SWEET CHARITY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 286, 9 December 1914, Page 8

SWEET CHARITY.

BELGIAN RELIEF CONCERT

J Thoroughness is the watchword of j the Sisters in everything they take in • hand, and it was exemplified in its I best form at His Majesty's Theatre j last night, when the pupils of all Oonj vent schools participated in an enteri tainment whichu was wholly patriotic and entirely enjoyable. There was a very large andiencej every available seat in the theatre being occupied, and numbers sitting in the aisles or standing at the back. The color scheme, from the dainty souvenir programmes to the dresses of the children on th 6 stage, was laid out in varied combinations of red, white, and blue, and when the whole strength of the company was upon the stage it was a martial spectacle of vivid and bold coloring. During an interval in the proceedings Mr A. R. Thomson came upon the stage, iand sold a Belgian flag in behalf of the fund, which brought bids ranging up to eight guineas.■■■the total reaching £62 10s. The bids', were mostly, guineas, those bidding amounts of three guineas and upwards ibeing Messrs Horgan, J. Bary, J. Pennev. Licensed Victuallers' Association, Marlborough Brewery Company, Dodson iand Co., and H. Kirk wood. The sale of home-made sweets at the doors and in the theatre brought'- £10, and the singing of the "pleadfi song, "A- Belgian Child," was instrumental in securing a shower of coins amounting; to close on £10. The concert commenced with a T>ianoforte by Misses Priddle aaid Houldsworth, and then tlie whole strength of the children was employed in a-rousing patriotic chorus, "God Defend New Zealand." There were a number of action songs and choruses, the voices ringing strong and true without a falter, and the marching and grotiping would have been a creditable performance in adults, and speaks a lot for the care bestowed on the training of the "squads." Per-

haps the best amongst what were all < good were "Good Old New Zealand, i ''Soldiers in the Park" (with pretty' grand march and tableau), ohorusand drill by the boys, flower girls' song, "Halt! 'tis the Bugle" by girls, "Drummer Boy," and the rousing tableau finale with anthems of the Allies. ' Amongst individual efforts first must come Miss Langley, who not only played with considerable ability a pianoforte piece by Greig, j but carried most of the burden of ac- j companiments upon her shoulders, j She was a wonderful help, especially I to Miss Coker in her pleading for "Only a Penny." Miss M. Watson essayed a difficult task" in Gounod s "Aye Maria." She acquitted herself remarkably well, considering her tender years and the difficulty of the composition. The beautiful violin accompaniment was feelingly played from the wings. Miss Watson was enthusiastically encored, and replied with a, bright little song archly sung. Miss I. Coker sang "A Belgian Child" in both parts o£ the programme, her efforts arousing a shower of coins. Master C. Strickland is a natural comedian, and provided a star item in his recital of what a. boy uses his pockets for. The little fellow was distinctly audible to all parts of the house, and his acting was very good indeed. Miss M. Curry gave proof of histrionio ability in the recitation "Becalmed." Little Buttercup" was sung by Misses Brown, Hammond, .and O'Sullivan, Misses Watson and Sharp (both good voices) contributed "I Wish I Were a Bird," and the "Mikado" trio "Three Little Maids" was tastefully dressed and spiritedly sung by Misses Watson, Coker, and Sharp. Towards the close of the concert the Rev. Father Fay returned thanks to all concerned for the splendid response to the appeal for help. ■. • ■■.