KAPONGA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 August 1924, Page 10

KAPONGA.

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT. MR H. LESLIE PIPER’S CONCERT.An enthusiastic audience which filled the Kaponga Town Hall to capacity was present last evening at the concert given by Mr H. Leslie Piper, baritone soloist. Mr Piper, who is visiting the Taranaki district in connection with the Methodist mission, has achieved a notable position among singers in England and Australia as an interpreter of sacred solos. His offerings last evening, however, were composed of a discriminating selection of classical and popular songs, in the presentation of which 'he worthily maintained his reputation and succeeded in completely winning his auditors, who voiced their approval in imperative encores. Mr Piper’s first item, the Pagliacci. Prologue (Leoncavello), presented many difficulties, which, however, hut served to illustrate his control and fine graces in enunciation. He responded to the recall with" the popular lilt “Y T ou’<l better ask Me.” On his next appearance he sang with distinction, in the original language, Tbsti’s beautiful “La Seranata,” Papini’s violin obligato being rendered by Mr G. Murdoch, of Okaiawa. The charming “0 Sole Mio,” in which he was again accompanied by Mr Mui’doch, was also sung in Italian, and further evidenced his command of both high and low • registers. The artistry employed in conveying this haunting melody enhanced the favourable impression made in his previous efforts. Thereafter he contributed several popular ballads, which proved equally pleasing. “The Little Irish Girl” and “Mother Machree” were greatly appreciated, and on presenting himself for his final numbers Mr Piper was received with prolonged applause, which was continued when, by special request, he commenced the rollicking “My Old Shako.” “The Little Hero” and, by request, “Thev Sav,” concluded his recital.

The accompaniments played by Mrs L. S. Tarrant (Hawera) were of great assistance to the singer. A number of ladies and gentlemen appeared a strong supporting programme. Notable among these contributions were the elocutionary items rendered by Miss Joan Tonks, of Hawera, who was highly successful in her interpretation of Stephen Leacock’s “My Financial Career,” Kipling’s “Glory of the Garden,” “Vive La France” (anonymous), and a further encore recitation. The pianoforte overture “The Rosary” received sympathetic treatment by Miss Mary Guy (Kaponga), and the’ Misses R. and M. Evans (Kaponga-) gave pleasure in the vocal duets “Venetian Song” and “Perfect Day.” Miss Jenkins sang “Soul of Mine” “Annie Laurie,” and “Thank God for a Garden,” her rich contralto being particularly delightful in the latter. Mr E. G. Jones (Hawera) was heard in “Who is Sylvia?” and “Tom Bowlev,” and Mr C. Colclough (Hawera) in “Captain Mack,” “Youth,” and other contributions, while “Parted”, (Tosti) and “Inter Nos” were sung with fine expression by Mr G. Hessel (Kaponga). On the \conclusion- of the concert, the Rev.. Mr Kendon expressed appreciation of the . courtesy extended by the vi'sitng artists, and also tendered the thanks, of the promoters to Mr J. Hev for his kindness in lending his piano. At the supper subsequently tendered to the performers by the ladies of the Methodist Church the Rev. Mr Kendon made further complimentary reference to the visitors, and included in his thanks all who had helped at the concert. He referred in terms of eulogy to the highly enjoyable entertainment provided ’by Air Piper, also stressing the great value of the work accomplished by that gentleman during the mission. While voicing the general regret that Mr [Piper would not be remaining longer in Kaponga, the speaker assured him that a warm welcome would always be accorded should he ever return, ‘in a fitting response, Mr Piper intimated that his sojourn in the district had been inoßt pleasant, and. if the oppor-tunit-y were offered it would give him very great pleasure to revisit the people of Kaponga.. who would always he remembeyed with affection. On behalf of the visiting artists Air Jones suitably responded.