OKAIAWA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 September 1924, Page 7

OKAIAWA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

CONCERT. Thq concert in aid of the Cricket Clubs funds, held last Thursday, was not very well patronised by the residents of the there being only a moderate attendance. However except from a financial point of view’ the concert was a very great success, the audience, though small, being most appreciative, nearly every item on the programme being encored. Each number was of a high order of merit, and the programme was of a more varied nature than, is usually the case at local concerts. All the performers came from Stratford, and that town has reason to be proud of its musical talent. The programme included quartettes by Misses Millar and Taylor and Messrs Edmondson and H L Betts, songs by Misses Millar, Taylor and Lunam and Mr. Betts, duet by Messrs Edmondson and r ßetts, flute ,solo and piccolo solo by Mr. Dick, flute duet by Messrs Dick and Betts, violin 1 solos by Mr. McAllister, and elocutionary items by Mrs Rowe. The humorist.of the party failed to turn up, but his absence was compensated for by two humorous items bv Mrs. Rowe. This lady is deserving of special mention. In addition to the humorous numbers she gave a splendid rendering of "Orakau,” an item descriptive of an incident in the Maori war, and, in response. to a vociferous encore, another Maori item entitled “Te Rauparaha.” Other popular items were the violin solos by Mr. McAllister, the flute and piccolo solos by Mr. Dick, and the .flute duet by Messrs Dick and Betts. The latter item, in spite of a noticeable fault at the beginning, was very good indeed, the two flautists combining well when they got going and giv- • mg a most pleasing and tuneful number. The accompaniments were played with taste and expression by Miss Cook and Mr. Edmondson. Prior to the singing of the National Anthem Mr. G. Betts, on behalf of the Cricket Club, thanked the audience. for their attendance, and their Stratford friends for the most excellent programme which they put on. He had listened to a good many concerts in Okaiawa, but had never heard a. better one. At his call a hearty vote of thanks to the performers was carried by acclamation. The performers were entertained at supper by .the • club’s lady supporters. After the concert the hall was cleared and a dance held, a good number taking the floor. The dance music was supplied gratuitously by the Holly Bank Orchestra. The concert was thor_ oughly enjoyed, and the opinion was expressed that a return visit by the performers would be greeted by a better house, so good was the impression made on the audience on Thursday night. The committee wishes to acknowledge its appreciation of the action of two taxi-drivers who brought the party down. In view of the poor attendance they made a substantial reduction in their charges.

GIFT AFTERNOON. A "gift afternoon” in aid of the proposed new boarding establishment in connection with the New Plymouth Girls’ High School, organised by Misses Alice Stevenson and Alice Betts, two "old girls,” was held at Holly Bank recently. There was a good attendance of pupils, past, and present, and a successful afternoon was spent in musical items, competitions, etc, not forgetting that little interlude beloved by ladies both young and old, afternoon tea. Each visitor brought along a gift, and- these articles are to be forwarded on to New Plymouth, where a bazaar is to be held at some future date.

THE LATE MRS. TIPLADY. The news of the death of Mrs. 'Tiplady was received with very great regret by the residents of Okaiawa, where the deceased was so well known and highly respected. Mrs. Tiplady was one of our most capable and willing ..workers in connection with any movement for the welfare of the district, more especially in church matters, having been a member of the Ladies’ Guild of St. Aidan’s Church ever since'that building was erected. The funeral, which was held on Saturday, was largely attended, friends coming from.far and near to pay a last tribute of respect. A feature was the large number of beautiful wreaths, with which the grave was literally covered. Messrs H. R. Penny, Murdoch, A. Christiansen, J. Johnstone, E. Mortimer, and ;P. Bremer were the pallbearers, and the burial service, the first part of which was held in St. Aidan’s Church, was conducted by the Rev. -A. C. Swain son. The sympathy of the residents goes out to the bereaved husband and family in their great sorrow.