Soldiers’ Day

Taihape Daily Times, 19 July 1918, Page 4

Soldiers’ Day

Owing to the uncertain weather the fete organised by the Commercial Travellers’ Association in aid of the local Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the streets and Town Hall, yesterday afternoon. According to promise the C. T. ’s managed to bring Desert Gold and Biplane to the barrier, apparently using more diplomacy than the Manawatu Racing- Club. Great interest was taken in the contest by the crowds who rolled up to see this great pair and many were the expressions of approval voiced while the horses were parading the bird-cage. When the bell sounded for the tote opening there was a great rush to punters to back their fancy, and the tote officials were kept busy for quite a while; in fact, the race had to be kept back for a period to take all the money offering. Biplane gave a good bit of trouble at the start, but after a bit of manoeuvring the starter got both horses away together. Biplane quickly assumed the lead, but was challenged by Desert Gold, who took the lead, which she maintained to the end, winning by two lengths. After the race a protest was entered, but the local officals could not agree; consequently the matter is to be placed before the Wellington Association for their decision, and until this is known the tote will be unable to pay out. The Koon Kan Race brought out a likely looking lot of colts, the race being run in two heats. In the final Master Strowan looked a likely winner in the birdcage, but unfortunately his rider was seized with a sudden illness, and fell from the saddle. As there was no other jockey available he had to be scratched at the last moment. Hatrack and Allbones ran into first places in their respective heats, and had to fight out the final, but both ran off the course and were disqualified for life. In consequence of this the officials very considerately kept all the coin as there were no winners to pay out on. THE CONCERT. In the evening, despite the abominable weather,, there was a large audience at the Town Hall, when the concert organised by the "C.T. ’s” was given. The -orchestra, under Mr. Edlin, played the “Brave Warriors’' March as an introduction, after which Mr.. A. R. Bradshaw vocalised very nicely the song. “Cheer up, Do!” Mr. T. Smith, who has become a very popular singer with Taihape audiences, sang very acceptably “There’s a Big lot of Sunshine,” responding to an encore with “Dublin Bay,” Mr. Wally Young, dressed to the hour, earnestly exhorted those present what to do In “These Hard Times,” and in response to an imperative recall, told the audience the penalty he had to pay when he “Parted his hair in the middle.” “Nicoma” then gave a' very clever exhibition of ventriloquism, the dialogue between him and his pal being very amusing, and the local allusions were received with great merriment. Mr. P. S. Carroll recited “Gunga Dhin” and “Jim Bludso” 'in first-class style. A whistling solo, “That Haunting Melody,” by Mr. T. Smith, fairly brought down the house. Mr, Smith was recalled, gracefully bowing his acknowledgements. The second part of the programme was opened by a very pleasing orchestra number, the “Indiana” redowa. This tuneful and melodious contribution was rendered exceptionally well. Mr. Young sang “Qi. Oi. Vat a Game,” his get-up and humorous vocalisation being inimitable. His encore number, “I Put on my Coat,” was equally well received. “Nicoma” gave a further exhibition of.his ventriloquial powers. The entertainment concluded with some excellent conjuring and sleight-of-hand business by Mr. Ray Raymond, but his greatest triumph was in the cabin trunk scene, in which he is locked in a box, and securely fastened with 45 feet of rope. After an interval of five minutes the curtain is withdrawn, disclosing Mr, Raymond outside the box, smilingly acknowledging the plaudits of the audience. Just before the conclusion Mr. Dunbar, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, thanked the Commercial Travellers’ Association for the very substantial help rendered to the Association, specifically mentioning Messrs De Beer, Raymond and others, who had so generously gone out of their way to help. The accompaniments were played by Mr. Renwick in a very finished and sympathetic manner, adding very considerably to the success of the soloIsts. The singing of the National Anthem brought the concert to a termination. After the concert a dance was held In the Three Stars Theatre, The music being provided by Bdlin’s orchestra for the first few dances, and Mr. Renwick for the remainder of the evening. Mr. J. Ormond played two extras. There were'About 50 couples present, and dancing was kept up till an early hour this morning.