BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 104, 2 November 1938, Page 2

BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT

THE THEATRE PAUSED ' ’ J® 1 ' . . 1 : v . :; ’ '■ ' wv Seldom, if ever, has thqf Regent Theatre held such a large Jpihd enthusiastic audience as that which attended the entertainment presented by the members of the barfcpgjtburing party of the New Zealand-Institute for the Blind. Those who Itad been fortunate in being present, at the band’s previous entertainment some . three years ago, were even more enthusiastic over the progra p,eseated on this occasion, whsls those who heard the entertainers’ for the first time will eagerly, anticipate their next visit. The function w'&£ ; under the auspices of the Opotiki Women’s Institute, who, together with; other bodies, are to be * congratulated on the success of the arrangements- One and all present were greatly impressed by. the versatility of the, various members of the band, who proved themselves gifted artists in the varied, item’s of the programme. The atmosphere of cheerfulness and happiness displayed by the entertainers throughtout the evening, was a factor which also impressed the audience, many of whom expressed their enthusiasm by further donations at the conclusion of the programme.

During an interval, the tour manager, Air. G W.. Pilgrim, thanked the audience for their support and also thanked the people of the district for their generous hospitality, especially thanking members of the Opotiki Women’s Institute, the R.S.A., the Girl Guides, and their good friend, Air. Arthur Cremen. Eulogistic reference was made to the excellent services of the bandmaster, Lieut. G. W. Bowes. The stage was attractively arranged. with colourful flowers. Opening with two numbers by the band, “Conqueror” and “Lazy. Pete”, the programme continued with a vocal'solo, “A Stock-rider’s Song” and “Mountains of Alourne”. sung by Air. J. Papesch- Air. Cyril Laurent played two pianoforte selections, “Garde” and “Nocturne in F”, and then the baud' played a beautiful characteristic nuumbor, “Bells Across the Aleadow”, followed by a Alarch “Honest Toil”. A demonstration of Braille reading was given by Mr. James McGuire 8.A., L.L.B. It was announced that this totally blind member had taken his degrees by this system and was in charge of the adult education at the Institute. A bracket of sea shanties led by Air. Frank Robinson proved a popular item, and the band concluded the'first half of the pregramme with a march, “Washington Greys”. After a short interval, one of the most popular items of the programme proved) to be a selection of cainp-firo songs sung during a sanppv sketch produced by Air. Roberto Gherardi. The scene around the camp-fire was most realistic, the artists being clad in cow-boy, attire. Such popular numbers as “The Bridle

Hanging on the Wall”, “Empty Saddles”, “Roll On” and “Aly Little Buckaroo”, sung to the aeconipaniment oi string instruments anq pi-ano-aceordeon, met with continued applause from the audience. The popular dance numbers including “Keep Fit”, “Sweet Dreams”, and “1 Like to Whistle”, as played' by tile dance band, also met with enthusiastic approval- One of the outstanding items was the cornet solo played by Air.

Allan Morton, champion cornetist N. Z. for two years. His first selection was “Shylock” fololwed by a request number “Drinking Song” and n "further selection “Still as The'/N%ht”. & Two very enjoyable .xylophone selections, with band" were played by "Mr. 1 \oberto- : G'iierardi. these beiiYg “The l 1 Iyer” and - “Zip Zip”. Mr. Joseph Tbpe ch was cnlhusiastiemally Teceiyed ; in. his pianoaccordoon selections’ “Scotch Savoy Medley.’ ’ 1 < and.' ‘'ltep|iJ£,>33ancß \ and a further. l>leasingy%l|h :! ;‘f#thcr .1 fays’ ’, was •**>’ s l )eoiaL request contributed the vocal selection .‘‘Take a Pair of Sparkling'Eves*?- and responded to an encore with•"'Sergeant- Major”. A splendid •prbgrtthime was concluded with^ ; by the band, a characteristic :number. “Fox and amT/gi ’spirited march _ “Stars and'f/tripes’’^';/':;. Vy/y A