FOXTON CONCERT PARTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1614, 23 September 1916, Page 3

FOXTON CONCERT PARTY.

THE VISIT TO OTAKL The Poxton concert parly, numbering about 50 performers, proceeded in motor cars to Otuki last evening, and re-produced the concert given locally to a largo and keenly-appreciative audience. The question of locomotion tor such a large number of performers provided a. difficult problem. A number of public-spirited car owners generously placed their cars at the disposal of the performers. At the last minute three of the cars to have been used in the trip met with (rouble, and in order to replace them extra cars had to he hired, including two from Levin. The expense thus incurred lessened the financial, success of the concert, which was held in aid of the Otaki lied Cross Fund, and no one regretted the necessity for incurring the extra expense more than the concert party, who were out to give the Otaki ladies a real good financial boost in the cause which they have pledged themselves to support. The departure of the party from the local Town Hall a little after 4 o’clock created quite a diversion. The procession of the cars through Main Street Avith the happy party quite enlivened the (oavu. The run doAvn was not without incident. Several cars met Avith punctures, and one a slight collision Avith a trap. One car had to he left on the road a feAv miles this side of Otaki. The arrival of the party at Otaki created further interest on the part of the toAvnspeoplc. At Bright’s theatre, the women of the Otaki Bed Cross Guild, including our onetime Foxton friends, Mr and Mrs H. Witchell and Mrs Hodgson, gave the party a hearty avc lconic, and entertained them at a spread that Avould have put many a banquet to shame. The “making up” Avas in the capable hands of Mr Ken Ail ken, of Levin, and he got through his arduous task in good time, and Avas complimented on all sides upon his Avork. Mr-'W. Smith, of Foxton, supervised the lighting effects, and Avhile the facilities in this connection in Otaki's fine theatre are not so up-to-date as Foxton, the results were very satisfactory. The concert was the biggest of its kind yet held in Otaki, and the delight of the fine audience Avas manifested in the applause Avhich greeted each item and the cheers given at the conclusion of the performance. The programme, with one or two minor alterations, Avas the same as submitted to the Foxton jiudience. Mr S. B. Collins filled the gap caused by the absence of Mr Jane, and Mr Aitken contributed an extra number. Mr llornbloAV added a local verse and chorus to Ids song. The performance Avent with even better •zest than at Foxton, (here Avas more body in the singing, and an absence of stiffness on the part of performers. At the conclusion of the performance, Mr Witchell and the members of the Otaki Guild came on the stage, and Mr Witchell, in a happy speech, thanked Foxton for its practical sympathy in Otaki's efforts. He referred to the necessity for sacrifices on the part of the public on behalf of the funds for the relief and comfort of our hoys Avho are fighting the Empire’s and our oavu battles at the front. He then presented Mrs Freeman Avith a bouquet of beautiful violets, and called for three hearty cheers from the audience for the performers, Avhich were lustily given. Mr HornbloAv, on behalf of the company, acknoAvledged the compliments, and paid a tribute to the splendid hospitality extended to the visitors. Supper avus then served in the spacious refectory, after Avhich, at the call of Mr Aitken, cheers . were given for the Otaki ladies. The trip home Avas not Avithout incident. There is about four miles of ucav metal, on the road in Iho vicinitv of Manakau, and this Avas the-primary cause of punctures further on. Some of the ears did not reach Foxton until an early hour this morning, but the majority Avere home between 1 and 1.30 a.m. The weather Avas delightful, and the trip Avill ever remain a pleasant memory to those Avho took part. To Mr Aitken special praise is due, and also his able lieutenant, Mrs Freeman.

We are asked to acknowledge £1 each from Messrs W. Bock, S. Easton, and J. Bose towards the expenses incurred, and also to those who were kind enough to place their cars at the disposal of the performers, and to the splendid enthusiasm of those taking part. In a subsequent issue we will publish our,Otaki contemporary’s report of the concert.