LONGBURN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 29 October 1934, Page 8

LONGBURN

(From Our Own Correspondent.) LQNGBURN, Oct. 26. | A successful three-act play, “Eliza 1 Comes to Stay,” was presented in the hall on Thursday night by tho St. Chad s Players. There was a large and appreciative audience. The high standard of acting reached by the performers reflected : much credit on the producer, Mrs Linda Bennett, of Palmerston North, and also I demonstrated the aptitude of the players 1 who were making their initial appearance before tho public. In portraying the role of a wealthy young heir (Hon. Sandy Verrall), Mr W. J. Alderslcy displayed splendid ability and acted his part with confident ease; Miss J. Shirriffs gave an excellent interpretation of the unattractive Eliza, and when she later became the modern young lady’ she continued to display outstanding talent. Rev. F. 0. Ball was admirably suited to tho part of the well-meaning uncle' (Alex Stoop Verrall); Miss H. Hills played tho part of the ount, Lady Pennybroko, and undoubtedly gave a splendid performance of a difficult role; as tho long-standing friend ot Hon. Sandy, Mr C. W. Shirriffs, as Montague Jordan, deserves special mention for his excellent rendering of tho fashionable man-about-town; Miss M. Foss, who took tho part of an actress (Miss Vera Lawrence), displayed great acting ability and unusual talent; Miss J. Campbell as the nurse (Mrs Allaway), and Mr J. H. Alderslcy as Herbert, the butler, acted their parts in a very commcndablo manner. After the performance, when the players were assembled on the stage, Mr Ball took tlie opportunity of thanking Mrs Bennett, who baa devoted so much time in producing tho play and bringing - it to such a high standard; all had given a creditable performance, especially considering the short time they had been l'Ohcarsing. The lady mcmebrs were then presented with sheaves of dainty flowers and boxes of chocolates. Mrs Bennett also received similar gifts. Supper was provided by members of the Girls Club, after which dancing was continued till a lato hour, music being supplied by a professional orchestra and extras being played by Mr C. Shirriffs. A Monte Carlo dance was won by Miss 11. Hills and Mi G. Hills, and tho holder of the lucky ticket proved to bo Miss B. Stevens. Mr G. Sy verson was M.C. , ... ... Mrs J. Hearsoy has returned after visiting relatives in Wellington. Mr H. Voss is a visitor to Gisborne for tho Poverty Bay Show. Miss P. Johnstone has returned from a holiday spent in Taranaki.