"SAN TOY."

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2861, 28 August 1916, Page 7

"SAN TOY."

AN ENTHUSIASTIC FINALE SPEECHES AND CONGRATULATIONS. There was a packed liouso and a scone of great enthusiasm at tho Grand Opera House on Saturday, evening, when the-'final performance, of "San Toy" was given by the Wellington .Amateur Operatic Society. Tho performance was an excellent one, and right through encores were insisted upon, and the principals were loaded with beautiful lloral offerings, lovely ill design and colouring, and enough boxes of delectable confectionery to furnish a store.

' During the interval tho Hon. A. L. Herdman said that, as president of the society, it gavo liim extreme pleasure to be "present at tho excellent, performance that evening. Wellington people, he thought, might well he proud of tho people concerned in tho .performance, as well as in tic others ■'which had been given during tho last threo years. .During the week lie had spoken to many people, amongst them one who had had a very, long experience of comic opera, both in Great Britain and Now Zealand, and ho had assured him that' he had never seen a better amateur performance than "San Toy." He wished to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who had taken part, and particularly wished to congratulate that veteran of the stage— the hero of a hundred theatrical performances—Mr. Tom Pollard, who was mainly responsible for it all. (Applauso and cheers.) 'As-a proof of that gentleman's ability, he mentioned that Mr.' Pollard had never oven seen "San Toy" before, but bad built tho work up himself, and had blended-,princi-pals and chorus by tho exercise of his art—(applause)—showing what hecould do with the admirable'material which had been placed in his hands. There was another gentleman to whom ho had to pay a tribute. That was Mr. Bernard Pago—(cheers and applause) —whoso work as conductor had contributed so' • valuably to the splendid performances given. Mr. Herdman also expressed thanks to Mrs. Jas* Hannah, who liad designed and supervised the making of the dresses, and on behalf of the society he had very much pleasure in presenting her with a floral decoration (of immense size and striking beauty). How she was going to get it home ho did not 'know. (Laughter.) It bore a card, which read: "Presented to Mrs. James Hannah by the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society as a tribnte to her artistic triumph in 'San Toy.'"

Mr. Pollard (who was received with enthusiasm) ■ said that whilst he could fairly take credit for being tho guiding hand in tho performance, the admirable work of the costumier, and the scenic artist (Mr. W. J. Beck) had flayed a big part in the success of the production, Further, ho - had been given the best talent in Wellington to work with, and he could assure those present that both principals and chorus excelled any amateur talent that liad been through his hands, and ho thanked theni one and all for the loyal service they had given. In his" opinion", it was one of the finest amateur performances ever given in the country. •

A MEREY AFTERMATH.'' At th 6 conclusion of tho performance a supper'was held in the society's rooms on Lambton Quay, the Hon. A. L. Herdman presiding. Light refreshments were, served, and a pleasant hour was spent in congratulatory speech and merry song. ' .