Splendid Concert At Opera House

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 66, 19 March 1936, Page 8

Splendid Concert At Opera House

RADIO AND OTHER ARTISTS ASSIST INVALID LADY.

A splendid concert, favoured with an excellent attendance, was presented in the Opera House last evening, with the object of raising funds in aid of a local distress case. The programme was a thoroughly enjoyable one, including in its numbers a considerable variety of items. The “Smart Set Entertainers'' gave generous contributions of their talent, as did the cousins of 2ZO radio station, which was largely responsible for the promotion of the concert. Several of the city 's artists also assisted, and the audience was more than pleased with the pleasurable fare offered. The Smart Set Entertainers were a small but versatile and brilliant company from Napier, under the leader ship) of Mr. F. 11. Bast-in. The performers were Chun Yuen Tai, the Chinese magician, Paul Sindcn, vodeller, Fitzroy Robson, ventriloquist and character artist, and Miss Doris Constance, soubrette. Others of the party were unable to be present as they were engaged in Hastings assisting the Me Gregor memorial fund.

The programme opened with a sketch by the 2ZO artists, assisted by members of the children's circle. Local artists who assisted during the evening were: Mrs. Keith Jones, vocalist; Miss Pauline Mathews, dance number; Mr. Alan Sundborn, instrumentalist; Miss Joan Maunder, vocalist; Mr. Claire Sheriff, vocalist; Miss Melba Smith, elocutionist; Inkpen’s Melody Orchestra, selections; Miss’ Zoe Rabone, dance numbers; Miss Gwen Gibbs' Broadwmy School of Dancing, ballet numbers. It was announced that it was hoped to purchase a radio set for an elderly lady, an invalid, with the proceeds. Hearty appreciation was expressed by the audience, not only of the acts of the individual performers, but of their generosity in giving their services for the occasion.

The concert was under the patronage of the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansion!, who forwarded an apology for unavoidable absence.