WALTER FENNELL FUND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 18 November 1925, Page 10

WALTER FENNELL FUND.

J .AST WIGHT’S CONCERT. Tiie success attending the entertainment arranged in .aid of the scholarship fund for Walter Fennell must have been very gratifying to the committee which made the arrangements, and to all interested in assisting a talented young Haivera musician, who is in .London securing training at the Royal Academy of Music. There was a crowded audience, almost every seat in the Opera House being filled, and the utmost, enthusiasm prevailed, every item in a long programme being recalled. And it was an excellent list of selections and a (display quite unusual in Hawera. ! As a novelty a mannequin parade was arranged under the control of Miss McKinnon, of Messrs McGrucr, Bone and C 0.., Ltd. Six young ladies of Hawera —Misses S. Redder, J. Page, M. Bakers, E. Murdoch, K. Goodson, and E. Campbell—acted as mannequins, and they wore the artistic “creations” in dress and millinery with a most becoming gracefulness that went to form a distinct attraction. The dresses were supplied by Messrs McGruer, Bone and Co., and neat lootwear of various styles—white, black, and tan —was contributed by Messrs D. Straclian and Co., and made an appropriate finish to the costumes. The object of the parade was to demonstrate by the aid of living models the latest in the fashion world. This was exceptionally well carried out by the firm mentioned, who staged five sets, each comprising six different styles or frocks and coats. The lirst was an evening set. The frocks displayed were very smart, of velvets, sateens and georgettes, suitably trimmed. The second set was outdoor wear, showing the latest shades and styles in repp frocks and costumes, also "cream brush wool suits. The third set was very smart, depicting the latest in hlacK siik coats and maroeain and crepe de chene frocks. The fourth set displayed afternoon frocks in crepe de chene, georgette, etc. The fifth was a most charming bridal set, showing the brighter colours that are now so popular at evening weddings. Silver was, of course, the bride’s shade, while the five bridesmaids wore rose pink and silver, and silver grey and silver. The stage was neatly and artistically arranged with appropriate fittings—carpets, rugs, and furniture —in a nice quiet colour scheme that was fery effective Tiie vocal and instrumental numbers were all good and delighted the audience so much that they would have them all encored. Tiie" Hawera Orchestral Society, under Lieut. Fox, who also acted as musical director, played two fine numbers —the Zampa : Overture and the Slavonic Rhapsody. : In addition it played incidental music < to the parade and the dances, which was very pretty and effective.* 1

An amusiiio; recitation, “The Pudding,” was given by Miss M. Histone with good effect.

| Mrs. J. P. Murpliy delighted the .audience with her singing ot “What’s in the air to-dav ?” and in response Ito encores added two more prettv j songs. : Dance recitals were given by Misses |3l. and 0. Lay and Miss 0 Redder, I and a wood nymph ballet by twelve • little girls was one of the most at- | tractive numbers on the programme ; aHf l I pet with a great reception, j -L violin solo, “Andantino” (Mendels--1 soli id was played in good style by Mr. j 1 ■ Newberry, and a clarinet solo by .Master J). Kawson was played very nicely, the young artist securing a rich, full tone. 'Two good piano selections were given by Mr. Cyril Laurent, and Mr. H. Aekroyd sang with good taste and effect- the lovely song “Angels guard thee.” A most amusing number was the sketch, singing and dialogue, by messrs Laid law and N. West.

The accompaniments were played by Miss Reilly, Miss D. Joll, Mrs. Page, and Mrs. Laicllaw, and all did well. .Beiore the end of the programme the Mayor (Mr K A. Pacey) cordially thanked the audience for turning out to assist- the committee- and the fund. He referred to the iact that in previous years the Ha went people had helped similarly another young man, Frank-Hutchens. On behalf “of the committee he thanked Messrs McGruer. Bone and C o. for arranging the promenade and defraying the cost of the Opera House. He also thanked the young ladies taking part, and Miss McKinnon for carrying out the details: Messrs D. Strachan and Co. and Arthur’s Ltd., for footwear and furnishings respectively; the Hawera Orchestra and Band, and fellow musicians mder Lieut Pox; Mi*. Woollett for icting as stage manager and supplying a piano without charge; and The Star for giving the advertising and helping by publicity. Finally, lie referred to the excellent reports received from Walter Fennell’s tutors in London, who agreed that it would be very regrettable if Walter were not able to secure an extra year at the Academy, and added that Walter, who left Hawera in March, 1923, bad early shown his capabilities by being made a sub-professor there. In conclusion, -Mr. Pacey complimented the people oi Hawera on their very enthusiastic support to a good cause, and said that Hawera always rose to the occasion when needed. He thanked all performers and those who had in any way assisted to make the concert so successful. The performance was in every way a. great success and reflected credit on all concerned in its arrangement. The net result will be a very welcome and substantial assistance to the fund.