RED CROSS CONCERT.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1918, Page 4

RED CROSS CONCERT.

There was a large audience at the Good Templar Hall, last night at the concert given in aid of funds for the New Plymouth branch of the Red Cross Society. The programme was well selected and of a high order, and met with instant appreciation, most of the items being heartily encored. The heaviest part of the evening fell upon Miss Leathain, whose pianoforte solos wero given with 'brilliant effect. She opened with Raff's "Cachoucha Caprice," and in the first part of the programme also played 'Schubert's "Impromptu )p. 90, No. 3," the latter being an excellent performance. For encores,. Miss Leatham played "The Angelus" and Dvorak's "Humoresque." I„ jtlie second part she played Chopin's B flat minor Scherzo and Schumann's "Movement," and for an encore Schubert's "Moments Musicals." Mrs. Birch-Johnston, an old favorite with New Plymouth audiences, delighted everybody with her comic items. Her first number was "Oh, Johnny," which fairly brought down the house, and a double encore was demanded. Mrs. Birch-Johnston responded with "The Honorable Percy" i and "Then Dirty Fingers." Her other items were' "Liza Brown" and "When you Wait," and for encores she gave "Whistle It," "Sister Susie Sewing Shrits for Soldiers" and "Catch Me-" Miss K. Leatham contributed a humorous recitation entitled "He Tried to Tell His Wife,", and was heartily applauded. The vocalists were Sergeant-Major Gill and Mr. R. L. Cooper. The former s ang "Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold," and for an encore "Yorkshire." Tn the second part he gave "Nirvana," and had to respond to a double encore, singing "The Gladiator" and "The Old Brigade." Mr. Cooper sang Handel's "Honor and Arms" and "Blow, Blow. Thou W'inter Wind" (Sergeant), and for an encore "Rolling Down to Rio." The programme concluded with the singing of "the National Anthem. The accompaniments were played by Miss Leatham and Mrs. Cooper.

The concert was organised by Miss Leathani and it is expected to yield from £3O to £35 for the Red Cross funds.