TE HORA.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 12 July 1920, Page 2

TE HORA.

V I ANGLICAN CONCEET AND DANCE. \ A KECOED SUCCESS. ! “The best yet held here!” Such I was the general verdict expressed on . the concert held at the To Horo Hall * on Friday night last, to raise funds to assist with'the erection of the Anglican churehrooni. More than usual interest was evinced by the public in this function, for which special efforts had been made with a view to providing a programme of outstanding merit. Moreover, the concert had been well advertised, and, as is always tho case under such circumstances, the result amply ..justified the troublo and expense. t There was a packed audience, among those present being many visitors from Otaki and elsewhere, and the audience was orderly and most appreciative and enthusiastic. It is safe to sny that the programme was one of the, most enjoyable—if not absolutely the very best ever presented at To iloro, the items being of a widely varied nature, many of exceptional merit, and the management is to be highly complimented on presenting such ati attractive menu.

Tim programme opened with a pianoforte duet, a very pretty piece", iwtyniraldv played by Mr 11. 0. Jones jfiud Miss Albie Muir. Then Mrs It.fM. D’Ath. who is deservedly as* popular and sings as delightfully-as ever, sang "I Hid Not Knnw.” It was a rare musical treat, and the.audience showt ed its appreciation by dm euthusjasfdc encore, to which Mrs P’Ath responded with " ’Tis the Hay.” Later on tha I same artist gave a magnificent reiiderj iug of a different, song, entitled ‘‘Lolita.” Several songs, in costume, [ with .choruses, were a bright featuro of j the programme. , In all of these the costuming was quaint, picturesque and | admirable, and the grouping and gen«- | nil arrangement of details reflected i credit on the ladies responsible. In ‘‘Ghu Chow Olii.u ’ ’ the solo was taken by Miss Oldham, a visitor with a sweet and pleasing voice and an artistic performer.* .The same lady took the solo in ‘‘Baggy Breeches, ” a Dutch character song with au attractive staging and a catchy melody. It vras altogether a- delightful item. The third similar item was entitled "The Quaker Girl,” Miss Brodriek Joking the solo, and singing, as an encore, I ‘ ‘Under .my Bonnet.” All three of these items were loudly encored and I much enjoyed, and tlio ladies taking j part, deserve all the compliment- ! ary remarks bestowed upon them. Mrs Young’s recitation, "The Hay,” wasi given with dramatic force and in good style, this lady responding to an encore 'With "Flay the Game.” Mr 11. Signal is aj distinct acquisition to music.")! circles in To, Horo. His two songs, "Chip of the Old Block,” and ‘‘Lighterman Tom,” were both excellently sung, though Mr Signal was suffering from a bad cold. Mr Signal did not jrespond to the audience’s appeal for more. Miss Evelyne Jones was in good, voice, and gave a very pleasing interpretation of "Bird of Lovo Divine,” which was greatly enjoyed by all. Two little girls from Wellington -Misses Evelyn Wright and Nola Wright) evoked storms of applause for their exceedingly clever dancing of the sailor’s hornpipe, Highland fling, clog waltz and Irish washerwoman’* dances (the latter items ns encores). Both girls did splendidly. A pianoforte solo by Mrs 11. O. Jones -called forth an insistent encore, this Indy responding with another brilliantly executed piece. Miss Brodriek, one of the visitors, was encored for her excellent rendering of the favourite song, ‘‘Bosom of Picardy,” and Mr Frank Penn contributed a musical moaologuw, "His First Long Trousers.” The programme concluded with a short play, entitled "Meddlesome Mothers-in-law,” by six young ladies, vizi, Mes•Jame* 11. Signal and W. Barber,Misses BrOdrick, lilac kb u rue, Day and Muriel Muir. Ths§ wax indeed a very creditable production, all ql 'the participants doing remarkably well!, and speaking their parts clearly and naturally as a whole. The play is a humorous one, and the performance was immensely enjoyed.

The accompaniments were supplied by *Me»daine« Jones, Day and Signal and Miss Albie Muir, while Mr H. L. Beauchamp, as master of ecre»pai*s, };ept things going briskly. , '.At the conclusion of the concert the .floor was cleared, and the inevitable glance followed. Mrs I)ay and'Mr Beauchamp supplied none that was fully appreciated by the dancers, and 11 r Guy acted as M.C. Wo have been asked to rut urn thanks on behalf of the management to the performers, and all who assisted to make the function such aa unqualified success. A special word of praise is due io Miss AihfS Muir, the hoa. secretary, who was responsible for the greater bulk of the work in connection with the function and the preparation of the programme. Many other |auie. lent most valuable assistance,' espee? ally the two visiting artist**, Misses Oldham and Brodrick. to whom the •rsaaageiseat are deeply grateful.