WIND-UP CONCERT.

Franklin Times, Volume 14, Issue 192, 16 October 1925, Page 4

WIND-UP CONCERT.

1925 ORPHANS' SESSION CLOSES. MOST PLEASANT EVENING. .• The 1925 session of tTTe Pukekohe Orphans' Club was brought to a fitting conclusion last evening, when the. regularly fortnightly concert was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. There was a very large attendance of members and their friends, while eleven representatives of the Auckland. Orphans' Club were also present. The function was undoubtedly one of the most ■ pleasant held this year, as from the moment the patron, Bro. G. K. Lawrie, introduced the chairman, Bro. F. A. | Hosking, until the cheers following the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," were , given, there was not a dull moment. And the club's motto, "Always merry : and bright," was certainly upheld last evening.

As usual, proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by an overture by the : orchestra under the conductorship of • Bro. C. S. Stuart* entitled "Luspiel." The musicians were in good fettle and they rendered the item with such aptpealing force that they were obliged to. respond to an encore, and chose "Frog Frolics," as a second contribution. In this number, the drummer, Bro. G. Wright, was given ample scope to prove his ability on drum and effects and he emerged with flying colours. He gave a creditable exhibition, as did the > orchestra itself, and the audience acknowledged the -effort with a storm of hearty applause. After the supper interval, and as a wind-up, the orchestra gave four items that won the approbation of its auditors. ...«''

Bro. L. Keven, of the Auckland'Orphans' Club, who proved himself as * a vocalist much above the ordinary at previous Pukekohe. Orphans concerts, received an ovation as he appeared to- • sing "Border Ballard." Bro. Kayen possesses a very rich baritone voice: over which he has wonderful control, .••_;, while his enunciation is perfectly clear. The number was delightfully given, ; and he was obliged to respond to an- -. insistent demand for an encore, and contributed "We Sway Along' the ' Ridges," an extremely difficult pro- .k position but which was accomplished .*; with the ease of, a skilful and talented vocalist. * '..-, "An Aussie Stunt." v ' Bro. Ned Fort, another member of the Auckland Orphans' Chib;. iput across cleverly an "Aussie, Stunt" by the inimitable C. J. "Right-o." So much did it/appeal that Bro. Fort was called on 7 for an encore, and - : gaye "Murph y Shall Not Sing To-night-'', •' .'■Bro. ; M: -;R.; Grierson contributed a (•.oup.l«r'-o-f.vy i ioi*ih : solos in his usual brilliant maintained his' popularity. '.-* ".Bro. -'Fred Blandforcl was at the ton:, of his form'with the numbers "So IPut on My Coat and Went 'oriie" and "I'm the Most Miserable. on';':. Earth." - Bro. . Duncan deep .bass voice-was heard to adv&n-} iage in the "Corporal's Ditty," and as' an encore "Vale," while Bro. - Len Sawtell, of Auckland, animal impersonator,and mimic, added' greatly to the humorous portion of the programme with his clever variations : from mimicing the buzz of the domestic blow-fly to the growl of an in- .#1 furiated lion. They included the bark ' of a deg close at hand and -in.' the, distance in the dead of night boosters, crowing, and the yelping of a dog. Bro. .Tones, of Auckland, contributed two vocal numbers entitled "The" Lute Player.' 'and "Old Barty," in convincing style, and he received hearty, applause for his splendid efforts. -.■,'■■ During an interval the president, Bro. Hosking. extended a hearty welcome to Bro. Howden, programme steward, Bro. Spalding, and meKibers of the Auckland Orphans' Club, Bro. 0. McOullough, e*-secretary of- the Pukekohe Club, Bro. E. Parker, formerly conductor of the orchestra who was compelled to relinquish the position on account of ill-health, and visitors, and he expressed the hope .that all would spend a thoroughly pleasant •' evening. During the recess he urged members to practice the principles of Orphandom, and be prepared to come forward next year and keep the flag of the club flying. He thanked the members of the club and the committee for the loyal support accorded him, - ■ the artists for assisting with the pro- > rrarnmes. the press. Bro. B. Farrell, the programme steward, the orchestra, Bro. J. Puryer for the use of the piano, and all who had made the two sessions during his occupancy of the presidential chair a huge success. -Bro. Hosking said he had endeavoured to ». carry out his duty and to uphold the 9 orestige of the club and Orphandom. ■"'

Left Amid Cheers.

3ro. Howden. of Auckland, in reply, thanked the president for his sincere welcome, and assured him that they had spent a most happy time. ; He mentioned that the president and secretary and other prominent members of the club, had been unable to attend owing to unforseen circumstances. He and his party asked to be excused as they were compelled to return to Auckland at an early hour. The Aucklanders left amid cheers. •Bro. C. McCullough also returned thanks for the hearty welcome extended to him. He urged the members to stick loyally to the club, because it had a great future. A most pleasant evening terminated with the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne."