REAL SCOTCH NIGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 December 1938, Page 8

REAL SCOTCH NIGHT

SAINT ANDREW SOCIETY’S CONCERT. EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT AT OPERA HOUSE. Since it came into existence in Masterton the Saint Andrew Society has earned an enviable reputation for the manner in which it has arranged functions associated with its activities. The organisation and the management of its various undertakings have been on as complete a scale as was humanly possible. Consequently success has been achieved on each occasion. The concert last night in the Opera House —thq first annual Saint Andrew’s night function —was another triumph for the society, as it provided a programme of high class items that found immediate favour with an audience. which filled the building. There was not a dull moment during the evening, and the talent contributing to the pleasure of those present was collectively as good as even the most critical could wish. The audience greatly appreciated the enterprise of the society in obtaining two ex-resid-ents of Masterton in Misses Betty and Vivienne Blamires to add to the general enjoyment of the programme.. Fresh from their extended studies abroad these two young ladies—daughters of a former Methodist minister at Masterton —demonstrated their skill on the instruments which they played. Seldom in such young musicians is so complete a knowledge of the correct interpretation of music to be found, and skill to reproduce it on the violin and piano. The sweet tones drawn from the violin by Miss Vivienne Blamires were a revelation to the audience, while Miss Betty Blamires’s touch on the piano was little short of marvellous. Both were repeatedly encored and were the recipients of floral tributes. Miss Betty Blamires played the piano accompaniments for her sister. In themselves these two artists were a first class entertainment. But it was not a “two person show” by any means. There were numbers contributed by Mrs Robert Miller, Mrs G. Milne, Misses Edith Ralph and D. Jamieson, and Messrs L. Donald, J. R. Hall and W, C. Mann, which provided a programme equal to anything to be found in a local production, and there was in addition a particularly well acted play entitled “Drumgarth,” produced by Mrs Robert Miller, and a foursome and an eightsome reel. Mrs Miller is to becongratulated on the excellence of her work as producer of the play, and 'hose who took part on the able manner in which they enacted their respective roles. A great favourite with the audience who encored her several times, Miss E Ralph was in excellent voice, and sang sweetly several simple Scotch songs such as “My Ain Folk” and “Annie Laurie.” The packed house gave her a great reception, the applause at the conclusion cf her songs being deafening. She was presented with beautiful bouquets by admirers. Encores were the order of the evening and they were most deservedly earned.

Mi- H. Mackenzie Douglas, in a brief speech,. referred to the society’s appreciation of the assistance received from Misses Betty and Vivienne Blanires, and thanked the audience for he splendid support given to the society that night by their presence. Enjoyment was lidded to the musical portion of the programme by the artistic manner in. which Mrs H. M Morton play-, d the accompaniments. For the reels the music was supplied by the bagpipes by Mr T. Pickett who ilso played the chief Mr H.‘ Mackenzie Douglas, up the hall to the stage. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought a most enjoyable concert to ?< close.

■ The programme was as follows: — 3agpipe item by Mr J. T. Pickett; iuartette, Mrs G. Milne, Miss D. Janieson, Messrs L. Donald and J. R. Mall; violin solos, Miss Vivienne Blamires; . baritone, solo, Mr Wm. C. Mann; foursome reel, Mrs R. Hall, Miss E. Edwards, Messrs M. Walker and A. Cruickshank; soprano solos, Miss Edith Ralph; humorous items, Mr Laurie Donald; piano solo, Miss Betty Blamires: recitation, Mrs Rob:rt Miller; eightsome reel, Mrs R. Hall, Misses E. Edwards, M. Cruickjhank, L. Malmo and D. Walker, Messrs H. MacKenzie Douglas, A. Cruickihank, M. C. Walker and Wm. Douglas; play, "Drumgarth” (by Philip Blair). Cast: Jean Drummond, Mrs Robert Miller; Aillie Malloch, Miss Madge Kano; David Drummond, Mr Wm. C. Mann; Alastair Drummond, Mr Victor VlcKengue; Capt. John Finlayson, Mr Graeme Dickel; Sergt. Saunders, Mr Finlay Milner, First -Soldier,, Mr Greer; Second Soldier, Mr Hewitt.