TOKO’S FINE EFFORT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 43, 7 October 1914, Page 2

TOKO’S FINE EFFORT.

GRAND PATRSOTIC CONCERT. The concert and dance held in the Toko Coronation Hall last Thursday in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund exceeded all expectations and constituted a record for the hall and probably for the district. The day proved threatening, but as the evening wore on the weather conditions wore ideal. Never before had such a largo crowd gathered in the Coronation Hall for a social function of any'description. The attendance was estimated at three hundred and the audience was most enthusiastic and appreciative. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with a number of flags kindly lent by the Stratford A. and P. Association and the Toko School Committee. With the assistance of a number of ladies the hall was further decorated with red and white camellias. On entering the hall, therefore, one was, convinced instantly that the entertainment was to be of a patriotic nature. Mr M. Gernhoefer, chairman of the committee, in a short speech, briefly outlined the worthy cause for which tho entertainment was being held and which the people of Toko were called upon to support. Ho said he felt sure that the takings would exceed anything yet attempted in tho province. The concert programme submitted was possibly the host yet presented to a Toko audience and lacked neither variety, humor or talent. Rogers’ orchestra opened tho proceedings with a selection of patriotic airs, introducing popular military marches of Britain, France, Russia and Belgium. This selection was admirably rendered and evoked considerable enthusiasm among the audience. Miss Sullivan sang “Sunshine and Rain” in her usual pleasing manner. Mr H. W. Douglas contributed “A Soldier and a Man” and Mr J. H. Lockhead danced a Highland fling, tho bagpipe accompaniment being played by Mr W. Mather, the item being very much appreciated. Miss Greenhalgh sang “Bonnet and Apron,” and Mr Hanford was enthusiastically encored for his singing of “When 1 was a Boy at School.” Miss Fieldes sang' “Sincerity.” In “Sons of the Sea” Mr J. H. Thompson raised tho audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm, those, present joining in tho verse and chorus. Captain Allen, Ngaore, put much feeling into his recitation of “The Ab-sent-Minded Beggar,” making a deep impression, and a collection taken up after his item netted £6 17s 3d. In place of the usual interval an auction sale was conducted, the first article put up being a Belgian flag presented by the Hon. €. J. Johnston, Belgian Consul for Now Zealand. This part of the proceedings had been looked forward to and had created considerable interest, and the flag was sold and resold twenty-six times, finally realising the handsome sum of £24 7s 6d. The flag was finally., purchased by Mr W. H. Were, and presented’to the" Toko Coronation Hall, thus becoming tho property of tho Toko people. Following this a Samoan stamp, a German seal and curios brought back from Samoa by Trooper Alan Maxwell wore put up and realised £1 4s. Three Union Jacks donated by the Toko School Coraiiiittee realised £1 10s. A cake-guessing competition was held and brought in £1 Bs. The correct weight of tho cake was 61b 14J0z,, and the nearest guesses were of 71b by Mrs L. Roberts and Miss M. Clark. The second half of tho programme was opened with a selection, “The Russian March,” by Rogers’ orchestra. Mr A. Jones sang “Trooper Johnny Ludlow,” and Miss Rogers contributed an enjoyable violin solo. One of the most stirring items of the concert was Mr J. H. Thompson’s rendition of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” Absolutely tho host items of tho evening were Mr Hanford’s humorous recitations ‘'Farewell, Brother Watkins,” and “Burial of Eddie Clancy.” Other items were: Song, “Absent,” Miss Sullivan; song, “Poppies for Forgetting,” Miss Fieldes; recitation, “Tho Haunted House,” Captain Allen; Highland fling, Mr Lockhead. At the conclusion of tho concert programme further donations, totalling £lO, were announced from residents of tho district. Included in this amount was 10s, received by the repeated re-sale of a doll. A sum of £1 5s was realised by tho sale of ribbons of the Belgian colors. After tho concert a most enjoyable dance was held, the music for which was supplied gratis by Rogers’ orchestra, and was Highly appreciated. Extras were played by Misses L. Leydon and M. Clark. The net proceeds of the dance were £5. At the conclusion of the concert programme the chairman moved a rote of thanks to the Stratford performers, and the motion was carried with three cheers. Mr Gernhoefer said the Stratford performers deserved every praise for their sacrifice in being present and for the manner in which they had carried out their part of tho programme. They had earned the gratitude not only of the committee, but also of the community. The committee are indebted to Messrs E. Jackson, Newton King, and J. H. Thompson for placing motor cars at the disposal of tho Stratford performers. The committee’s thanks are also duo to Mr G. Pugh, auctioneer, who generously placed his services at the disposal of tho committee. They further wish to acknowledge their appreciation of the generosity and patriotism displayed by the following gentlemen, who forwarded donations

towards the entertainment: Messrs J. B. Hine, M.P., £lO, J. Lucena £lO, W. H. Wore £1 12s 6d. W. J. Crawshaw £2 2s, J. West £l, “Sympathiser” £l. The entertainment; hot-h from a patriotic point of view and from the variety of the programme was one that will live in the memory of Toko people for y°?rn, and it will he pratifyinp; not only to residents of the district,, but also to those who took an active part in making it suoli a pro-

nounced success, to lea* t■ i :■ 1 i:ngross proceeds are at the present time approximately £SU 10s. This sum wi.i he increased when all outs amounts come to hand, and it is to be sincerely hoped that before it is handed over to the Belgian Consul the aggregate sum will be increased to £IOO.