RED GROSS "OUR DAY"

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1918, Page 5

RED GROSS "OUR DAY"

THE KEjIG'S MESSAGE AND GIFT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington.. Last Night. The King has sent tlia following mos- 1 sage through the Governdr-General: "On the occasion of Our Day, 191S s I have much pleasure in congratulating the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John on the magnificent work which they, in conjunction, have achieved during morei than four years of warfare, and in expressing my confident hope that their efforts may continue to receive from my people the financial support which they require. By personal observation in the United Kingdom and on the Western front, I am convinced that the appeal of the joint committee for funds is more than justified by the manner in which they are carrying on their widespread and responsible labors, in co-operation with the medical services of the Forces in Slanders, Francej Italy, Malta, also in 'Mesopotamia, East Africa, Russia, Roumnnia, and Siberia..

"The joint, societies have relieved sufferings, healed the siei, and saved valuable lives fo." the Empire i.i war and peace. They have also been able. to jivo w;leomo assiijtaßeo to our Allies, and in making provision for the slek and Wounded have not forgotten the prisoners of war, whose privations they have done much to alleviate.

"It must be rememberid that peace, even when declared, will not ibrng a cessation of work of the l.ospital" and, indeed, the demand on the resources of the Red Cross must inevitably continue for some time after hostilities have ended.

"Tmpressed as I am by the vast obligations which must still fall on the joint societies, I have' much pleasure in ■contributing the sum of ■"jfilO^OO." LAST NIGHT'S CONCERT. The concert given at the Good Templar Hall last night in aid of the lied Cross "Our Day" appeal, was a success in every respect, and was a credit to those who arranged it, as well as to those who carried it through. There was a large audience, the hall being full, and all the items met with a good reception, encores being demanded in every case. The concert is expected to yield about £35.

Tho programme was opened by J Lisa Leatham, who played, a Chopin Polonnaise (opus 40, No. 2). She also played in tho first half tlie "Kigoletto" number by Verdi-Liszt. Her choice for tlie se-'l cond half was a Chopin Nocturne (opus 32, No. 2), For encores she played j two Chopin studies, and a fantasia by Schumann. All Miss Lea Ham's work was characterised by a grace and finish •which makes, her playing so much ap-: preciated.

Of the vocalists the honors were divided between Madam Violet Murphy and Mrs. Birch-Johnston, both being accorded double eucores. Madam who has not been heard in New Plymouth before, has a cultured soprano voico of pleasing quality, which she uses with good judgment and excellent effect. Her first numiber was "Where My Caravan Has Rested" (Lohr), and for cncorc3 she sang "Pipes o' Pan" and "Believe Me, If Ever." Later she sang "Blackbird's Song" (Scott), and "Bonnie Mary of Ai'gyle," and, though further recalled, she declined the compliment, contenting herself by bowing her acknowledgments. Mrs. Birch-Johnston delighted tlie audience with her humorous items, and she was accorded vigorous applause. Her first song was, "When Maud Put On Her New' Bathing Costume," and for her encores she sang Good-bye-eo' and "Lonely." Later in the evening she appeared,in character to sing "Now 1 Have to Call Him Father," "Liza Brown" (by request) and Anyone Could See Sho Was a. Lady." _ Tll ° other vocalists were Sergeant- | Major Gill, who sang Tosti's "Vorrei," and, in response to an insistent recall, gave "Will o' the Wisp" (Cherry); andMr. K. L. Cooper, whose programme mini-' hers were Schumann's "Two Grenadiers'" and Handel's "Droop Not, Young Lover'' and, for encores, Hatton's "To Anthoa,"' and an old Welsh melody, "All Through tho Night." In addition to all her other work, Miss Leatham also sustained the role of accompanist with great success,.carrying out a heavy evening's work with the utmost satisfaction. Tlie stage was tastefully arranged, and the piano was kindly lent by Collier and Co.