R.S.A. EVENING.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1441, 13 July 1933, Page 5

R.S.A. EVENING.

WAHAROA SUCCESS.

Popular Social Gathering.

One of the jolliest social functions organised by ex-servicemen in the Matamata district was held in the Waharoa Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a very large attendance, including visitors from Matamata and Walton. The function was organised by Waharoa members of the Matamata District Returned Soldiers’ Association, and a local committee, with Mr. G. Carolan as chairman and Mr. E. Griffiths as secretary, was responsible for all the arrangements.

A Varied Programme.

The programme was a varied one, musical items being- given betwen dances in the first half of the programme, which was concluded with an excellent sketch of war-time camp life at Heliopolis. After supper, dancing was continued until after midnight, those dancing enjoying themselves with that freedom and ease which is associated with all R.S.A. functions.

Among those contributing to the programme were Mrs. D. R. Abernethy and Mrs. J. Stevenson, of Matamata, who were in good form and were warmly applauded. Mr. V. Elliott, who was associated with one of the “ Digger ” troupes during the Great War, also delighted and had to. give encores, as did Mr. G. T. Newsome, who revealed great histrionic ability in two dramatic recitals. Miss Kennedy was another favourite, and as an encore she sang a tuneful Maori ditty.

The “ Leadswingers.”

Great fun was caused by the Waharoa troupe of “ leadswingers ” in their original sketch entitled “Heliopolis.” The producer and stage manager (Mr. G. Carolan), in a humorous introduction, advised that the troupe had been secured at enormous expense and was due to leave after the performance for Hollywood, where it had received a contract to appear in the films. The sketch was taken from an actual happening on New Year’s Eve, 1915, on active service in Egypt, and the various performers were : Captain Brass Hat (Mr. R. W. Burns), Sergeant Skite (Mr. A. Clark), Doleful Ditty (Mr. T. Stringer), Headem (Mr. “Scotty” Barry), Crown an’ Anchor (Mr. C. Stanford), Slim Jim (Mr. C. Cresswell), Mohammed Ali News Boy (Brian Stringer). The scene represented a portion of the camp lines in the desert, with half a dozen “ diggers ” off duty lounging in various attitudes before a brazier outside a bell tent. Opportunity was taken to work off many war-time jokes and also to introduce topical hits. Numerous choruses were sung, while each performer had to contribute something to the programme on the old lines of “ Sing, shout or go out.” That the formula was varied to include the first two suggestions without the third only added to the merriment. Sergeant Skite (Mr. A. Clark), as unofficial M.C., kept the ball rolling, and Mr. T. Stringer as Doleful Ditty contributed several topical jokes and sang in masterly style “ I’ve Got a Motto.” The others played their parts in finished manner, and the whole sketch reflected great credit on those taking part, the producer (Mr. Carolan) and the pianiste (IJdrs. Williams). 1

Orchestral music was supplied. Mr. G. Carolan was M.C. and contributed greatly to the success of the evening’s entertainment, which was part of the programme of the Matamata R.S.A. district executive to promote mixed social evenings to stimulate and maintain interest in the work of the branch.