DRURY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 356, 1 March 1918, Page 1

DRURY

NEW CENTRAL STATION Operations are brisk on the Runci-man-Drury section of the railway grade easement works, including preparations for the erection of the new central station to take the place of the existing Runciman and Drury stations, and it is anticipated that a completion of the same will be effected by about the end of the year. Overhead traffic bridges, each 30ft in width, are to be constructed in lieu of the existing level crossings at Drury and Runciman and a bridge is already being erected over the Hingaia stream to carry the new road which is to give access to the station on the eastern side of the line from the Great South Road at Runciman. The scheme also includes a diversion of the Hingaia stream, accompanied by a new railway bridge, the latter of which has already been built andwas brought into use for the first time on Sunday last. The matter of the approach roads to the station from Drury both on the western and eastern sides of the line will probably be amicably settled between the Railway Department and the Franklin County Council. A SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT The John Bull Comedy Company on Thursday evening of last week were greeted by a crowded and appreciative audience in the Drury Hall, many patrons being unable to find accommodation. This company is a local one composed of a few young residents of either sex, and managed by Mr W. Sutherland. The programme took the form of a vaudeville entertainment.

The vocalists, the Misses Reid, Hutchinson, Collins, Rea, and A. ana M. Lodge and Messrs Seaton and Sutherland were heartily applauded for their items. A drama entitled The Recruit, in which the characters were sustained by Mr Wm. Sutherland, Misses L. Perry, D Perry and I. Sutton was very well rendered, the stage setting and accessories being much admired. Miss L. Perry deserves special mention for the skilful way in which she enacted the leading feminine role. Mi 8s D. Perry and Miss Ivy Sutton were also especially good in their respective characters. The main part was taken by Mr Wm Sutherland, and he made good use of his opportunities and impressed one with the idea that with practice he will develop into a capable exponent of characters. The elocutionary items fell to Miss R. Fyfe who recited a prologue and also acted as Herald. Mr T. J. Corin was very successful in " Me and Jim " and was recalled, reciting '• Mad Carew." A striking tableau entitled " Angels" by the company was touch admired.

The illustrated songs " Only a Bed Cross Nurse" and "Somewhere in France" were novelties to a Drury audience, and were encored. "The Area-Belle" comedy was provocative of much merriment and was well staged. The title character was taken by Miss Jessie Blake, 'the Missus" by Miss Elsie Churches, and the male parts by Messrs Bruce, and Bremner, Rowlaud Hill and Fred Churches. Great credit is due to this quintette of clever comedians. Miss Blake spoke her words clearly and distinctly and acted with power. Miss Churches also did well and Mr D. Bremner was similarly successful. Mr R, Hill and Mr F. Churches as the rival lovers proved themselves comedians of no mean order.

Miss F. Oldham contributed musical selections and Mr F. Collins a piano solo whilst Mrs Lodge and Mr tieaton acted as accompanists.

The Women's Patriotic League is still an active force and at their last meeting the afternoon tea was provided by the Misses Cossey. Thirtyeight pairs of mx were handed in as under, viz., Mesdames Barclay, McMurtrie, Strong, John Blake 4 pairs each, Hill 3, Swalltield, W. Glasson, McNaughton and W. Bremner 2, Howlett and Lodge 1, Misses J Appleby and N. Hill .'5, Barues, Barnard and Warcloll 1.