STEWART ISLAND NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21605, 18 January 1932, Page 7

STEWART ISLAND NOTES

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT AND DANCE. Mr George M. Turner, president of the Rakiura Tennis Club, presided over a very large audience in the public hall last Wednesday night, the occasion being the club's annual concert and dance. Visitors contributed largely to the programme, the first item being a pianoforte solo by Mr Vernon Russell, who has proved most popular at this year’s entertainments. .Mr George Smith, accompanied by Mrs Smith, was heartily applauded, especially by those who hailed from the land of the heather

by his singing of “Hail Caledonia.’’ He sang two encore numbers. Pianoforte duets were given by Mr and Miss Service and were highly appreciated. Mouth organ solos by Mr Wyeth made a splendid variety to the programme, as also the poi dances by Mrs J. Bragg and Miss M. Walscott to accordion music played by Mr Charles Captain. The dances by the Misses Snow and Tennant were well performed. Mr G. Aspinall, Stewart Island’s comedian, prodided much amusement in song and dance. Norwegian songs were beautifully rendered unaccompanied by Mr Nicolaysen. Mrs Barnsdale and Mr J. Simmers in their solos were also favourites and responded to encores. At the close of the programme the chairman thanked the artists for the

i splendid entertainment ' they had given, i and also the audience for their support, i A dance followed which was also well supported. The visitors who are now spending their i vacations on the Island are having ideal i weather, and are spending most of their ; time picnicking. Anyone arriving at Halfmoon Bay on Thursday afternoon would have thought it was deserted. After an all night rain, . Thursday morning showed signs of an improvement. About 10 o’clock the indica- ! tions were that the day would be fine and warm. Launches left their moorings and i came alongside the wharf, and were soon i loaded up with passengers all bent on i having good time. One by one the boats

left the wharf and made for Ulva Island, the place chosen by the Stewart Island Yacht Club for its picnic. It was a pretty sight to see all the boats lying anchored in Sydney Cove, as one approached the island. Children were in their glory paddling in the water or making sand castles on the golden beach. Games and races were taken part in by young and old. There was ample time for those who wished to take a walk over the island to view its scenic beauties. Tea was provided and there seemed no end of dainty eatables. Everyone was happy and members of the Yachting Club were highly commended for the arrangement of such a splendid outing, also the launch owners who conveyed the party to and from the picnic grounds.