A NIGHT AT MIDHIRST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 21, 29 April 1916, Page 8

A NIGHT AT MIDHIRST.

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT AND DANCE. FAREWELL-TO'-rQUfi OF THE LADS'. The patriotic sentiments 1 of the settlers of Midhirst and district were strongly in evidence last evening, the occasion ' being the farewelling of four Midhirst lads who are leaving io go intii camp at Trentham on Mon iuy next to join the Sixteenth Reinforcements. The names of the latest recruits are: Privates V. Shottor, \V. Woisen. J. Mills', and W. J. Seamark; all Midhirst boys, whose people reside in the district, and the enthusiastic send-off tendered them last night amply proved how Midhirst appreciates (the sacrifice the boys are making in this (time of the Empire's need. As was expected, the Town Hall was crowded out. At 8 o'clock there was not even standing room, and many had to content themselves with looking through the windows. The curtain rose on the "Anzac Minstrels," whose quaint costumes quite took the fancy of the audience. The Minstrels led off with "God Save the King,"'on to "Rule Brittan nia," and then dashed away into their patter and comic element. "End" songs by Mesesrs Ward (Tambo), and Bradley (Bones) wore well received, and the audience showed by applause and laughter its appreciation of the jokes and by-play, incidental to the prorganvme, Messrs Weston, Barker and Lister contributed tuneful items, and. the chorus and part singing Were a feature of the circles entertainment. Mr Lee Asking (a whistler of no mean ability) was very successful in his imitations of birds, and was encored for his item. The first part of the programme concluded with some very clever juggling with a cigar box and penny, and a glass and spoon by Tambo and Bones respectively which quite mystified the audience, until "Mistah" Johnston (Mr Fred Foley) took them' into his confidence, and showed "how these'things are done." ' ■■ ■'

fli6second part of the program:no opened, with »i shadowgraph p6rM*ainnce by I 'Mr' Leo Asking 'which'was very' done. and received • with much applause. Miss Savage rpleasetf the, aud'i'eriee with a.ipatriotic song, British fcvei-y ()no,'< and was followed byMi- LiniWll with a "Patriotic Parody/,' Mr Walters, who is tlie possessor of ;i very' ftn& baritone voice, sang "The Mighty l)eep" (encored), and Mr Hansford kept the audience in high merriment with his comio character songs given with plenty of vim and "patter." The Lester Brothers and Miss Lester (violin, clarionet and piano) contributed some musical selections and weffe very successful in "Love's Capital" l and "In . My'Harem." Mi" Bridgehian recited' "The 'Fireman" very feelingly; Mr Tapp'did full jus-. tice to'''''l'd love to live in Loveland'"; Mrs Williams sang "Just some One" acceptably; and Mr Foley followed witli his ventriloquial entertainment. This ev'ergreen item found great favor with the audience and roars of laughter greeted many of the funny sayings and enchanges between "Fred" and his mate. .-

During; an interval in the programme, Mr W. Mountford (chairman of 'the Midhirst Patriotic Committee) invited Messrs Shotter, Woisen, Mills, and Seamark; to step on the stage, and speaking on behalf of the residents wished them God speed and a safe return, and presented each with a silver cigarette case. One of the receipients responded on behalf.: of himself and the others, for thedrindl.v remarks made, and the audience struck up "For they are Jolly Good Fellows" which was sung by all most heartily.

Afc the conclusion of the concert refreshments were handed round, and then the hall was cleared for dancing, which was indulged in with great zest on a much overcrowded floor up till an early hour this morning. The music was supplied by Mr J. Fdmondson who also played the accompaniments throughout the evening. The arrangements in connection with the evening were very well carried out and reflect the greatest credit, on the committee.. Mr W. Mountford, as'chairman, had a specially busy time, but was ably assisted'by Messrs JMail G. Smith, G. Ferguson, C, Carter, C. Keightly, Hughes, and Harkness, while the refreshments and decorating, arrangements were in the hands of Mesdames Keightly, -Shotter, Smith,- Brown; and Plows. The visitors from town were taken out and brought back by resident owners 01. cars and the evening was altogetnei one of the most enjoyable held in Midhirst for a long time. The financial result should mean a considerable amount to be handed to the Patriotic Funds.