METHODIST CONCERT.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 31 May 1920, Page 3

METHODIST CONCERT.

The concert held in Bright:;' Theatre on Friday night in aid of the funds of the Otaki Methodist Church, was of-ex-ceptional merit, and it was most unfortunate that the bad weather kept largo crowds away. There was, however, despite this drawback, a fair audience, which proved much appreciative from beginning to end. The Rev. W. O. Slade proved an able director of ceremonies, and at a suitable in-

terval apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mrs Harris, of Levin, who

was away on account of sickness in her

! family, and Messrs Penn and H. Tahiwi, the former being delayed at Christchurch, and the latter suffering from a severe cold. The programme opened with the ...ational Anthem, after which Misses Bikihana (piano) and Cook (violin) travi' a spirited, orchestral selection, which was fully appreciated. They gave another item later, which was equally pleasing. Mr A. Mottorshcad, of Levin, sang nicely "Believe Mo if ( ali Those Endearing Young Charms." jj and in the second half "Roses." Thfl singer was in fine voice, and the audiJ'encc was noi slow in appreciating both

items. Miss E. W. Walker, of Levin, I made her first appearance as a vocalist i in Otaki. and immediately establishoa herself as a warm favourite. Her first item, "When the Birds go North Again," was splendidly rendered, her line rich voice being heard to great advantage. As un encore she gave "If I Might Come to Sou." This item was as mm* appreciated as her first number, and vociferous applause, followed. Later in the evening Miss Walker contributed "Anion All is Still." when

she again gained much applause. The Rev. Slade was deservedly encored for | his splendid violin selection.* His en- j core number wns also fully appreciated. while in the second half he again delighted the audience. Mr Ken Aitken. always a warm favourite in these parts, proved an entertainment in himself, and his character sketch of a country AI.P. was cleverly given. In response to prolonged applause he gave "1 Understood," which delighted the audience, and later "The Factr Is » and as an encore "The Village Blacksmith," Which also drew forth much applause Miss Evelyne Jones, the posse«or of a rich voice, pleased all present with her singing of "May Morn- j in ? " ffiving in response to an imperative encore "I am Longing for «prin" " Both number:; were splendidly "given. Miss Jones was also heard to great advantage in Tbe Bells of Mary." and many considered this her best item. The audience clamoured for more, and Miss Jones, perforce, had to return, giving m response to the firm request "Mate of Mine " also pleasingly rendered, f.eedless to say Mrs H. O. Jone s was vociferously applauded for her pianoiorte I selection, which was given m great l tvle As aiTeneorc she gave -'Walt: I Caprice "which also drew forth a deal „f "well-merited approbation. The poi dance by Natives was one of the mos L pleading items on the excellent programme, the gracefulness of the dance Lin" fully shown to advantage. _ Mrs Jones played the accompanimeuts most efficiently, while Miss Rikiliana played fhc music for the poi dance in her usual fine style.