POPULAR CONCERT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32536, 14 February 1945, Page 6

POPULAR CONCERT

MEMBERS OF BOYS’ CAMP AN ENJOYABLE EVENING COROMANDEL ENTERTAINED A popular variety concert was staged in the Caledonian Hall, Coromandel, on Tuesday, January 30, when the boys of the St. Columba Youth Centre under the leadership of Captain V. C. Bunch entertained a large section of residents. The hoys who have been spending a eamping holiday at Long Bay apparently iput a good deal of their time use in preparing for the many and varied items which were all most successfully carried out and enjoyed iby everyone present. Associated with Capt. Bunce were Messrs A. J. Richmond, Bunch Snr., and Volkner, the latter being a member of St. John Ambulance Association who had been kept busy with cut fingers and feet, etc., while the camp was occupied by a large number of boys of all sizes and ages. The programme opened with the National Anthem which was followed by a selection by the Coromandel Silver band.

Among the many items were massed singing by boys of the whole camp and mouth-organ duets. A one-act play by the boys, entitled, “Hitler’s Last Conference,” which was written and produced by one of the boys taking part in it caused plenty of laughter.

Piano-accordion solos by Scout Alec Rainbow aged 13 were enjoyed by all. He played the “Sharpshooters’ March,” followed by Rubenstein’s “Melody in F.” These solos brought forth vociferous applause and he further entertained the listeners with choruses of “In The Mood,” and “Somebody Else Is Taking My Place,” and “When They Sound The Last All Clear.” These items were outstand 1 - ing, being play both from the music and from memory, giving evidence of a very gifted young player who will go far in the musical world as he gets older. The items were popularly voted as the star turns of the programme.

Next came a gymnastic display which was evidence of the fitness of the boys. The camp novelty band consisting of piano accordion, kettle drum, mouth organ and tin whistle then gave several items.

These were followed by two short boxing bouts by young boxers, these proving very popular particularly to the younger members of the audience. Further massed singing followed and just before the interval a serious note was introduced 1 when five boys recited a prose-poem entitled “Dunkirk,” very well done and well received.

During the interval Capt. Bunce took the opportunity to thank the people of Coromandel for the many kindnesses shown during the sojourn of the camp, also for the very: good attendance to listen to the boys. He also wished to thank the boys, the officers and the Silver Band for their very helpful assistance. The band opened the second half of the programme with a stirring march. Next came vocal duets by Mr Richmond and Capt. Bunch, “Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes,” and “Oh No John No,” both songs being very pleasingly rendered. One of the boys played pianoforte solos, “Elmer’s Tune,” “In The Mood,” and “White Christmas,” very capably. Two more boxing bouts again brought forth plenty of applause. A trio by three boys was next on the list, “Out Of The Blue Gums,” and “Coming In On A Wing And A Prayer,” which was quite goo’d and encored. More accordion solos followed and received spontaneous applause. Two songs rendered by a iboy soprano were very sweetly sung and much enjoyed by the listeners. He sang, “Climbing Up The 1 Wooded Hills of Bedfordshire,” and “There’s An Old Spinning Wheel.”

Another short play “Bullfighters,” caused screams of laughter. This too, was written by one of the boys taking part and was really funny. Further items by the Camp Band came next and then vocal solos by Capt. Bunce, “Friend o’ Mine,” and “I’ll Walk Beside You,” 'being feelingly sung, and were given a very good reception. They were another of the “star turns” of the evening. Brilliant piano solos were given by Mi’ Volkner who is a musician of a very high order. These items, too,

were very well received, and according to comments heard were very popular items on the programme. Massed singing iby the boys brought the concert to a close, “Now Is The Hour,” sung in harmony and it was followed by a verse of “Abide With Me,” with piano accordion accompaniment ’ and then a good-night chorus.

• 'The accompanist for the vocal duets and Capt. Bunce’s solos was Mrs S. C. James. So came to an end a function of talented young performers, credit going to the organisers who had been responsible for’ the smooth and entertaining programme which had been so much enjoyed by the patrons.