BLIND INSTITUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 253, 20 September 1930, Page 3

BLIND INSTITUTE

BAND CONCERT AT OPERA HOUSE A really splendid concert was staged at the Opera House last evening by the members of the band of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, but the response on the part of the public was not heartening. Regret at the meagreness of the attendance was voiced toward the conclusion- of the entertainment, however, by the Mayor, Mr A. J. Graham, who said that tnere were many people in Palmerston North who took a keen and practical interest in the work of the institute at Parnell, Auckland, notably, Mrs L. A. Abraham, who assisted quietly and unostentatiously and rendered wonderful assistance. The concert programme was one of the most entertaining presented at tho Opera House for a considerable time. It was not because of sympathy that those in the auditorium applauded with vigour, but because the music was good and popular and the methods of the entertainers interesting. There were the full.band, the dance orchestra, vocalists, and elocutionists, and with a repertoire that any party of musicians might have at call the institute people entertained in & most delightful fashion. It is not to be wondered at that there were hospitable receptions when the band carried out an extensive tour of* both islands in 1928, and when one has heard the jazz instruments blaring forth an American. ditty that .at present is reigning supreme —“Happy Days are here Again”—one realises the popularity the combination enjoys with the dancing folk of Auckland. There were several interesting, expressive full band selections, including “A Hunting Scene” (Bucalossi) in wiiich many novel effects were admiraly introduced, and. a number of jazz numbers, popular and tuneful —‘ ‘Savoy medley of memories.” “When we come to the end of tne day,” the “Stein Song,” which is also a reigning favourite, and “Happy Days are here Again,” the tune of which is as optimistic' as its title. There were two songs by Miss May Bray—“ Sleepy Hollow Tune” and “April Morn,” and two piano solos—' “Romance” (Sibellius), was outstanding—by the same talented young lady, who on occasions acted as accompanist. There were recitations by Mr Stuart Gordon, “Joe Murgatroyd” —a clever imitation of a lorkshireman —and “The Three Trees,” a vibraphone solo by R. Gheradi; a baritone solo, “Connemara Shore,” by Mr Joseph Papesch, and two amusing recitations by Master J. Shortt, formerly of Foxton, whom Mr Clutha McKenzie referred to from the stag© as doing remarkably well at the institute. A quartette of male voices of pleasing quality sang two Maori love songs, and then the Garrison Baud went on to the stage and joined forces with the institute people for the final item of the entertainment. There are fifteen in the institute band, and the master is Mr G. W. Bowes. - Mr Clutha JNJclCenzie thanked the audience and the public generally for the welcome and support accorded the band. The blind people were just ordinary normal people, with the same desire to live independent, useful lives that sighted people had. The blind people wanted to earn their own living and go their own way, “and what the institute wants,” added the speaker, “is that the public buy our wares and make use of our piano tuners and masseurs. Music is only one of the sidelines at the institute, where last year we paid out £6500 in wages to the workers in the ,shops.” Mr McKenzie said that Palmerston North had always treated the institute well, and he was particularly grateful to Mrs Lionel Abraham, who, in addition to her many activities for the blind, every year most generously conducted a . stall at the Showground to help along the institute. The .band was on its present tour simply to demonstrate some of the splendid results which had been attained by* modern training methods. Mi 1 Graham warmly welcomed Mr McKenzie and the band to Palmerston North, and stated thfj.t the performance had been a revelation and a delight. Mr McKenzie had, come through the war to lay his hands to a very great work. Thanks to those who billeted the members of the party, and to the Garrison Band for their assistance, were voiced by Mr Graham, who incidentally remarked that the Garrison Band members had made great progress since the new conductor had taken them in hand. Mr W. A. Swinbourn, president of the Rotary \ Club, was present with Mr McKenzie on the stage while the concert- was in progress.