ELOCUTIONARY RECITAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3674, 4 August 1927, Page 2

ELOCUTIONARY RECITAL.

BY THE REV. J. PATERSON, M.A. The Rev. J, Paterson, M.A., of St. Paul’s, Wanganui, gave an elocutionary recital in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday evening, in connection with the Presbyterian week’s rally. AH. W. H. Nicholas presided over a large and appreciative audience. Prior to the recital Mrs Yeo and Mr. Barron contributed vocal items and were recalled and Mr. Corn at a later stage added variety to the programme with a violin selection. The accompaniments were played by Miss Patterson find Mrs. Corn.

For a single person to keep an audience interested for upwards of two hours requires a retentive memory, a good voice, a pleasing personally, versatility and histrionic talent. All these qualities were manifested in marked degree by Mr. Paterson who held the close attention of his audience throughout his recital. His “bill-of-fare” was nicely arranged and lie ran the gamut from grave lo gay. He reached his highest llights in the recital of Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece “The Bells,” and Shakespearian orations of “Brutus” and .“Mark Antony.” The effect of correct, gesture in contradistinction to the foolish windmill actions adopted by some performers, was illustrated in the “House that Jack Built.” Without going into details on the various items, it is sufficient to say that Mr. Paterson gave ample evidence that he is a master of elocution and had he not been called to a higher service, he could have achieved fame ns one of our foremost actors.

On the motion of Mr. J. K. Hornblow and the Mayor (Mr. Perreau), Mr. Paterson was accorded a vote of thanks and appreciation and the hope was expressed that Foxton would, be given a future'opportunity of hearing* him.

In acknowledging the vote, Mr Paterson said it had been a pleasure for him to visit Foxton and to assist in the church rally. He went on to say that religion did not consist in going about with a long face. He caused 1 much amusement by relating that a man was once accosted by a stranger with a remark: “Dyspepsia?” “No,” was the reply “Presbyterian parson!” On one occasion he was sent to out to a town way back in Australia. He was met at the railway station by the local doctor, who remarked: “Are you the Presbyterian minister?” “I am” was the reply. “Thank God,” said the doctor, “you have got a good belly and a smiling face!” (renewed laughter). Concluding in serious vein Mr. Paterson- urged, all Presbyterians to rally round their minister and to co-operate with him in his work and success would be achieved.

The National Anthem brought the gathering to a close.