de Venise,” was well managed by Misses Conlan and Moffat.' A parodied version of “Tipperary,” with tbe chorus also rendered in Maori, by Mr Morris, elicited an undeniable encore, and was followed by several contributions by this vocalist, who had to repeatedly respond to the audience. A clog dance vyas contributed by Mr D. Knewstub, and also a Liverpool hornpipe by Mr Lenihan. A comic song by Mr Golder completed a programme which proved very entertaining.

Mr P. G. Jackson, on behalf of the Church Committee, thanked the audience for the generous way in which they had received the efforts of the performers, and also thanked the performers themselves .for their generous help, especially Miss Sedgewick and Miss White, and Mr Smith for his managerial assistance.. The pianoforte accompaniments were played principally by Miss May White, Miss Eenihan officiating with the Convent children’s chorus accompaniment, and Messrs King and P. Robinson accompanied Mr Eenihan in the hornpipe.

The singing of the patriotic version of “Tipperary” by Mr Morris resulted in a monetary response to the total of £i 2s gd being made, which sum will be handed over to the Wounded Soldiers Fund.

A very enjoyable dance was held after the concert, in which a good number of dancers participated. Music was generously supplied by Miss White, supplemented by extras by Mr Morris and Mr King and Mr Peter Robinson (violin). Supper was provided, and the dance brought to a conclusion a most successful evening’s entertainment.