WELLINGTON ORPHANS' CLUB

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 71, 22 September 1919, Page 9

WELLINGTON ORPHANS' CLUB

LADIES' NIGHT.

The members of the Wellington Orphans' Club were "at home" to their lady friends on Saturday night, the big Town Hall being the rendezvous for a crowded assemblage. The function was under vice-rej*al patronage, Their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Countess of Liverpool and suite being present. Among others who attended were the Eight Hon. W.. ¥: Massey and Miss Massey, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Mr. J. P. Luke, CM.G., and Mrs. Luke. The hal! had been transformed into a cafetaria scene, with small tables arranged with yellow flowers, and covered with the club's own coloura—blue and whits. ]?rorn the centre cluster of electric lights hung a cylindrical chandelier in gold em.broidered in black, while several smaller clusters, draped similarly, completed the orbit. Another cluster was draped with dainty pink shades, with crossed streamers. Baskets of greenery were suspended from the gallery sides, which were also looped in ,pink and blue. Pacing the stage was the crest of the club in blue on a white background. In front of the vice-regal circle the stage was decorated with pot plants. The effect, as viewed from the gallery, wa-s unique and picturesque. The musical programme, contributed by members of the club, was, as usual, entertaining and humorous.' and re- j vealed much individual talent. An overture, "Slavonic Bbapsody," by the Orphans' Orchestra, under the conductorship of Orphan H. Moschini, was encored. Orphan W. Thompson gave Blumenthal's " Evening Song, which suited his-light tenor voice admirably, and he also was recalled. Orphan Hamilton Hodges delighted the audience with his songs, being particularly successful in Alfred Hill's '''Waiata Maori," with harmonised accompaniment by a hidden party. He was enthusiastically encored. A few remarks by Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., president of' the club, completed the first part of the entertainment. The dainty supper served by Dustin's was most enjoyable. Those occupying the galleries were entertained at supper in the concert chamber. • A revue entitled "Held Up" (conceived by Orphans V. Evans and W. Holder) was the vehicle for the display of much really good talent. The setting for this humorous interlude was the interior of a cafe; a trellised screen formed a fitting background for the d».corations of greenery, palms, and statues. • Realism was added to the bright seed!.© by the presence of an orchestra under Mr. G. Hollo-way, com- J prising Messrs. Norma-n 'Watson, Wynn Watkins, and .Arthur Grix. The members of the l: Gorgonzola" opera .company, whose, presence in the cafe was justified owing to !tha coal shortage restricting the express to Petone, were artists all. and their individual work J was of distinct merit. Topical jokes and quips caused much merriment, and well-known politicians were the objects of much banter and witticism., Even the housing problem was brought under, notice,'the passage of a sandwich-man bearing the unusual legend, "House to let," being followed by a desertion of the stage id record time. Local happenings in the political arena, the civic and social life were burlesqued in clever fashion, and that the jesting was enjoyed was manifested on all aides. To while away the time while waiting for the news of the departure of the tram for Petone the diners entertained the vast assemblage, and incidentally each other, with song and elocutionary items. Orphan Fraser Thomson, as Oscar Aschepan, proprietor of tno company was, of course, the -right-to-vae-minute American, and his dissertation on the reforms he would make vn "Hamlet" to bring it up to date was a gem in real humour. Orphan Joe Zak, as a 'broken-down actor with ■■& paralysed arm, was responsible tor a clever elocutionary effort. "His histaomc ability is decidedly good. The by-play of the arm was a smart piece of work. His burlesque on a dream was accompanied by descriptive contortions on the part of the allegedly injured limb. Orphan Herbert Wood, the popular tenor, sang, in fine voice, " Beneath Thy Window " and Orphan Will Gourlie's rendering of."A Bachelor Gay" met with instant success. Orphans Verdi MKenzie and Sid Allwright sang -well, and Orphans Bert Simms and George Peek, as "the female impersonators, sustained their roles splendidly. The latter's singing of "Love's Own Sweet Kiss," in a high falsetto, was good. Orphan Rupert Meates was in excellent form, .and used his bass voice to distinct advantage in a song about a merry friar. Orphan A. Spencer, -as 'the amorous count, was splendid. The audience was loth to lose Orphan W. W. Crawford, whose remarkable abilities as a 'comedian and •elocutionist were noticeable right through the revue.- His description of the citizens' ball and his stories ot the inebriated husband were cleverly done. The decorations were supplied by the D.I.C. ... The Whole performance was original and entertaining, and those responsible are to be congratulated. ,