QUEEN CARNIVAL LAUNCHED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 51, 18 August 1939, Page 7

QUEEN CARNIVAL LAUNCHED

OPENING CONCERT-PROGRAMME '• ' -I INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES , * t „ "• 5 — i'vv./ The opening concert arranged by the Sports Queen CarniA'al Committee Avhich took place in the Grand Theatre last Monday eA r ening reached the highest expectations. The theatre Avas comfortably filled and the items all of Avhicli AA'ere supplied by local artists Avas a genuine treat from every aspect. A well balanced programme in which orchestral, vocal solos, sleight of hand turns, Avere blended Avith character ai:d humorous items was presented to a spontaneous and appreciate audience. The highlight of the eA T ening Avas the presentation of the A ? arious Queens by His Worship the Mayor. Mr B. S. Barry, AA'ho in congratulating the young ladies on their election stated briefly that the objectiA'es in A'ieAv AA'ere to raise sufficient money to equip the Domain Avith dressing sheds, basketball and tennis courts, and if possible a spectators stand. This he hoped would, be accomplished and he concluded by Avishing the carnival all success. (Applause). The programme opened with an exhibition tap dance by Misses Walton and Merry, a clever item which Avon the applause it deserved. There followed a realistic scene from Charles Dickens' immortal Martin Chuzzlewit in Avhich Sairey Gamp (Mrs E. Armstrong) meets talks, and finally quarrels with her friend and gossip Betsy Prigg (Mrs F. J. Appleby). The sketch was a very clever portrayal which caught and held the true Dickensian atmosphere. Both artists are to be warmly congratulated on their Avork. The by-play was particularly good. Well rendered vocal solos by Mrs K. Armstrong, and violin solos bv Mr Horton SteAA'art, followed in a novelty number 'Street Musicians.' Mrs Armstrong Avas heard to excellent effect in the 'Echo' song fiom Snow White, Avhile Mr Stewart will be remembered for skilfulplaying and fine interpretation. Sleight of Hand and eonjuiipg were supplied by Mr 11. Litchwark, Avho aroused the curiosity of his audience in twenty minutes of illusion Avork, in Avhich ( the swallowing of needles, production of billiard balls in unlimited numbers and the A T an,ishin,g of playing cards Avere fea. tures. Mr Litchwark had an unlimited number of tricks and held the attention of his audience we 11...' Mr C. B. Kerr entertained as the wandering mouthorgan player and proved a popular turn. A humourous sketch that brought the house down Avas entitled 'EI Capitaine,' those taking part being Messrs H. Bruce, G. Jackson, D. Dean, H. SteAvart and Miss D. Rear_| don. How a couple of dilapidated Mexican soldiers, AA'ere able to represent a complete battalion of Infantry, how the gallant Capitaine took a passionate farewell from his 'Ros_ ita' and finally met his doom at the hand of the firing squad he commanded, AA'ere all depicted in a man. ner that had the audience in fit.-. Messrs Bruce and company arc to be Avarmly complimented. During an interval the members of the Orchestral Society, proA'iJed the selections 'The Herd Girl's Dream,' 'Tea Garden' 'SAveet Recollections' and the opening march 'War Correspondent.'»

The Canadian Dance Band were next heard in two popular selections assisted by a brief burlesque "The . Trick'' by,, Messrs Bruce and Jackson,. This was , followed; by another, ,skit i 'The Fortune Teller' featuring Madame Zana (Mrs Marsh) and later as it transpired Mr G. Jackspn. The turn, fetched a good laugh from the audience. A vocal solo by Mr Harry Armstrong 'Harlequins' was warmly applauded and an encore number demanded. The second appearance of the Canadian dance band featured the light soprano Miss M. Thatcher in a number of well known and popu lar melodies which found warm appeal. The audience demanded a double return and accorded those taking part a splendid hearing. Mr Bruce and Miss Reardon appeared again in a brief turn in conjunction with the orchestral item. A lively Irish Jig by Miss Walton was warmly appreciated as was the return number of Mr Kerr on, his mouthorgan. The Tableau presentation of the queens, concluded the the curtain rising on. a group, of some forty players of the various sports interested in the promotion of the carnival. These included Footballers, (Continued foot previous column) 8 • il