SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 318, 12 October 1917, Page 4

SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Under the auspices of the Pukekohe Girls Scouts an attractive entertainment was provided in the Premier Hall, Pukekoho, last Tuesday evening when there was a good attendance. Cr A. B. Barter (Deputy _ Mayor), in his opening address, briefly explained that the object of the concert was to provide trench comforts for "our boys" at the frr.nt. The Fund, he said, provided for many comforts which otherwise they might not receive. Many returned soldiers had given testimony to the great benelits derived by tho supply of such comforts and he felt sure tho tinan ial response would be encouraging Mr Barter then paid a high tribute to the trouble taken by Miss Williams who had devoted much time to mako the conceit a success.

The opening item of the programme was a pianoforte duet and this was well rendered by the Misses I. and G. Fulton. Then followed a Cantata "Britannia's Court" or " Who made England Great " in which the role of " Britannia " was well sustained by Miss N. Perkins, a large company of young members of both sexes, attired in appropriate costumes, representing tho different branches oi J tlie nation's industries, etc, tho blending of the Union Jack and of the Allied flags, together with the colouring of the dresses and the limelight effect, being distinctly pretty. A Highland dance by tho Misses Gwennie Fulton and Eileen and Rita Brownlee was much appreciated, and a recitation by Master N. Costello gained much applause "The Japanese Doll Feast " by junior girlsandthe" Tambourine Song " by seniors were both pleasingly rendered, while the " Butterfly's Song" was daintily presented, the little girls acting their parts well. Mrs Pilkington sang a solo and was well received, and this was followed by "Fairyland" in which tho combined voices of the girls were hoard to advantage. After the interval Miss I. Fulton gave a pianoforte solo in first class style. Much amusement was created when Master A. Waldon appeared on tho the stage with an " organ " and his brother (Master Tom Waldon) dressed in the guise of a monkey with Miss Alice Berriman as soloist. The soloist, who was becomingly attired, appealed for pennies and tho response from the hall was encouraging, the " monkey " mak-himst-lf busy in picking the coins up. In the Pinafore song and Fisher Girls song which followed the singing was pleasingly rendered, the dresses also being of an artistic character.

Perhaps the most amusing item in the programme was "Our Model Policemen," sung by the Misses A. Berrimm and Gladys lleerdegen. Dressed as policemen they marched up and down the stage, singing at the same time and using every endeavour to characteristically pose as members of the Police Force. Miss I) Whiting next sang, with much expression, "Mother Machree." The last item, "Union Jack," was the assembling of performers representing the British and Allied Nations, who were grouped alongside " Britania." The colouring of the dresses combined with the naval and military uniforms had an exceedingly pretty effect. Master Fred Pay no proved a most efficient accompanist. As already mentioned, Miss _N. Williams organised the entertainment and her skill in training the young performers for their respective parts was once again ably demonstrated, whilst Mrs ])ell (the Scouts President and Treasurer) carried out the mar.gerial duties with her customary thoroughness.