ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 244, 29 July 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

“GOLD DIGGERS OF 1935.” A thoroughly pleased audience left the Majestic Theatre on Saturday night, unanimously declaring “Gold Diggers of 1935” not only the last word in musical spectacles, but so replete with novel innovations, so full of subtle humour and ridiculous situations that even without the gorgeous scenes, the hundreds of dancing girls and the catchy music, this newest First National musical could have been screened as a. farce comedy and furnished an evening of fine entertainment. Several tilings were demonstrated. First, that Busby Berkeley is as great a production director as lie is a creator of dance numbers; second, that Dick Powell is proving with each performance and is now a finished actor as well as singer; third, that the spectacles are really spectacular, and, finally, that the three feature songs are destined to be instantaneous hits. This film will be screened finally to-night. LECTURE-RECITAL. The reputation that the choir of the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, Christchurch, has earned in the musical world was fully maintained on Saturday evening, when, under the direction of Mr V. C. Peters, a lecturerecital in aid of the Ashburton Salvation Army Band instrument fund was given in St. Andrew’s Hall. There was a very good attendance, though the excellence of the entertainment and the worthiness of the object merited an even larger audience. The various items were, briefly introduced by Mr Peters, who mentioned interesting facts concerning the composers and drew attention to peculiarities in the music or the settings.

The programme opened with two choir items, “Rejoice in the Lord Always,” Purcell’s famous “Bell Symphony, dating from the 17th century, and “Jesu Grant Me This, 1 Pray,” a 16th century composition by Gibbons, and arranged by Bairstow. Then followed two Bach chorales. Anothei good item in which the fine balancing of the voices was especially noted was “My Eiyes Have Seen the Glory of the Lord” (Battle hymn of the Republic) and “G God, Be in My Heart,” both by Sir Wafford Davies. Another enjoyable item was “Brother Janies Aii (Jacob), Miss Ada Anderson, in the solo part, adding greatly to its effectiveness. The choir also gave “Cast Thy Burden on the Lord” (Mendelssohn) and “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” Interesting also were two hymn studies, “Deep Harmony and “Rock of Ages.” Vaughan Williams’ anthem, “At the Name of Jesus” was another fine interpretation, followed by a revelation m the art of Psal'm-singing, when “French and “Belmont,” arranged by Sir Hugh Roberton, were presented. The hymn, “Fierce Raged the Tempest” and Alexander’s hymn “In a Garden”: were two bracketed numbers that gave full scope to the choir, whose final item was “The Stiife is O’er” (Dr. Ley). _ The standard attained by the choir was equalled by the soloists whose items alone would have repaid the audience. Miss Joyce Wilkinson (soprano) sang “Rejoice Greatly. t IS R. Voiler gave “Consider and Heai Me,” and Miss Ada Anderson gave “When Rooks Fly Homeward (KowleV). Mr Paris (tenor) sang “Beside, Still Waters” (Hamblyn). The duet, “Love Divine All Other Loves Excelling,” was sung by Misses Joyce Wikinson and Mae Robertson m a manner that earned them an encore, as, indeed, was also demanded of all the vocalists. . J n a word, the excellence of the entertainment fully justified the P«»?® and deserved! the thanks that Captain N. E. Bicknell expressed on behalf of the Salvation Army Band.

SCOTTISH SOCIETY DANCE. There was a good attendance at i the Ashburton County Scottish Society dance on Saturday evening. Daboui s orchestra supplied the music and extras were played by Mrs T. McGill and Messrs G. A Dolphin and.G. Chilton. A Monte Carlo was won by Miss Moylan and Mr Frew Messrs ; J _ Turnbull and T. McGregor were M.C.’s. SILVER BAND’S EUCHRE. The Ashburton Silver Band’s weekly euchre party was well attended again on Saturday evening. The ners were Mrs Harper and Mr Shannon.

EUCHRE PARTY AND DANCE.

The fortnightly euchre tournament conducted by the social committee ol the Ashbuton branch of the New Aealand Labour Party was well attended on Saturday, evening. The prize-winners were "Mrs H. Soal and Mr Hickey. After supper had been served, the floor was cleared, and an enjoyable evening was concluded with a dance, music being supplied by Messrs Chapman.

“BACK-TO-SCHOOLDAYS” DANCE.

Under the auspices of the Ashburton Technical High School Old Pupils Association, a very successful and enjoyable “Back to Schooldays dance was held in the School Hal! on Saturday evening, when there was a record attendance. Many novelties were, introduced, and a feature of the evening was the wheelbarrow derby. 1 l izes | or the best costumes, presented by Mrs R. J. Thompson, were won by Miss W. Eaden and Mr W. Sparrow. A lucky spot nursery rhyme one-step was won by Miss M. Wallace and Mr Sparrow, and a Monte Carlo foxtrot by Miss R. Sparrow and Mr D. White. Gaines were won by Miss B. Ellis, Miss Coates, and Mr Olliver. The Rythin Rascals Band supplied the music, and Mr T. Brown played an extra. Messrs ,T. Connell and E. Stigley were M.C.’s.