SACRED PAGEANT

Southland Times, Issue 17764, 24 September 1914, Page 3

SACRED PAGEANT

SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT. What was described in the advertisement as a sacred pageant, tlio proceeds of which are to be donated to the war ambulance fund, eventuated in tbo Municipal Theatre last evening before a very largo audience. The performance consisted mostly of a series of items suitable for Bible-in-Schoois propaganda. When the curtain was raised a very pretty grouping scheme was disclosed to tlie view. In the centre of the stage were the present King of England and it is Consort, while there were also cn view King Alfred, Queen Victoria, representatives of the throe nations and of subject states, foreign' countries, including Germany, being also represented. The make-up of the different characters was good, the costumes being well and appropriately designed. From the time of the rendering of the opening item, "‘Onward Christian Soldiers.*’ until the close the attention of the audience was rivited, th'e constantly changing .scenes calling forth warm approval. The pageant was arranged by Mrs Harrison Lee Oowie, and she also directed the proceedings, which were carried out in a manner which betokened painstaking rehearsal. A combined vlioir, conducted by Mr W. Quinn rendered material aid in achieving success, and the pageant was fortunate in .securing tin 1 services <>f Mr Gitas Gray, who acted as musical conductor, and saved more titan one situation which might nave proved awkward. The various items, which included songs, addresses, recitations, an ambulance display, selections by the .South School Drum and Fife Band, choruses, etc., wore attractively dealt with, the principal characters being taken by Mr \V. Lewis t King). Miss Pyle (Queen), King Alfred (Air A. S. Wallace), Queen Victoria (.Miss Lopdcli). African Ambassador .'Mr Andrew Gowic), Turkey (Mr Hardy), Early Victorian Lady (Sister Moody Bell). The soloists were .Miss Richards (“Send the Light” and “Lonely Hearts"), .Miss Clement (Edendale), Miss Arthur ("The Russian National Anthem”), and Miss Officer.