PATRIOTIC WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1916, Page 8

PATRIOTIC WORK.

Dramatic eecital. Tlie flood small for the public that wore dtisirons of enjoying tin; entertainment last night. There were several contributing factors pointing to a successful evenilia. The main feature was that the recital was to raise funds for No. 1 Stationary Hospital, and the attendance amply demonstrated that the public arc keen judges of what constitutes an attractive programme. Standing room was at a premium, many ladies being obliged to stand in the doorway, quite content with that vantage point of hearing a recital that ranks as the best of its kind placed before a New Plymouth audience for many years. The artists assisting were all favorites as entertainers. Some, unfortunately, are only too rarely seen before the footlights. Probably chief interest centred round Mrs. P. Nathan, who has on various occasions demonstrated to delighted audiences "lie* histrionic abilities, and last night this lady from Wellington figured largely on the programme, and in all lier items was heard to great advantage. The magnetism of her personality crossed tliu footlights, and lier listeners hung on to every expression, each gesture or action appearing to be interpreted by those in front, and in the "quiet" passages the pent-up audience were so tense that one could, hear the proverbial pin drop. With the Rev. A. H. Colvile, Nathan scored a great success in "Scenes from Macbeth." Both reciters gave an intellectual and artistic interpretation of Shakespeare's famous play, whilst the minor part of messenger was in a capable manner presented by Mr. T. Simp, son. The musical recitation "Fairy Tale," by Mrs. Nathan (accompanied by Miss Hirst), was much appreciated, whilst her final appearance showed the lady in merry mood, "The Photo," convulsing the audience. A dramatic scene "Queen Catherine's Defence" was also

much appreciated, and further enhanced the lady's popularity and versatility as ail entertainer iMiss M. Peart w»l in fine voice, and her numbers "Golden Bird," "Robert, toi que j'aime," "An Old Garden," and-"The Fairy Pipers" wore all received with demonstrations of approval, the singer being encored for each number. Miss Peart has a fine, well-trained voice, and those whose privilege it was to hear the lady for the first time were delighted, whilst others welcomed the singer as one who is in the first rank of artistes. Miss Leatham had a heavy evening's work, opening each part of the programme with selections, and also assisting as accompanist. Both her numbers were received with unstinted applause, proving that a good pianist is much appreciated, and is

as essential to the success of an entertainment as any other performer. Miss Hirst also assisted as accompanist to some of the performers, and her sympathetic. playing to Mrs. Nathan's "Fairy Tale," greatly enhanced that number. Rev, A. IT, Colvile and Mr. Macdonald were the masculine members of the performers, and ably assisted by their numbers to make the entertainment such a huge success. The Rev, Colvile, besides assisting Mrs. Nathan, recited "The Execution," from the Ingoldsby Legends. The Rev. gentleman is a pastmaster in the elocutionary art, sustaining light and emotional passages with the great est ease. It was a veritable treat, and the regret is that' Mr. Colvile cannot be prevailed on to come before the public more frequently/ Mr. Macdonald is the last to come under review, but he was not lea'st. liis fine voice was heard to great advantage in his numbers "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds," and "King of the Road." Both songs were warmly applauded, and the singer had to respond to vigorous recalls. As a result of the entertainment, the

funds of the Stationary Hospital should receive a substantial lift along. Perhaps those responsible for last night's success may be prevailed upon to repeat the whole or portions of the entertainment again. Certainly those of the | audience present thoroughly enjoyed the whole of the programme presented, and there must be many others who would like to have the opportunity of enjoying the great treat that was given to those who were present last night. The costumes worn by the lady performers were beautiful creations, and must have delighted the feminine portion of the audience. The stage decorations were elaborate and harmonised with the general effects of the scenery and dresses. The Red Post Furnishing Company lent tile decorations, whilst the fine instrument used for accompanying the singers was from Colliers' Music Warehouse. NEW PLYMOUTH COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the New Plymouth Patriotic Committee yesterday, the Mayor (Mr. C. IT. Burgess), was appointed chairman, and Mr. W. J. Chancy deputy-chairman.

I Mesdames Hush Bailv and Morrison acknowledge with tlianks the following donations in aid of their fund for Christmas pf,reels for the boys sit the front: Holland Hall social, £4 !ls; Mr. and ilrs Rutherford. £1 Is. L. Comiett, £1; Mrs. R. ('. U|| S 1)0S. Ills: Sole Bros., shin of beef; Mrs. Cruicksh.uik, Christmas cake; Mr. Sampson, senr., lemons and kumaras; Mr. Sampson, jnr., pair fowls and sucking pig; Mrs. liundle, roosters and ]irodu( Mrs. ('. IT. Burgess acknowledges with tlianks a gift of 1(1 pairs of knitted socks fro 11 the girls of .Standards 5 and <!, -t Knd School. The sucks will be forwarded in the Christmas parcels that are shortly to be despatched. A few days ago his Worship the Ma vor received a letter from Quarter-master-Sergeant Briasco, of B Company, 17th Reinforcements, suggesting that an appeal lie made for reading matter, games, etc., and "if not asking too much a gramophone and records to help break the monotony of the sea voyage." The Mayoress has already forwarded a considerable quantity of reading matter and other comforts foi the men, and she gratefully acknowledges the gift of a gramaphorie from Mr. C. Carter. Mrs. Burgess will !x> glad to receive donations of records, and hopes that a liberal response will be made to her appeal in this connection, so that the men of B Company, who are nearly all from the Taranaki district, will luive a plentiful supply for their entertainment on the voyage, As the time is short an early response is desirable,