FOR CHRISTMAS COMFORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1916, Page 8

FOR CHRISTMAS COMFORTS.

A SPLENDID BEGINNING. I'ATRIOTIC CONCERT. Tlic welfare of the soldiers in the camps and hi the trenches is one that is constantly in the thoughts' of all patriotic people, and those who have dear ones "doing their hit'' for the Empire, and with the approach of Christmas once more it is but natural that one seeks ;o do what he or she can to lessen the discomforts of "the boys" and cheer them during the Christian festival time that is enchained in the heart of every true patriot in the present fight for freedom. Anything that can be done to afford our soldiers a tithe of Christinas cheer should be immediately performed, for the receipt by them of little "Santa Clans" gifts from the "folks at home" will do more than anything else to hearten those heroes who are 'fighting the good fight" and sutler ing for us who are left in comfort a:; , comparative luxury. Last year, Nev Plymouth people did excellently in pi 4 ' viding and forwarding Christinas co:i - forts and much better results are i pected this year, if the entlnisii. «• evinced in the first effort is niainta.: .. as it doubtless will be.

A few days ago, Messrs. J. R. 11l I' and W. Ambury conceived the idc-i> oi ( a patriotic concert for the purpose, ;,af: | in Mr. Norman Day, who undertook tl,t I secretarial work, the) found a worthy I coadjutor in their efforts towards the entertainment that took place in the Good Templar Hall last evening. Yesterday was to be, practically, a "Christmas Comfort Day," in that a football match between the High School and Technical College teams was to have been the afternoon attraction, but the unfortunate lire of Monday morning caused that to be abandoned. Still, the results attained. last night were highly satisfactory. The hall was filled to overflowing, and a substantial sum will form the nucleus of the fund, for which further appeals will be duly made.

Considering the short time at the disposal of the promoters, the programme last night was alike creditable to them and to the performers. The concert was a treat from start to finish, every item having its own individual intrinsic hallmark of merit. In a brief opening address, his Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess) who presided, referred to the object of the entertainment, and said that it was a, pleasure to> see such a large audience. The boys in the trenches were now looking forward to Christinas and to Christina* reminders from their countrymen, and it was our duty not to forget them. A little self-denial on the part of eaeh one of us would bring happiness and good cheer to many a man —not necessarily one of our own particular friends—who would at that time be fighting, in the depth of winter, for the great cause.

The concert opened with Chopin's Polonaise, Op. 40, No. 2, which was played in a masterly manner by Miss Lcatham. Mr. McDonald, who was in fine voice, sung "The Windmill," and at the end of the programme, lie gave "Cobber Jim" in splendid style. Mrs. Phil Nathan, whose histrionic abilities are so highly appreciated here, was heard to much advantage in her items. Tn the first part, she contributed "For the Fallen" (an intensely dramatic sketch), and as an encore "How You Die." In the second half, the lady appeared in lighter vein, rendering "Tom Sawyer Whitewashing a Fence" (Mark Twain), and "The Languid Man." Miss Maud Peart was in delightful voice, and her items "Down in the Forest," and "Wake Up," in the first portion, with "Rose of My H-:art," and "A Night Nursery" later on, were among the choicest of a choice programme. Miss Scott had to respond to an undeniable, encore for her sweet rendition of "Our Territorials," and she responded with a dainty item "Philosophy." Mrs. McDonald sang charmingly, her bracketed songs, "May Day Morn," and "For the Green," evoking a storm of applause. She responded with a quaint and pretty coon lullaby, "Por Lit' Lam'." which was delightfully rendered. A duet, "The Battle Eve," by Mr. and Mrs. McDonald was another capital contribution, the voices blending most harmoniously, and the encore, "Come Sing to Me," was equally pleasing. A much appreciated variation in the programme was a Highland fling, by Miss A. Jenkins, and this was cleverly done. "The Song of the Bow," was magnificently given by Mr. N. D. Day, and in reply to a vociferious encore he sang, with an evident due appreciation of its quaintness, "Little Mary Fawcett." The audience would have welcomed more items from this gentleman. Mr. Goldsworthy again proved his ability as a reciter, and his contributions "Stuttering Jim," and "The Haunted Picture" were received with much approbation. The comic portion of the entertainment was in the hands of Mr. Farmer, and that this clever amateur comedian scored a success goes without saying. His songs had the merit of being really funny without being vulgar, and caused roars of laughter. Upon Miss Leathern fell the bulk of the arduous duties of accompanist, and right well she carried them out. Misses Douglas and Waugh and Mr. fielding lent valuable aid in this important department. The piano was kindly lent by Mr. L. Hoffmann. Before the concert commenced the Citizens' Band, under Bandmaster F. W. McLcod, kindly rendered a number of appropriate selections outside the hall. At the conclusion of the programme, the chairman proposed a vote of thanks to all who had assisted. This was carried by acclamation, and the National Anthem brought the entertainment to a close.