Te Poi.

Matamata Record, Volume XII, Issue 1061, 3 October 1929, Page 1

Te Poi.

Glee Club’s Entertainment.

It would appear, as far as reports go, that an Eastern potentate, the Rajah of Bengal, passing through to Rotorua, had a magnificent diamond stolen from him, on last Monday night, by an international gang. The local police, however, were promptly on the scene, and secured the valuable stone after some particularly clever detective work. The young detective who actually got hold of it was pursued as far as Te Poi by the gang; and, to save his life, when hard pressed, threw the diamond through the window of Mr. T. Perkins’ residence, as the latter gentleman with .his wife and daughter were seated that evening round the fire. ' It appears that Mrs. Perkins secured the jewel, and completely foiled the,leader of the gang in his efforts to. regain possession of it until the member of the detective force above mentioned, Albert Watkins, appeared on the scene and again got hold of the glittering gem that was the cause of the trouble. We understand that Mrs. Perkins claimed the diamond as “ treasure trove ” and was with difficulty persuaded to give it up. We have also been informed that the clever young detective is about to be married to Miss Polly Perkins.

This, was the playlet that was staged in the Te Poi Memorial Hall last Monday at the close of a varied and interesting programme put forward by the combined Glee Clubs of Te Poi and Matamata, assisted capably by many local talented performers. ,

Mr. N. Williamson as old Mr. Perkins was most successful from every point of view, and Miss Vera Garland as the masterful Mrs. Perkins could hardly have been better. They certainly looked the part. Miss Marjorie Molloy as Polly Perkins (who was tired of being plain Polly and wanted to be called “ Rose Marie ”) was very natural and effective; while Mr. John Dawson as the detective who collared the stolen diamond and the thief, and Rose Marie too, must have done this sort of thing before. Mr. R. Burton, as the international jewel thief, who, revolver in hand, tried to terrorise the Perkins family into giving up the “ shiner,” acted the part to life. The enunciation throughout was clear and deliberate and the characterisation gave evidence of long and careful preparation. It certainly was well produced and congratulations are due to all concerned. Mr. R. Burton was the producer and the director. Much of the success of the effort is due to Mr. J. J. Molloy for the excellent way in which the characters were “ done up,” the general make up being most effective. Were comment to be made on the many excellent items shown by local and visiting amateurs, who have many a time before proved their worth before critical audiences, there would scarcely be foom to do justice to them. It must suffice to say that the various performers fully lived up to their reputations, and the appreciative audience enjoyed every bit of it. It is sufficient to recognise the names of the artises to know the quality of their work. Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Hay, Mr. Wells and Rev. C. W. Turner were all there—very much so. The combined Glee Clubs of Te Poi and Matamata, massed for the occasion, filled the large hall with a fine and very beautiful volume of sound. \ The pieces selected were of high artistic merit and were capably interpreted. The clubs were trained and led by Mr. E. Fielder, so well known to a wide musical public, and their efforts were keenly appreciated by the large audience.

After the performance the ladies and gentlemen who took part in the concert were entertained at supper by the local residents. The following is the evening’s programme :—Glee Club, “To Sylvia,” “ O, Peaceful Night ” and “ O, Hush Thee Master Thomas (pupil of the Junior High School), recitation, “ When Father Begins to Shave ” and “ The Height of the Ridiculous Te Poi Quartette, “ Volga Boatman”;

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Mrs. Wade, ponologue; Mr. D. Cameron, song, “ Sea Fever ” and “ Easter Flowers ”; Mr. J. Wells, dramatic item, “ A Tin Tack ” and “ The Tram Conductor ”; Mrs. D. N. Hay, song, “ A Heart That’s Free ” and “Waiata Poi”; Rev. C. W. Turner, humorous item, “ My Influenza ” and “I’ll Never Go There Again”; St. Andrew’s Four, quartette, “There Was a Boy ” and “ Mosquitoes ”; Miss Elsa Brown (pupil of the Junior High School), recitation, •“ Donts ” (Kipling) and “ Courage ” (Elizabeth Fortier); Rev. C. W. Turner and Claude; Glee Clubs, “ Songs of Vikings ” and “ Softly Falls.”