NEW ZEALAND DIGGERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9430, 29 January 1921, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND DIGGERS.

The Theatre Royal had not space enough last evening to accommodate the Ashburton pUblic-Xwho ; had come x? en i° v tne farewell k perf ormance of the New Zealand Diggers. The company excelled itself, and delighted the audience with an entertainment grave and gay, with a distinct leaning to the lighter side. Yet no more finished part-singing could be heard than that of the Digger Quartette, while the vocal solos of all four, especially of Mr George Bosher, were of a high standard. Mr Donald Stuart scored a popular success, partly due to legs whose length are mircaulous, but also to a mirthful personality and a g.lft of presenting sleight of hand witn something less than the usual earnestness to mystify. Mr Gus Dawson's singing and dancing were exceptionally pleasing, and combined with winning dimples quite captivated the house. The misleading lady, Mr Stan Lawson, and Mr Tano Fama, with his characterisations, showed artistry and technique finished as ever. No herald was needed to ensure their recognition, and on that followed an enthusiastic reception. Features of last night's entertainment was the very pretty setting of the Maori scene and the farcical absurdity entitled "Murphy Meets the Governor." The whole entertainment was such a triumph as only the Diggers know how to achieve, and to the complete success of the artists, the musical director, Mr Bernard~Cbttier, with an orchestra of 10 instruments, contributed not a little.