MAUVE CONCERT

Otaki Mail, 21 April 1922, Page 2

MAUVE CONCERT

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The concert organised by Natives and held at the theatre last evening, was voted by all to be ‘‘one of the best” held on the coast for some time. Long before 7.3o_there was a large gathering waiting to gain admission, and by S o’clock the theatre was filled to overflowing, extra seating accommodation having to be requisitioned. The lengthy programme was submitted without delay and so pleased was the audience that every item was vociferously encored. The curtain rose to a pretty Maori scene, in which Maori Wahines gave a poi dance. Their actions were most graceful, and the colored lights added to the pretty effect. Tor an encore eight Natives gave a pleasing display. Mr L. G. Lowry followed. and being in good voi<"\ received well-merited approbation. Like others he was obliged to respond. Miss \Vai Parata, of Wailcanae, and Miss Dillon, of the Island Bay Convent, rendered pianoforte selections, and both items were nicely given, the manipulation being perfect. Miss McEnroe: at once established herself ns a warm tavorite by her excellent, singing of :spring’s Awakening,” (Sanderson). Her voice, beautifully rich and clear, was heard to full advantage and encore numbers were demanded. In each she acquitted herself splendidly, while later in the evening she again delighted her audience by further line items, chief among the number being ‘‘The Little Dumosel” (Novella). Prior to the singing of the second item she was presented with a tine Maori mat. Air Howard lluuter, of .Manakau. the possessor of a tine voice, delighted his audience, while Mr Ken Aitkcn fairly brought down the house with humorous monologues. Mrs Koiri, who always receives u splendid reception, was heard to advantage in ‘‘May-day Morning,” and as an encore appeared with Miss Ria Xahiwi in a duet that was lully appreciated. * ‘ NYhen shadows Gather” was nicely sung by Air Arthur Pringle, while Mrs Pringle gave violin solos that lCceiveil prolonged applause. Mr Wallace D’Atli, a young singer of note, delighted his audience with ‘‘Loleta,” while iii'liis encore number he was equally successful. Miss Goldie Bik-i----hauu, a pupil oi Air Rue Crichton’s, gave a tine exhibition of classical dancing. Her movements were very graceful and her stejis perfect. Her encore \va.s well deserved. Miss Lowry, another young performer ot gieut promise," rendered some pleasing items and the audience gave her a warm reception. With Miss McEnroe, Mrs D’Ath shared the honors of the evening, and a song “Rangi.” composed by herself, was a gem. it was an authentic love story which was told by Airs D’Ath prior to the singing thereof. It was a beautiful piece, splendidly sung, and naturally caused the large audience ro applaud again and again. Airs D’Atb, always in perfect voice, was also heard to great advantage in a banjo song. The final item was introduced by Mr Jacob Ctiku who introduced quaint old Maori dances. The item brought forth much laughter. After supper a dance was held and enjoyed by all participants. Air Ben Ling was au able director of ceremonies and during the evening apologised for the absence of Air and Miss Webber, who were detained at Kapiti, and Mr Stable, who was still suffering from the effects of an accident. The accompaniments were very ably played by Mrs AfcDonald (Levin), Mrs Lowry (Otaki), Mrs Andrew (Manakau), and Miss Rikihana (Otaki). Credit is due to the management for providing such an excellent programme, and it is hoped that at some near date another similar entertainment will be held.