STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1921, Page 7

STRATFORD.

BTRAXJ’ORD AGENCY. Advertisements and Items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our Ipral representatives, Wilson Bros., Broadway, Stratford. Ortlera for papers may also be left with them. MUSICAL SOCIETY. November, Nov. 25. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings the Stratford Musical Society provided two excellent concerts, which were striking proof of the great strides which this society has made since its inception. The initial effort of the society was made early in August, when a programme of choruses and selections by the entire society, interspersed with a few individual efforts, was put on. The society relied entirely on local talent on that occasion and the result was a very creditable first attempt, so much so that it was induced to present the same programme at Eltham. The concerts held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings were on an entirely different line and from the point of view of the general public, one hundred per cent, better than the previous efforts. A variety of items were offered, and the society showed discretion in drawing on outside talent. Miss Teresa McEnroe, whose singing in Wellington has been a delight at many concerts, was engaged to sing for both nights, and the Hawera Male Quartette also contributed to the second evening’s programme. The “piece de resistance” of both evenings was a gypsy scena in costume, in which the dressing and stage setting were a great credit jto all who were concerned in It. The act was founded on a legend in which King Alarik sent his disobedient subjects out to wander restlessly round the World, claimed by no country and regarded with distrust and scorn by other people, until the end of time. Only when the sun sank should be free to resume their old carefree life and rest. The curtain rose on a band of gypsies who had camped for the night in the woods. In the background could be seen the caravan, and the women folk were gathered round the campfire preparing the evening meal,, whilst the others sought diversion by gambling, telling stories and fortunes. Then the camp broke into song and the chorus “Gypsy Life” was given with a fine swing. A solo', “Miri Dye,” was capably rendered by Mr. G. T. Rogers and it was followed by a very graceful solo dance by Miss Rita Grubb, who earned a well-deserved encore. Mrs. S. Robinson and Miss Hanscombe were next heard to advantage in a duet, “My Caravan has Rested,” and the act concluded with a concerted number, “The Gypsy Chorus,” from “The Bohemian Girl,” a good finale to a most enjoyable act.

Miss Teresa McEnroe was an unqualified success in every way. She posseses a soprano voice of undoubted merit and the bell-like clarity of her tone marked her as a singer of the first class. She sang several songs on both evenings, and last night was made -the recipient of a fine bouquet. On the second evening the Hawera Male Quartette (Messrs. E. W. Cate, G. Harvey, T. Harvey and L. Grace) contributed a number of enjoyable quartettes and some equally enjoyable individual items. The orchestra of - six instruments under the able leadership of Mr. V. Lester contributed largely to the success of the evening. After the performance those who took part in the concert were entertained to supper by Mr. and Mrs. A. Moon. On behalf of those who partook of their hospitality, Mr. J. McAlieter tendered thanks. Mr. Grace, on behalf of the visitors, expressed appreciation of the very good work which had been done by the society at both concerts and congratulated* them on their success., He only hoped they could get up an opera as had been done years ago in Stratford. If they could do so, and went to Hawera, Hawera would fill their house for them. Mr. T. Harvey, of Hawera, endorsed Mr. Grace’s remarks.

Mr. Lester thanked the visitors for the excellent manner in which they had helped the society through. (Applause.) He also expressed -appreciation of Miss McEnroe’s singing, (prolonged applause) and hoped she would be able to return. He would like to make special mention of Mr. Schister and Mrs. Mcßeth, who had helped considerably in the production of the gypsy and swing song scenes. Mr. Vicary had also rendered excellent service, not only in the orchestra, but in helping with the electric light effects, and he also made reference to the excellent work of their secretary, Mr. W. A. Betts. To the members of the society he would say they had made a success that night in that they had won over the well-known bass singer, Mr. P. Coe, who was joining next season. He referred to the excellent work of Miss E. Moon, who had spent many hours outside of actual rehearsals in working for the success of the concerts and without whom they should have been lost. Last night’s concert .concluded the activities of the society until next year. PAPAL DELEGATE’S VISIT. On his trip from Hawera to New Plymouth yesterday His Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo stopped for a short time at Stratford, and was tendered an address of welcome at the schoolroom, which was packed with parishioners. The Parish Priest, Father Maples, delivered an address of welcome, to which his Excellency briefly responded and then gave the Papal blessing. At the Convent he was welcomed by the sisters in the chapel with the singing of “Benedictus Qui Venit In Nomini Domini.” GENERAL. On Tuesday, November 29, the Ladies’ Guild of the Stratford Holy Trinity Church will hold a sale of work in. the Parish Hall, opening at 12 noon. Fancy, produce, sweets and plain stalls will be in evidence and the support of the public is solicited. During Show Week you should not miss the opportunity of getting some of those splendid shilling writing pads from Wilson Bros., Stationers, Stratford The cabinets of notepaper and envelopes at 1/6 and 1/9 will probably interest you too. Ask to see them. Don’t forget the address —opposite P.A.C. Auction Mart.