PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 June 1918, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT.

o In spite of the unfavourable weather there was a splendid attendance at the concert last night in aid of the % Manse fund, and everything passed o£C most successfully. The programme opened with a march by the orchestra. Master G. McCornbie danced a Highland Fling in his usual finished manner, and had to respond to an encore. Mr. J. Allen, a vocalist new to Taihape audiences, contributed several solos, his singing of “My Ain Folk” ana “Jack’s at Home” being a treat to listen to. Possessed of a very pleasing voice, rich and full in the middle and lower registers, Miss Oldham’s numbers were delightful. In “My Dear Soul” her voice was heard to great advantage, and in ' My Task” and the quaintly pretty “Hullo, Tu Tu,” she was very effective, imparting to each of her solos the correct cloour and atmosphere. Mr. Haybittle, a veteran on the concert platform, was in splendid form, his reciting of “Ostler Joe” and “The Organist” being given with dramatic force reminiscent of his palmy days. Miss Planche Powell vocalised “The Broken Doll.” In Miss Olive Wallace we have a most promising elocutionist, her interpretation of “An Old Sweetheart’’ being characterised by reserve and power. In “Eosi,c’’ a piece requiring totally different treatment, she was very happy. But perhaps the Item which appealed most to those present, possibly on account of its bearing on the present war, was “Spotty,” the tale, with its mingled humour and pathos being unfolded with much ability. Mr. T. Smith was very happy in his singing of “I Coom up from Somerset” and “Trooper Johnny Ludlow.” Miss Bennett sang "In an old-fashioned Town” with taste and expression, and her other solos were p’easingly rendered. That good old ballad "Tom O’ Devon” received full justice at the hands of Mr. G. Parker ,and his encore number was much appreciated. Mr. De Lat- j our’s appearance on the stage promis-1

ed something funny, and after amusing the audience with “A Coon Ditty" he had to return and explain that there was “Something in the Seaside Air.” Not being quite satisfied with his explanation, he had to reappear and advise his listeners of the penalty “If you can’t get a girl in the summertime.” 0 Miss Brodrick vocalised “Oh, was it Love?” and “Twilight and Evening” very sweetly, and her singing was expressive and tasteful. Mr. Sam Powell contributed a Scotch song in his usual finished manner, and he had to return and sing another song. Encores were the order of the evening, and were gracefully conceded by the performers. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr. Munro apologised for the absence of Rev. McDonald. On behalf of the Guild he thanked the performers for their assistance and the audience for their patronage. He voice*? hearty thanks to Mrs. Powell for organising the concert and carrying it through to a successful issue. The singing of the National Anthem brought the concert tg a close.