Gisborne

New Zealand Tablet, 17 June 1915, Page 45

Gisborne

: ■_, (From our own correspondent.) ~ - t - - "- v _ '-. June 8. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday at St. Mary's Church from the last Mass until evening devotions. Rev. Father Lane preached an impressive sermon on the /- Blessed Eucharist,' and appropriate hymns were sung by the large congregation. At a concert given the other evening in the Opera House for the Patriotic Fund, and termed ' the Irish night,' a sum of over £4OO was netted by the sale of a beautiful Irish flag. Rev. Father Lane, in a fine patriotic speech, raised the enthusiasm of the large audience to a high pitch. The flag was put up for auction several times, and this, considering the cosmopolitan character of the audience, was rather significant! The popular Irish melodies were much appreciated, and 1 all were encored. "

Mt. Roskill (Auckland)

(From a correspondent.) "'».'- June 7. I A very successful entertainment was given in St. Benedict's Hall, East street, on Monday evening, by 'The Merry Jesters,' who justified their name,' as they kept the very large audience highly amused during the' whole of the evening. The first item consisted of a tableau and chorus by the school children, arranged by Mrs. V. O'Connor. It was very appropriate to the times, the characters being as : Britannia (Miss H. Walmsley), Belgium (Miss M. Grace), France (MissML Avey), Russia (Miss K. Ellison), Ireland (Miss 5 JLinda Murphy). The Merry Jesters' gave the open- | ing chorus, 'Show is about to start.' Miss G. Walmsley - followed with a song, Life's lullaby.' The next! item was a specialty ' Ninepence* for "fourpence,' by i 'The Jesters,' the humor of which was much appreciated. Mr. Frank O'Connor followed with a song,.l ' The ghost of the violin.' Miss G. Gardiner was heard; to advantage in ' The pride of the pier,' which earned for her a well-deserved encore. Mr. T. Fogarty followed with a song, 'The sleeping camp.' Miss Linda Murphy scored, a success with the song, ' Uncle Joe.' A humorous hunting trio, 'Tally-ho,' was given by Messrs. Franchi, Boss, and O'Connor. This item was loudly applauded, and deservedly encored. The nextitem was a burlesquo duo, ' Stage Struck,' by Mrs. Vincent O'Connor and Mr. Percy Ross. This was -uirdoubtedly the most popular item of the programme, and . created great amusement, the performers being warmly i applauded. The second part of the programme opened with a sketch, 'Motoring,' the principal character in ? which was taken by Mr. Percy Ross, who displayed considerable ability, whilst Master E. Franchi did very well. A pianoforte trio by the Misses- Walmsiey followed. Miss Linda Murphy and Mr. Frank O'Connor sang a duet, for which they were warmly encored, and their smart act, including an original dance, deserves special mention. Miss G. Gardiner sang. with, feeling 'Motherland,' and Miss G. Walmsley and Mr. Peter; Franchi were deservedly recalled for their v musical' comedies. Mr. T. Fogarty sang ' Bravo, Britain,' and Mr. Percy Ross followed with a humorous songj "thd' programme concluding with an ' Operatic" finale' by ' The Jesters.' During the evening bouquets were pr-e~ sented to Mrs. V. O'Connor and Miss G. Walmsiey. J The costumes, etc., were designed by Mrs. O'Connor and Miss Vera Townes. The accompanists during the-even-ing were Mrs. O'Connor and the Misses' G.'-and H. Walmsley, and the electrical effects were by Mr.': Harold : Ward. The success of the entertainment was due jn no small degree to Mr. Percy Ross (stage manager) an-d; to Mr. Vincent O'Connor (secretary and organiser). ' :