MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 212, 26 September 1916, Page 3

MANUREWA.

Sergeant W. A. Oldham, who is well-krown in the Waikat.', and was in tbe landing at Gallipoli, cables trom France to friends in Manurewa tbat be is "Still going strong."

Tbe frieids of Mrs T. Eleman will be pleased to hear that she is making a satisfactory recovery from the illness that recently incapacitated her.

"TRIAL BY JURY

A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. "Trial by Jury," Gilbert and Sullivan's dramatic cantata, was staged at the Public Hall on Wednesday last, by tbe Manurewa Musical Society after a three months' preparation. The building was crowded to the door?, and tbe production was a great success.

The caste of characters was as follows:—Tbe Learned Judge, Mr T. C. Seaton; the Plaintiff, Mrs Wilboo Tayler; the Detendant, Mr A. G. Mabee; Counsel for Plaintiff, Mr Wilson Tayler; Usher, Mr H. V. Burton; Foreman of Jury, Mr C. Hawthorn; Chorus of spectators in the Court, ladies of the Society; Jury, Gentlemen of the Society; at the piano, Mrs Archdale Tayl=r. The Plaintiff, Mrs Wilson Tayler, was undoubtedly tbe star performer. The role just suited be', and ber singing was of a fine order. The judge, Mr Tom Sratop, has never been heard in the district aa other than a soloist. In anythiGg ot a light order be has always exc. lied, but in this character study all bis talentß came to the fore and he proved his ability to sustain any leading part that might be given him.

Tbe Defendant, Mr A. G. Mabee, exhibited undoubted evidence of dramatic experience. He was assigned a deal of work and did it well. His rendering of "Hear me, bear me, if you plsasa" and "I smtke like a furnace" were heartily applauded. Mr Wilson Tayler, as Counsel for tbe plaintiff, made bis first appearance in this class of work. He creditably sustained his character, despite the tact tbat an adjustment of the est gave him but little practice. Mr H. V. Burton, as Usher, was another performer that well filled bis role, bis very tine voice being beard to advantage in calling for "Silence in tha Court" and in swearing in the jury. In the finale "Of Beauty He's A Judge" be was particularly hue. In any future production the Society might take up, Mr Burton might readily take a part calling for more work.

Tbe Foreman ot the Jury, Mr C. Hawthorn, sustained his character creditably. No small part of this successful performance was due tu tbe very fine display made by the Bridesmaids, Misses Jessie Mclntus, Dorice Eleman, May Weddiog, Moll:e Juckes, Mildred Warlch, Dorothy Warlich, Kitty Juckeß and Marjorie Tayler. These young ladies, in supporting tne Plaintiff, gave a delightful rendering of tbe choruses "Comes the Broken Flower" and "Wear the Flowers." Their grsceful dancing was loudly applauded and their pointed accusation of the Jury, "Ah! Sly Dogs," was enthußiastially received. The flirtation of the Judge with the first Bridesmaid, Miss D. ELman, was attractive and was keenly appreciated by the audience.

At the conclusion of the cantata the iollowiDg programme was rendered, viz.Songs by Mrs Wilson Tayler, Misa Galloway, Mr A. G. Mabee and Mr I'. C. Seaton; and a pianoforte solo by Mrs Leonard. The Musical Society rendered the part song "Good Night, Beloved." Encores were demanded in every instance. Though not "in the limelight" success is really dependant on the piano. To 'say that the musical accompaniments were in the hands ot Mrs Archdale Tayler is quite sufficient to denote that everything was perfect. As stage manager, with all the preliminary work thereto attached, Mr Mabee ungrudgingly worked hard for success.

Mr T. Bell, hon. secretary, a Juryman, and Mr T. J. Cot id, treasurer, with other members, all deserve credit tor the very successful evening. The Society repeat the performance in the Papakura Valley Hall to-morrow—Wednesday—when the proceeds will be in aid of the Soldierß' Children's Hospital fund, and for this same fund performances will bs given latter at Clevedon and Papakura.