DUFFERS’ CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3506, 3 July 1926, Page 2

DUFFERS’ CONCERT.

A HUGE SUCCESS.

The Duffers’ eoncerl, organised by the Sports Queen carnival committee and which took place at the Masonic Hall last night was a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by a full house. Those taking part, with a few exceptions, were attired in wonderful costumes and their identity well concealed. Each performer was given a most cordial reception and in some eases the “boys” marked their appreciation of individual efforts with gifts of cabbages and fruit, which _ at a later period in the performance littered the stage. In the bestowal of “floral tributes,” however, there was no horse play, and although the pit indulged in goodnatured banter the fun was kept within due bounds. One male performer in returning a cauliflower to an admirer in the pit missed his objective and the “bouquet” went through a window. Each performer received a demonstrative reception and had to respond to encores and in one case a triple encore was demanded. Prizes were awarded for the best item, the most novel item and the “duffer.” The judge was a lady in the audience. Mr. Knewstubbs . was awarded the prize for the best item, clog dancing, Messrs. H. Hutchins and Hornblow for the most novel item—“the Scottish Vagrants” and Mr. 11. Hutchins was awarded the duffer’s cake for his singing “Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers,” in the character of “Daisy Dumpling.” The audience held diverse views as to qualifications of two of the winners 'who, not being “duffers,” should have been disqualified. The Mayor, in presenting the prizes* 'congratulated the .Sports Committee on the concert, and stated that although the carnival had only been two weeks in operation, upwards of £2OO had been raised towards the public swimming baths fund. Mr. Knewstubs, secretary of the band, in acknowledging the Mayor’s appreciative remarks for the band’s assistance, stated that the .band would assist all the queen candidates whenever possible. Prior to the concert a torch-light procession was held, starting from the band room and proceeding to the Masonic Hall. The procession was headed by Mr. H. Hutchins as marshal, attired as a female and mounted on a small pony. He was escorted by two representatives of the “Indian hockey team” and others in fancy costume. The procession was much enjoyed by a large crowd assembled in the main thoroughfare.

■The concert opened with the National Anthem, followed by an orchestral item bv “Pavlova’s orchestra” (Messrs. A. Stevenson (aecordeon), Geo. King (piano) and G. Alexander (violin). The instrumentnlists were in fancy dress and * so was their music which, if not classical, was well balanced ancl tuneful. Mr. H. Ilornblow, as Rev. I. Stern” fairly convulsed the audience with, bis splendid “makeup” and facial contortions. His local hits caused roars of laughter. Later, this performer in company with Mrs Barron in the characters of “Abey and Rachel” were equally successful with more local allusions. Mr. Rupert Honour fairly excelled in his rendition of “Let the rest of the world go by,” and the pit yelled for more, mingled with shouts of “Good old Roop.” Mr. Knewstubs gave a fine exhibition of clog dancing. Miss Bertha Gower demonstrated that she possessed histrionic talent above the duffer grade in her recital of the “Bald-headed Man” —a very fine elocutionary effort. Mr. D. Christie, in uniform, with his breast decorated with medals befitting a British Admiral, made his bow as an instrumentalist. His manipulation of the slide trombone was a masterpiece. Mr. G. Alexander as “Wee McGregor” did his best to sing a • Scotch song, after tumbling on to the stage and caused much merriment, Mr. Tom East, costumed as a Maori, sang “Wanganui” in a manner that won genuine applause and a well-deserved encore. Billy Williams’ item in character “The little shirt my mother made for me,” demonstrated that he is a born artist and the audience yelled for more. Mr. Dawson’s recitation was well received. The vocal items by Messrs Durham, Haydock and - Downes, who did not appear in *’7fancy dress, received well-merited applause and special mention must be made of Mr. Durham’s item. Messrs Hutchins and Hornblow as the “Highland tramps” burlesqued the bagpipes and Highland fling, and' 'caused much merriment. Messrs M. Cook and G. King as “darkies” gave very acceptable vocal items. One of the star performers of the evening was little Miss Pearl King, who sang “Why Don’t They Play with me?” and as an encore “Doodly Do.” In the latter item she played her own accompaniment. This little 7-year-old girl possesses vocal talent. above the ordinary, and she won the hearts as well as the appreciation of the audience. At the conclusion the performers assembled on the stage and sang the chorus “Pack up your troubles” and the National Anthem in which the audience joined. Miss N. Woods was the accompanist and others who presided at the piano were Miss King and Mrs Downes. Mr. D. Barron ably officiated as stage manager.