PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT AT MANGAWEKA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11650, 19 August 1916, Page 4

PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT AT MANGAWEKA.

Usually a wet evening is marked by a small attendance at any form of entertainment here, bnt tbe Maugaweba Concert Club, under the management of Mrs W. L. Johnston, drew a fairly packed house. Friday evening was the first appearance in public of the local Concert Club, and each member deserves a big share of praise for the manner in which they acquitted themselves. The first item on the well selected programme was a pianoforte duet “Fairy Queen” —Misses M. Rodewald and C, Johnston, which was exquisitiveiy played. “Somebody’s Boy,” sung by Miss Vera Meyer, met with hearty applause; Mr Oorpe was in - splendid voice in the rendering of “Davy Jones Locker”; a patriotic song and chorus. Miss E. Johnston taking the leading, part, fully deserved the encore received. The rendering of the quartette, “Ye banks and braes,” (Mrs Jol naton, Miss Rodewald and Messrs Corps and Signal) showed that the singers had received tuition by an expert. The pretty little song “Beg o’ My Heart, ” was well selected in the hands of Miss Meyer, and the singer showed exceptional ability’ - . This was followed by a trio “A little farm well tilled,” and vvas capitally rendered by Messrs Corpe, Signal and Scott. The audience demanded the return of tbe performers. Miss Rodewald, the popular pianist, sang “My ’ain Folk,” and she also had to respond to an en core that was well deserved. The second part opened with a pianoforte duet by the Misses Johnston, and, perhaps, the star item on the programme followed, entitled “The. Girl of the Period.” The performers in this dialogue were Misses Rodewald, Meyer and Messrs Signal and Scott, and it is safe to say the “coach” of this piece was no amateur in the theatrical world. From the rise of the curtain the interesting dialogue went with a “buzz” that kept the audience rollicking in their seats. It was exceptionally well staged, and deserved all the applause given. A sentimental ballad entitled “Eventide,’ was sung by Miss I. Johnston, and received an encore and a response, Len Green is always a favourite with a Mangaweka audience, and his fine singing also demanded his re-appearance. The Misses E. and I. Johnston and Vera Meyer representing England, Scotland and Ireland, sang several melodies sweetly, and were pleasing entertainers. A Union Jack was auctioned by Mr J. James, and the bidding was brisk. .“God Save the King” terminated a concert pro-, gramme that would put in the shade many professional companies that visit the small towns on the Trunk Line. The efforts of the Mangaweka Concert Company in putting on such a refined and appropriate programme deserve all the praise and applause that was meted out; and it is to be hoped that they will again favour the people of this district with another evening’s entertainment, when, I am sure, the hall will be packed. A line supper, given by the ladies, and a dance followed. The stage represented a glorious drawing ' room scene, and was exquisitiveiy prepared by the management.