CONCERT AT AWAMOKO.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13934, 17 July 1917, Page 8

CONCERT AT AWAMOKO.

SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC EFFORT. On Thursday last the Awamoko Patriotic Society held another successful concert in aid of the Red Cross funds and the Salvation Army work at the front. Mr Thompson and liis concert party from. Oamaru provided a very enjoyable programme, consisting of the following items:—Chorus, "The Village Chorister"; song, "The Ship That's Bound for Blighty," Miss Collett; cornet solo, Mr 6. Whale; comic song, "My. Big Bassoon," Mr. W, Brown; song, "The Long, Long Trail," Mr Thompson; duet, "Golden Bells," Misses _ Collett; instrumental trio, 'Christmas Chimds"; song, Mr A, Glass; song, "Somewhere in Franco," Miss B, Collett; violin solo, Mr J, L, Steel; quartette, "Pro Plmiulo Basso," Every item was well rendered, and no doubt if time had permitted 'there would have been many encores.

At the conclusion of ilic programme, Dr. Orbell, in a liappv and chatty manner, kept the assembly keenly interested for about an hour as he gave some of liis experiences while on active service at Gallipoli and in Egypt, The audience were both interested and' amused as the doctor related many humorous episodes in his life as a soldier, and at other moments their hearts were stirred with feelings of great respect, honour, and sympathy for the brave lads who served so faithfully and well through that strenuous campaign. With extreme modesty as to his own share in the work, the doctor gave lis a clear insight'into the glorious performances of the Medical Service, ami when the circumstances under which the servicefhad to carry out its duties are considered it is indeed marvellous that the number of casualties proving fatal was not considerably increased.

The subject of the address and the information given by Dr. prbell 'served as an excellent lever for Mr Sumpter to gain the sympathy of the audience, and he was enabled to extract rapid bids for the gifts sent in to be 'auctioned. No one with a true British heart could: withstand Mr Sumpter's stirring and sympathetic appeal, and when it was stated, I hat between £OO and £7O was taken during the evening, it was a sure indication that Awamoko still showed its patriotism in a practical manner.

An ample supply of refreshments was provided by the ladies, and a very successful evening was concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.