HUKERENUI ASSISTANCE.

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1914, Page 5

HUKERENUI ASSISTANCE.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT AND SOCIAL.

(Own Correspondent.)

The house was packed to the doors on the occasion of the pariotic social. Standing room was at a premium^

The first part of the programme consisted of musical and vooal Itema,

The overture, "Sultan's Grand March," was p!"asi;rdy .layod by Misses L.'ssell ;* ad May Broonifiel;!. T'.:i3 was followed by a grand tableau representing the Empire, by the local

school children. Pretoria Collins posed as Britannia, and was supported by Ivy Dobbs, "New Zealand"; Cecille Bartley, "Canada"; Dorothy Broomfield, "India"; Clair Rouse, "Australia"; Amber Smith, "South Africa." The g-roup, with the audij er.ee, sang- the National Anthem and ! "Rule Britannia" with a vim that expressed the intense patriotic i'oelI ing that has been awakened by the J Empire's peril. Miss Stewart was ■ very successful in rendering "The ; Flag- of the Homeland"; Mr Georgeson followed with a recitation, ! "Laska," that evidently pleased the audience. The next item proved a ' side-splitter. The Golliwogs (Masters James Leggat and Ralph Trimmer) sang "My Beautiful Doll, assisted by Golliwog Junior (Master Lea Wilson). This item brought down the house and an imperative ; encore had to be responded to. Mr I McKearney, in costume, sang a comic song, and had to make a second appearance. Miss Stewart then sang charmingly "The Bonnie Banks )' Loch Loniond." The Junior Golliwog, assisted by his seniors, then gave "The Lily of Hukerenui." The next item was the classic "Absent-minded Beggar," the appeal being made by Mr Charles.Hauraki. Showers of coin were rained on the stage, some thirty shillings being swept up. This part of the programme was brought to a close by a spirited patriotic song, Britons All!" by Mr George.

The progressive sale of gifts was then proceeded with. Mr J. Broomfield acted as auctioneer under special permit. This was Mr Broomfield's maiden effort in the "going, going, gene" business and he certainly covered himself with glory. Things were there to be sold and he succeeded in passing" off the • various lots in great style. The gifts included poultry, butter, kauri gum, greenstone, vegetables,, cases of apples, books, eggs,' seed potatoes, lamb, horse, frock, and ham. Good prices were realised, the most sensational being taat brought by a rooster presented by Mrs Waiomio. This patriotic chanticleer added £2 to the fund and is now in the proud possession of Mr Frank Morrow. Messrs J. W. Pattison and W. H. George tied in guessing the weight of Miss Ivy Broomfield's cake, and Miss Ida Right won the prize for guessing that of the cake presented by Mrs W. H. Clark.. Mr J. Broomfield was first for guessing the number of beans in a bottle. The floor was then cleared for dancing which was kept up till an early hour. .-.,•.. The efforts of the Committee in getting up the social and carrying it to such a successful issue were greatly appreciated. The general* consensus of opinion,was that it was the best function from every point of view ever held in Hukerenui. Where so many hands made light of of labour it would be invidious to mention a few, so, as you are getting short of paper, I shall mention none; but I should like our willing helpers to understand that their assistance is gratefully remembered.

The War Fund will benefit by at least £31 as a result of the social. With the stock sale a while ago, and the school contributions this to date makes a total of about £62 for Hukerenui.

Mr J. Morgan kindly lent the Hall and piano free of charge.