MISS COROMANDEL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3150, 29 July 1942, Page 7

MISS COROMANDEL

POPULAR GIRL CONTEST GLORIA NGAPO SELECTED SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION HELD A most successful and very much enjoyed patriotic effort in the form of a concert in the Caledonian Hall, Coromandel, was held on Friday, July 17. The title of the evening’s entertainment was “The Coromandel Repertory Theatre presents a Patriotic Pandemonium in several parts.” The programme opened with tenor solos rendered by Mr J. McLellan, accompanied by Miss Janet McLellan and a violin obligato by Mr V. Powley. Violin solos played by Mr V. Powley came next on the programme, accompanied by Miss Constance McNeil. These items were well rendered and were greatly appreciated by the audience. A one-act play, “Illusions,” produced by Mrs A. F. Barker, followed. Those comprising the cast were Thirle Darling, as Aunt Emily, Jean Ecclestone, as Aunt Janet and Alma Barker, as Aunt Mary, three dear old maids aged 45, 42 and 39 years; Colleen Fraser, as their niece Dorothy and Betty Fraser as Hannah the maid. The scene portrayed a very respectable drawing room in an English home in the early “nineties.” The only joy in the lives of the three dear old maids had been an“illusion,” each in turn 'believing that Reginald Darling, who and. left the country 23 years previously, had been in love with her. The news of his return has reached them, and they are all, a-flutter, each one thinking that he has returned to declare his love to her. Imagine their consternation on learning that he has returned with his wife, their former governess, with whom he had eloped. However, on learning that he has a son 21 years of age, they compose themselves, and plan a romance, marriage and a family for Reginald’s son and their charming niece Dorothy. A quaintly pretty little play, exceptionally well presented, the audience being able to hear. every word spoken. It was greatly enjoyed by all and loudly applauded The next item on the programme was a bracket of songs sung by Miss Gloria Ngapo. They were popular and well received. The Ahimia Concert Party gave several action songs which proved very populai' and were loudly encored.

The concluding item on the programme was a one-act play, <{ A Fair Cow,” the cast comprising of Darrell Stewart, Frank Birkenshaw and Janet McLellan, and. produced by Mrs Edna Birkinshaw. The play takes place in 'a farm house kitchen somewhere in the colonies. .The time is mid-summer and early evening, a humorous and very well acted play keeping the audience in fits of laughter throughout, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The hall was comfortably filled, and the programme was voted by all patrons a welcome change of entertainment.

•Credit is due to those who put in so much time and thought to the presentation of the programme and those who carried it out so well. During the evening the chairman, of the Patriotic Committee, Mr Murphy, introduced the five candidates for Coromandel County’s “Popular Girl” contest. They were: Misses Colleen Fraser, Jean Ecclestone, June Notman, Gloria Ngapo and Patricia Hart.

He intimated that the audience was asked to vote for the candidate they wanted, and to write her name on the card, handed to them at the door as they came in. The result would be announced later in the evening at the dance which was to follow.

St. George’s Hall was tastefully decorated, and presented a carnival appearance at the dance which comThe hall was packed and everyone appeared to be in a festive humour menced at approximately 11 P-m. which resulted in a most successful function.

Popular music was played by Mrs Lucas (piano) and. Lee Perfect (drums). Extras were played by a mouthorgan band and proved a popular addition to the programme. Extra foxtrots were also played by Mrs Stewart and Mi’ Brown.

A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss Jean Tapsell and Mrs Barlow. The result of the popular girl contest acclaimed Miss Gloria Ngapo as the Coromandel County’s popular girl, to be known as Miss Coromandel.

Mr Murphy then placed the winner’s sash on Miss Coromandel and the singing of “For She’s A Jolly

'Qood Fellow” completed the election of the popular girl. A plentiful supper was served by a committee of ladies. On behalf of Dr. Birkinshaw, who organised the evening’s entertainment in aid of patriotic funds, Mr Murphy thanked all those who had assisted in any way towards making the evening such a success, especially those w r ho had decorated the hall in. such a splendid manner and which was commented on by all present, also those who had attended the concert and dance: Approximately £4O had been raised for patriotic funds as a result of the splendid effort of those who were responsible. Dancing continued until 2.80 a.m., when the National Anthem brought the function to a close.