Te Aroha Gymnastic Club’s Concert and Dance.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43322, 7 May 1908, Page 2

Te Aroha Gymnastic Club’s Concert and Dance.

At last Te Aroha is beginning to awake to the fact that it owes a duty to the younger members of our population, and the support given to the members of the Gymnastic Club at their concert and dance on Monday evening last must have been very gratifying to the promoters, and will place the club financially in a very sound position. The star turn was undoubtedly the Gymnastic display by Mr D. Curtain, (a new member of the Club) whose weight lifting feats were much admired, and when the physical development of this young man was illustrated budding Sandows could be seen surreptiously feeling to see how their own muscles itere progressing. Two good items, were the instrumental selections by Mclnman’s Orchestra, which has lately been strengthened by several new players, and is now capable of rendering classical music with credit to itself, and also to its hard working leader. Comic singing is always popular, and when refined comic songs are tunefully rendered, the artist is always sure of a good reception. Mr Bullock’s items, which were each unmistakably enchored, came under ithat heading and the only trouble was the audience could not be satisfied.

The instrumental items generally, were very good. We should like to hear Messrs Wilkes and Sherlock (violins) on another occasion, as these young musicians show great promise. The recitations by Messrs Seccombe and Binstead being of such a varied nature, showed what scope there is in the field of eloctution.

Mias 0. Patterson gave a good rendering of “ Egypt ” but we have heard this young lady to better advantage in something higher classed. Mr C. Jennings, who on his first appearance was suffering from nervousness, should when that difficulty has been overcome have a successful career.

Rev. Blair rendered the “Deathless Army” in his usual finished style. During the evening, Rev. Blair on behalf of the Gymnastic Club announced, that as the support given to the club had been so encouraging, they intended to launch out, and have a social branch. Full particulars of what form this would take would he given at the special general meeting to be called by the secretary. The President, His Worship the Mayor (R. L. Somers, Esq.,) whose presiding gave one the impression that he really enjoyed the job; returned thanks to all performers, on behalf of the Club, also to the public for the way they had appreciated the club’s efforts to entertain them. After a short interva dancing commenced, splendid music being supplied by the To Aroha Trio. The floor was in real good order and dancing was indulged in with spirit untill 2 o’clock. Mr J. Brenan made an efficient M.C. Extras were played by Misses Bossoms (3), Bygrave (1), and Mr Butler.

Mr Curtin has expressed his willingness to act as a sort of extra emergency instructor to the gymnasium, and his presence as a member should give the boys a new interest in their work.

We almost forgot to mention the heavy weight lifting of Mr Nebucaneezer Touts. This young man’s juggling with 400 lbs weights, was very impressive until he accidentally slipped and fell over one and flattened it right out.