R.S.A. CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 116, 12 November 1935, Page 5

R.S.A. CONCERT

A POPULAR FUNCTION

• T .ohf. Armistice night concert organised by the Returned Soldiers' Association is always a popular musical event, and last night's proved no exception to the rule. Had the weather been more genial doubtless the audience in the lown Hall Concert Chamber would have been larger than it was, but there can be no two opinions about the success of the concert. The R.SA. male voice choir was heard to advantage in a number of items, all of j which were well received by an appreciative house, Mr. F. J. Oakes being I the conductor. "Ring Out, Wild Bells' j and 'fapm, Spin" (Jungst) were perhaps the two best numbers, but the beautiful part-song "Lovely Night" (Chatwin) and "Come, Lord, and Rule" (Thieman) were almost equally well j sung. Very popular numbers were 'The Deathless Army" and "Watchman, What of the Night?", the solo parts in the former being taken by Mr. C. R. Wilks and in the latter by Mr. O. Foote and Mr. Wilks. The Tin Hat Club Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. P. Cole, was another star contribution to the programme, popular selections brightly played being "Under Freedom's Flag," "The Teddy Bears' Picnic," and "A Darkey's Dreamland." Humour of the broadest kind was provided by a comic squad of soldiers drilled by the traditional sergeant, "A Masterpiece in Army Control" being the title of this hilarious episode. The "Unmelody Four" and the "Musical Edlins" also made appreciated contributions to the programme, as did Mr. V. Middleton with his amusing ventriloquist turn. Digger yarns were told by Mr. W. J. McKeon, who capped his performance with an excellent potted musical version of Shakespeare. Miss Colleen Walling, a juvenile performer, made a distinct hit with her "Nell Gwynn" sketch and a dainty dance as "Lady Jane." Soprano solos by Miss A. Storey were received with enthusiasm, these being the waltz song "A Heart that is Free" and "If I Lost the Stars." "The Song of the Tinker" and "The Broad Highway" were tellingly sung by Mr. F. Histed, another soloist who was vociferously applauded being Mr. Henrare Tahiwi, who sang very effectively "Kamate" and the always popular "Waiata Poi." Mr. G. F. Holiday proved himself to be an able accompanist, while to the stage manager, Mr. T. S. Philpott, credit is due for the smooth presentation of the programme. ■

ITALIAN CLUB

END OF 1935 SEASON

The Circolo di Lingua c Cultura Italiana held its final meeting for 11)35 in the Lyceum Club rooms last Thursday. Instead of the usual instruction class, an examination was held from 7 to 8 o'clock. The programme for the evening was in the hands of Sig. Cay. Dott. G. Formichella, patron and Consul, who also made himself responsible for the supper, and chocolates for the interval. The chief item was the reading* of an amusing playlet "Ho bisogna auna moglie," in which some of the members of Sig. Formichella's class made their first appearance. The play was organised by Miss Rui Van Staveren. A precis of the plot in English was given Dy Mr. R. W. de Montalk. Roles were taken as follows: —Augusta, Miss J. Mudie; Euphemia, Miss L. Earp; Aspasia Miss Rui Van Staveren; Arthur, Mr. G. Barnao; Carlo, Mr. G. Harrison; Philip, Sig. O. .Carraro. The comedywas read with" good effect, and was heartily applauded. Excellent musical numbers were rendered, as follows:—Miss Molly Cummings, soprano, "Caro nome" and "II Bacio"; Mr. Arthur Staunton, baritone, "11 Prologo" from "I Pagliacci"; and "Vittoria'; Signora H. Broit, soprano, "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore," "Funiculi, Funicula," and "O, Marinariello." A highly popular feature of the evening was llv: presentation by the president, Professor E. J. Boyd-Wilson, to Signor Formichella, on behalf of all members of the club, of a paua shell and chromium ash tray. In a short speech Professor BoydWilson thanked Signor Formichella for his warm interest and practical assistance to the club, particularly stressing his work in connection with the instruction class. Sig. Cay. Dott. Formichella in reply expressed his deep appreciation of the gift, and his hope that his tuition would inspire members to make further efforts to master the Italian language. He also thanked all those who had assisted in the work of the club during the session, and had helped him in the programme for that evening. The Consul's speech was received with acclamation, and all present joined in singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The evening finished with "Giovinezza," after -'which supper was served.