LARGE AUDIENCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32459, 26 July 1944, Page 6

LARGE AUDIENCE

CONCERT AT WHITIANGA MR M. ROLAND PRESENT FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS’ PARCELS Mr Max Roland of Auckland, formerly the first violinist of the Kiwi Concert Party, delighted a large audf ience at Whitianga last Thursday when he performed at a grand concert held in the Bay in aid of the patriotic funds., ■Mr G. W. Ross, chairman of the Patriotic Fund Committee, invited Mr Roland to visit Whitianga to perform on this occasion. Mr Roland travelled all the way from Auckland 1 to play, free of cost ,to aid local funds for soldiers’ parcels. Mr Roland has had enght years at the Conservatorium of Music in Vienna. “Melody Farm” was the opening item of the programme by a group of local artists. The stage presented a gay scene of farm life. The land girls were busy making hay, or churning the batter, etc. The Hill Billy (Band was splendidi and accompanied the merry choruses in fine style. A good deal of fun and humour was fully appreciated and the singing was /good. The scarecrow descended from his perch and tapdanced in fine style. The costumes worn by the ladies were very pretty and effective. Those taking part were Mrs A. Howard, Mrs P. Forster, Mrs B. Hill, Mrs C. Lowe and Misses Joy and Mary Sewell. The band included Mr Jack Jackman (accordion), Mr Bob Trougheai- i(ukulele), Mr Nye Winiata (steel guitar), Mr Hat Lee (comedian), and Mr F. Taylor (farmhand) and , Mr iStan Hemmings (scarecrow).

Mrs Barton, of Auckland, chose varied and entertaining elocution items, and was splendid in each piece. The leading artist, of the concert, Max Roland, made a. special appeal to all, and the lovely rich tones of his Guarnerius violin delighted everyone present. Included in his repertoire were Hrdla’s ‘‘Souvenir,” iGounod’s “Ave Maria,” Toselli’s “Serenata,” Strauss’ “Tales' From The Vienna Woods,” also his own version

uiil|Ui]|iuiiiiiiiiU)iiiiiiiiliiii!iiii;iiiii(iiiii«iiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!y"iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!ii!Hiiiiiiiiiiiii of “Bells Of ;St. Mary’s” and the “Balalaika.” The audience was very appreciative of this lovely musical recital of popular numbers. Mr Heald’s lovely tenor voice was heard to advantage in “Just A iSong At Twilight,” and was heartily encored. He then sang “The Lilac Tree.” Miss Maria Watene, in a pretty Hawaiian costume danced a hula, and Bob Troughear in similar costume, accompanied' her on the ukulele and sang the lilting tunes of the Islands. This was another specially good item. The lighting effects were good, being in the hands of Mi* J. Keith. Mr Fred Harsant of Hahei, added to variety in the programme with his clever lassoo and rope tricks. Mr C. Ross capably carried out the duties of master of ceremonies and Mrs Ross was the accompanist for Mr Roland and Mr Heald. WELCOME HOME TWO (SOLDIERS HONOURED Including in the evening was the usual “welcome home” to soldiers. This function took place after the concert and great applause was accorded Cpl. A. Bowman and 'Spr, R. Wood, as they took their places' on the platform. Mr Ross welcomed the soldiers home on behalf of the local residents and presented each with a small cheque, which is always given, even if a soldier is unable to be present. On behalf of the Returned Services

Association Mr Brophy extended the usual good wishes. Both soldiers suitably replied, thanking one and all. Musical honours were accorded the guests of the evening. Lovely shoulder sprays were presented to Mrs Bowman and Mrs Wood by Mrs M. Niccol. A lovely supper was served. The hall was cleared for dancing which proved very popular. Mrs Rose offered her services once again as the musician and played in her usual good style and Mrs C. Hare also played an extra. Mr Roland, accompanied by Mrs Ross, played a Strauss waltz. The gala evening closed with the National Anthem at about 12.30 p.m.