PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Taihape Daily Times, 25 October 1917, Page 4

PATRIOTIC CONCERT

NURSES’ MEMORIAL FUND. In spite of the many calls on the generosity and patriotism of the people of Taihape and district lately, there was a bumper house at the concert held in the Town Hall last night in aid of the Nurses’ Memorial Fund. It was a fitting coincidence that yesterday was the anniversary of the loss of the s.s. Marquette, which was sunk in the Mediterranean, and by which several nurses lost their lives. Tin concert was from every point of view a complete success, the items on the programme being varied in such a manner as to please every ’ taste. The first part consisted almost" wholly of concert item's, the initial number being Moszkowski’s “Valse in A flat,” which was very daintily played by JMiss Aborn, A.E.C.M.. Mrs. Loughnan sang “An Old Romance” very tastefully, her phrasing being particularly good. She had to comply with a dc* mand for another number. The name of Mr John Prouse is familiar to most music lovers in the Dominion, and he met with a very hearty reception fast night. It was at once evident that he has lost none of his power to charm and delight his audience. His soios were chosen with judgment, and were in keeping with the spirit of the times. He very dramatically declaimed the story of the “Two Grenadiers” (Schumann), and his encore number “The Death of Nelson” was sung in a maner reminiscent of the vocalist in his prime. Little Miss Blanche Powell rendered in a charming manner “Who Knows ? ” and was recalled. As dainty and effective a scene as one could desire was the Japanese costume song “Won’t You Come,” by Misses Phyllis Oldham and Wrightson, the singing being bright and the acting clever. “The Rosary,” sung by Mrs Wilson, was an undoubted gem_ This lady possesses a particularly sweet soprano voice, adapted admirably to the song selected. The nuances were very nicely brought out. An insistent encore was complied with, “Queen of Connemara,” by Mr Prouse was exJ - cellently sung and was responsible for his being recalled. “The Deathless Army” was given with martial'vigour with just that note of pathos demanded. Again recalled, Mr' ProuSe sang “The Minstrel Boy” with feeling and power. Miss Smylie sang with taste and, expression “If My Dream Ship Comes Home,” but her encore number “The Sunshine of Your £mile” was even better. She received a floral tribute at the conclusion of her solos. The dance, ‘ 1 The Butterfly, ” given by Miss Kathleen Blomfield, was a very pretty one, the coloured lights enhancing the effect of the scene A bouquet of flowers was presented to the dancer. The second part of the programme opened with a Pierrot chorus, the performers being Misses Brodrick, Beaton, Oldham, and Messrs Wahm, Parker, Powell and de Latour. The chorus consisted of some of the most catchy musichall airs of the moment, including “A Wee Deoch and Boris,” “P.G. 49,” “What a Game it is,” “You’re My Baby,” etc. ? the finish being,P ‘Hello, Who’s Your Lady Friend?” This musical interlude was merry and bright throughout, every Pierrot having something to do. Miss Brodrick w r as quite successful in her solo “Butterflies and Lilacs,” and was encored, after the conclusion of which she was presented with a tribute. “Thora,” by Mr Parker, was the most pleasing item w r e have heard this vocalist render in public. It was tenderly and tunefully given “Trooper Johnny Ludlow,” as am was also well received. The “pieoe-de-resistance” of the evening, from a humorous point, of view, was “Prunes and Prisms,” featuring (literally as well as figuratively) Mr de Latour, who kept the audience in roars of laughter as he vocally and verbally gave the audience a few tips how to cultivate a pretty mouth. His acting, singing, and by-play with the other Pierrots was extremely ludicrous. He received a tribute in the form of several prunes impaled on sticks j which he generously shared with the other members of the company. This little burlesque was an entertainment in'Tfself. “The Trail That Leads to Home” was sung with taste and expression by Miss Wrightson, and as an encore number contributed “My Garden” very sweetly. She had to acknowledge a presentation from the audience. Mrs Beaton vocalised “Under the Deodar” (from “A Country Girl”) very tastefully, and received a floral tribute, Mr Wahm is always assured of a hearty reception from a Taihape audience, with whom he is evidently is a prime favourite His rendition of “The Ship That’s Bound for Blighty” was all that could be desired, the chorus being taken up by the company with spirit, and the curtain rang down to one of the best and most enjoyable entertainments a Taihape audience has had the pleasure of listening to. To the organiser, Mr de

Latour } we extend our congratulations for such a successful evening,. The appreciation extended by the: audience of his efforts to fO}\their amusement must be Very gratifying to him for the infinite trouble he has taken in providing it. We hope to hear from him and his tainted company again. The musical portion of the programme was in the bands, of Mrs G. Plummer, L.A.M., and that it was so successful is a tribute to her ability. The accompaniments, especially difficult in so diversified a programme were played with a sense of humour and the true musicianly spirit V