PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1630, 28 October 1916, Page 3

PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

The Patriotic' Concert Party repeated their concert on behalf of theSoldiers’ Christmas Tobacco Fund in the Town Hall last night to a good and appreciative audience. It was considered risky to attempt a repeal performance, hut as a request was made from a number of people, it was deeided to accede to the request and donate the -proceeds io the fund ahove-mon!ioned. The first concert realised .G)0, and last night the gross takings were .Cl< odd at reduced admission charges. The concert party’s ell oris here and in the other centres have netted aIxmt .£IOO for patriotic purposes, for which they deserve great credit. Last night’s performance, with a few exceptions, was practically the same as previously and most ol the items were encored, and several 01. the soloists were the recipients of handsome bouquets. Mi.-s Kcmpton substituted Tosti’s “Good-bye, and sang it very feelingly; Mr Hooker added “The Anzacs,” for which he was accorded a line ovation: Mr Kuewsiub was recalled tor a. cleverly executed clog’ dance; am! Mrs Guilder and Mr Golder added a duet, “Modern Courtship,” the unties of Mr (Solder in this item disclosed that ho was skilled in the art of pressing ills suit with a fervour most realistic, and Ids waif zing <>t joy delighted the audience and callmi forth a hearty recall. One of the most, delightful items on the programme was the duet by Mr ami Mrs Aitken, “Not that, sort of Person.” It was a clever and dainty piece of work, which I'aiHy captivated the audience. Mr Aitken’s solo, “The Mountains of Movne,” was another star item. The other items have been previously mentioned. The chorus work was not so full as previously, but everything went off without, a hitch. Mention must lie made; of (he excellent makeup of Mr Haynes, as the admiral, in the naval scone, and the graceful deportment of this handsome “young officer,” which lent the. rigid, colour to this scene. He looked and acted his part to perfection. Taken altogether, the performance last, night compared very favourably with the initial production. At a, suitable juncture in the proceedings the Mayor (Mr AH'. Fraser) thanked (lie performers on behalf of I lie soldiers and sailors for iheir self-saeriHeing- efforts to provide (hem with comforts at Christmas. He paid a fine tribute to Foxton’s talent, and said he hoped the public would encourage them at nil times with bumper houses. He also paid a well-deserved tribute to Mr Aitken, who organised the concert.

Messrs K. Ait ken (Levin) and Haynes were responsible for the making-up, and were congratulated upon their excellent work'. Special thanks are cine to Air Kcllow (the energetic Patriotic Society secretary), Airs Freeman and Air Smith for splendid services rendered.