ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22986, 15 September 1936, Page 11

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL

CONCERT FOR CARNIVAL FUND Though it was intended to hold a community sing to be led b- Mr F. H. Lampen and Mr Tano Fama at the concert which was presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening in aid of the St. Joseph’s Cathedral Carnival Fund, the programme was so rich in clever turns that very little time was available for the original purpose, and the entertainment resolved itself into a concert pure and simple. It was. however, a concert of which the producers had no need to be ashamed, for every item was an entertainment in itself and the large audience, which completely filled the auditorium, was not slow to show its appreciation of the fare offered. Before the actual programme was commenced, Mr R. (“ Whang ”) M'Kenzie appeared on the • stage, and Mr Lampen, in a brief speech, introduced to the audience the man whose voice is known to everyone who listens-in to the Rugby football broadcasts. Mr M’Kenzie was presented with the “freedom” of the majority of Dunedin’s houses of entertainment in recognition of the excellent entertainment he himself has provided during the football season. In reply, Mr M’Kenzie told several amusing stories concerning those who had organised the concert, and outlined some of the details about broadcasting football matches which have proved puzzling to many who listen to the broadcasts. The programme was opened with a selection by the Waverley Boys’ Brass Band, and Miss Deslys , M’Kenzie, daughter of Mr R. M’Kenzie,' was heard in a delightful vocal number. Mr G. Bennett, more familiarly known in Dunedin as “Uncle Ben,” provided a musical item in which he performed simultaneously on the mouth- organ, accordion and drum, and two of Miss Anita Winkel’s pupils were heard in a vocal duet. One of the most remarkable turns was that of Mr Les. Carter, juggler, who tossed in the air all manner of articles and also balanced with the utmost skill an even more formidable array of parasols, bayonets and tin basins. Mr Tano Fama, in a turn reminiscent of the days when “ The Diggers were a famous concert party, kept the audience amused for several minutes with patter and song, and Miss Ngila Slowley presented an exceedingly graceful dance number. A choir formed of Miss Anita Winkel’s pupils was heard in several attractive items, and Miss Ano Hato, the popular singer of- Maori songs, proved one of the most popular of the evening’s entertainers. A half-hour play presented by Mrs Hamer and party proved exceptionally successful, and Mr M. Eggers, ventriloquist, supplied an item which called forth enthusiastic applause. A ballet presented by Miss Gwen Webster's pupils was a very colourful number. The audience was promised a surprise from Mr “Spud” Murphy, and this proved to be an auction sale of various articles which had oeien presented for the purpose. The official accompanist was Mr David Sharp.