PRISONERS ENTERTAIN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 75, 10 January 1936, Page 3

PRISONERS ENTERTAIN

CONCERT GIVEN IN GAOL. VISITING COMPANY’S ARTISTS. For more than two hours one morning last week nearly 300 prisoners at Mount Eden Gaol laughed aiid sang at a splendid entertainment given by members of the J. C. Williamson’s “White Horse Inn” company and local artists. In a grey stone building used as a church, with the sun streaming through high windows, the men sat facing a platform which was the stage. At one corner was the piano. The performers saw a sea of faces of every type—old faces, young laces, faces with the light of hope still burning brightly, faces that were wan. .But when Don Nicol and the other comedians held the stage they were all happy, laughing faces.

It would he difficult to find a more appreciative audience than that prison gathering; thunderous applause greeted every item and at the conclusion of the programme audience and artists joined in community singing. The entertainment was organised by Mr S. Falls, official Presbyterian visitor to the prison, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Social Service Association. It comprised humorous items, singing and dancing.