WEATHER IMPROVED IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6591, 21 January 1916, Page 5

WEATHER IMPROVED IN MESOPOTAMIA.

British Forces Seven Miles from

Kut.

Rec Jan 21, 12.35 p.m. London, Jan 20

Mr Chamberlain. Secretary of State for India, announced in the House of Commons that the weather in Mesopotamia had moderated and General Aylmer was continuing his advance. The latest news was that he was seven miles from Kut.

MOONLIGHT CONCERT AT THE MOUNT.

On Wednesday evening, at the invita* tion of the Sensiders, practically the whole population of the Mount assembled in the plantation for a moonlight concert. The selection of the night was most fortunate—not a zephyr disturbing the towering pines. The piano, kindly lent by Mrs Armstrong, was located in a ?emi-circl-3 of trees, which lent themselves to an ingenious lightins: scheme, concentrating on a perfect natural platform. Miss Delenine operel with a pianoforte select Toi and later accompanied several songs. Miss Wylie,-a most versatile artist, promptly won the hearts of her audience with a Msori leve scng, the few natives present being particularly delighted. Miss Crawshaw and Mr McCormick, in & sketch, "Be and She," were intensely funny. Miss Crawshaw showing marked talent, while Mr McCormick, who had a negligible role until the reconciliation, then played | with fine abandon. It was a star item. A s"eries of part songs by the seasidera was much appreciated,- "Sweet and Low," which seemed peculiarly adapted to the occasion, being first favourite. A humprous recitation, in dialect, by Miss Wylie, created much mirth. The crew of the brigantine Lindstol, following Mr Polgrace's tenor lead, and brilliantly accompanied in their lightning changes by Miss Wylie, rendered a number of rae-time ditties with great vim. Miss Hare was|heartily applauded for a couple of'humorous recitations. Of the local talei.t Captain Logan, ever porjoular. got a graat hearing, and Mr O'DriseoH was in quod form. Mis? Hassal. a school girl, gave a patriotic recitation. Mr Randall, lately attached to the local Public Works staff, established himself with a spirited rendering of "The Bandaliero." He will be a welcome addition to the talent at the Mount. Miss Crawshaw followed with a stinging recruiting recitation and Miss Wylie contributed another charming Maori song, responding to an insistent encore, and concluding the programme with a dainty little lullaby. A pleasing incident was a happy little speech by Mr Thorpe, of the "Lindstol," appreciating the courtesy of the seasiders in inviting tho^e who go down to the sea ! in shins. We congratulate all concerned on a unique and successful entertainment.