WOMEN ENTERTAINED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 120, 19 April 1940, Page 9

WOMEN ENTERTAINED.

WORK FOR. MAORI CAMP. APPRECIATION EXPRESSED. As a mark of appreciation to members of the various women’s organisations who have been assisting in serving supper each evening in the Y.M.C.A. hall at the Maori Battalion camp, the battalion entertained them at a concert, last evening, in the hall. The padre (Rev. Captain K. Harawira) was M.C., and lie was assisted by Mr W. R. Taylor. Y.M.C.A. officer. The programme opened with the National Anthem, and the first group of numbers, which was arranged by the ladies, was presented by well-known Palmerston North performers, as follow:—lnstrumental. Radio Trio; “God Defend New Zealand,’’ and glees, Townswomen’s Guild Glee Circle, led bv Mrs W. R. Bigham, with Mrs J. Riddle at the piano; vocal solos, Miss Eunice Scott; pianoforte ducts, Mesdames Bigham and Riddle: vocal solos, self-aeeompanied, Mrs Bigham : vocal solos, Mrs Jamieson and Mrs Doherty. The accompaniments were played by‘Mesdames Bigham and Riddle. A spirited exhibition of the hula with guitar accompaniment was given by “Willie Woodbine” and the first half concluded with further glees by the glee party. The second part of the programme was given by the battalion, opening with the battalion song. Private Bell gave a pianoforte selection. Each company was responsible for two items in turnj these including delightful part singing, instrumental and dancing items, and some exceedingly popular comedy turns. The* opinion that the battalion bad been lucky indeed to be sent to Palmerston North for its training was expressed by Lieutenant-Colonel Dittmer, officer commanding, after the programme. The people of the city had been extremely kind, be said, and the function that evening was an example of what had been done for the men throughout their stay. He particularly thanked Mrs L. A. Northey and her assistants, who had looked alter their welfare, serving refreshments in the Y.M.C.A. hall each evening, also for arranging the programme that evening and providing the supper. He thanked the artists contributing to the entertainment, every item of which had been enjoyed. The speaker said he thought the artists had done more for this battalion than any other bodyin New Zealand. Musical honours were accorded the ladies, who were also heartily cheered. Mrs Northey, in acknowledging the apreciatiori, said the little' service the women had been able to give had been a pleasure. She thanked the men for their courtesy at all times and gentlemanly conduct. They were a credit to their' race, and when they left these shores there need be no fear of tlie Dominion’s good name. Palmerston North would watch their movements with interest for all were gentlemen and soldiers, and the speaker concluded by wishing the battalion “bon voyage”' and a safe return to tlieir womenfolk.