SUCCESSFUL CONCERT TO RELIEVE DISTRESS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6670, 25 July 1928, Page 6

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT TO RELIEVE DISTRESS

Taking as their motto the excellent slogan of “deeds not words’’ that active organisation, the Business Girls’ Lunch Club has made its bid towards the reduction of the mid-winter distress in the town. Last year also, the members of this club, contributed their very substantial mite towards the aid of the poor and needy, when they organised a concert, universally acknowledged to be one of the most successful of the year. With even more reason for their charitable endeavours than in 1927, tho club has once again earned tha gratitude of the town, for last evening the Opera House was filled to : tho doors with a crowd, gathered not only to hear an excellent concert, but to show their appreciation of the efforts of tho business girls towards the relief of tho distressed. The club cannot bo too highly commended for tho enterprise and enthusiasm it has shown in furnishing the people of Palmerston North with a practical opportunity to show their apprecia- • tion of a worthy cause. That they did so in no unstinted manner was shown by the takings at the doors totalling no less than £6O, this sum being quite apart from that raised by the outside sale of tickets. Apart.from its excellent object—which would alone have drawn public support—the, concert itself was quite one of the most successful and enjoyable which has been staged so far this year. If there was any guarantea of its" merit needed, it was forthcoming in the fine array of : local talent which had been recruited for the occasion. No less than the general _ ibiic, the artists of Palmerston North showed their appreciation of the efforts of the business girls bytheir willing response to the club’s 'appeal. It is on but few occasions daring tho year that tho theatregoing public is givcn such an opportunity to hear their own artists in such a charming concert. Thq concert was remarkable in many things blit chiefly' in . its delightful variety. Per lovers of tho dance, there wore two dainty ballet scenes, staged by ; tho pupils of Miss Diana Tabor and Mrs Oswald Telford, while solo and duet items were contributed by Miss Clarice Sapwcll, Miss Joyce Clout (Wellington), Miss Edna Bohn and Miss Ngairo Cdnghlan. In nil tho numbers as was to be expected from such accomplished young artistes, there was some most charming dancing and delightful ffooking. General regret was felt when it became known that Miss Naomi Whalley and Mr, William Watters would be unable to appear owing to indisposition. They are two artists who hhye won for themselves a reputation 1 extending beyond Palmerston North. Despite this unfortunate defection, however, the programme was successfully re-arranged, Mr, and Mrs Garde Grimshaw doing a great deal to fill tho gap. They also, are vocalists who need no introduction and who arc their own ror immendation. Such well known performers as Miss Dorothy Stairs, Miss Nita Bleckley and Miss Hughes (Peilding) were also heard in some well chosen and charming vocal numbers which brought many 1 demands for encores. .On tho instrumental side the concert was excellently balanced. Miss D. Southey-Bakcr, and Miss P. Howley 'with their violins held the audience: in tho strain of their melodies during their all too brief items, while Miss Mavis Muirhead, in a splendidly executed pianoforte number, received unstinted appreciation. Another popular instrumental performer ■ performer was Mr. Morshead with his concertina—a. humble instrument but in the hands of an understanding player, one of rare power. On the elocutionary side, sqch well known and justly popular performers - as Miss Din Hancock, Miss L. Teale and Mr. H. W. Smales still further enhanced their reputation on the concert platform. The required spice of humour both in dialogue and melody was introduced by Mr Parmer with his comic songSj Miss Phyllis May and Mr. Davidson, in a really humorous 'sketch "Spring Onions" and last, but far from,iea.st, tho ever popular Huia Quintette. This entertaining little band of performers, however, were forced to make their appearance last evening, ■without, the leader of their party Mr W. G. Roberts. Despite this defection the Huias drew a triple encore with their rendition of some of tho latest and catchiest, modern melodies. Two accomplished young artists, well known on the competitions stage, Miss Grace Barnao and Master Earle Catterick, also gave a most charming character duet which received a very appreciative reception. .During the interval, one of the trustees, Mr M. H. Oram, on behalf of the Business Girls ’ Club thanked the public for their splendid support of tho concert. Mr. Oram also took the opportunity of thanking the performers who had so willingly given their services and all others who had assisted in any way. Especially, Mr. Oram mentioned Messrs J. P. Stubbs and P. S. 0 Hubbard (stage managers) and Messrs G. H. Bennett, A. J. Shailor and the Empire Auctioneering Co, who had lent the piano, stage decorations, etc. In conclusion, Mr,. Oram expressed the club’s appreciation of the action of the Opera House management in letting the house free of charge.