BLUFF NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22304, 20 April 1934, Page 9

BLUFF NEWS

A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. (From Our Correspondent.) There was a good attendance of the public on Monday evening at the Town Hall for the concert given by Miss Kathleen Derbie’s pupils and supporting artists. There could be no question as to the merit of the entertainment; for every item was of a high standard and patrons obviously enjoyed the programme from first to last, encores being the order of the evening. A feature was the dressing in the various dance numbers, this being most attractive and exciting admiration amongst the audience. The dancing of the pupils showed what careful and skilled tuition can do in training the young. Each number was executed with an ease and finish which won approval from those present, the pupils, both senior and junior, being part perfect in solo and combined items. Although the entertainment reached high water mark throughout, special mention must be made of the tap dancing and acrobatics of little Naomi Critchfield, whose turns—remarkably clever for one so young—were very pleasing to the audience. Other dance soloists who did excellent work were M. Frampton, O. E. Skerrett, S. Lilley, R. Derbie, V. Holmes, and B. Johnstone. Dance duo numbers were attractively given by M. Adams and L. Toogood (“Harlequin’s Surprise”), E. Drury and B. Derbie (“The Dandies”), B. Derbie and E. Skerrett (“Camptown Races”). The pupils (in some items assisted by Miss Kathleen Derbie) appeared in numerous ballets and scenas. These were all very well performed, the ballet “La Rouge” (Miss Derbie and senior pupils) and grand finale, “Love’s Old Sweet Song” (Misses Derbie and M. Johnstone and pupils) being particularly fine efforts. The assisting artists included Miss Kitty Bradshaw and Mr Norman Bradshaw, who were heard in tuneful Maori vocal numbers, for which Mr Bradshaw played guitar accompaniments. These proved popular and extra items were demanded by the audience. Other pleasing numbers were the song “E Pari Ra” by E. Skerrett, recitation by E. Ferry; a song by Miss N. Derbie, saxophone solos by Mr N. Henderson and a very clever rendering of “The Hollywood Party” by Miss N. Derbie. Overtures and music for the various dance numbers was played by the Ambassadors’ Orchestra. After the concert a dance was held, the orchestra again providing the music, with extras by Mr N. Bradshaw. Mr R. Barnett filled the role of M.C. The arrangements for Miss Derbie’s concert left nothing to be desired. All the performers were ready for appearance as each preceding number ended. Progressive League. A meeting of the Bluff Progressive League /as held on Monday evening, his Worship the Mayor, Mr T. F. Doyle, presiding over the following: Messrs G. V. Edge (secretary), B. Boberg, W. H. C. Johnston, J. McQuarrie, D. McKenzie, C. N. Crawford, C. W. Tonkinson, L. P. Denton, T. Finnerty, C. Hunter, J. H. Doyle, R. Woods, C. Beaton, T. W. Parry. Letters were read from various school committees and other bodies regarding picnic facilities at Bluff and thanking the league (and particularly the secretary) for the courtesy and assistance extended to visitors. Messrs Edge, Dention and Crawford, who had been elected a committee at a previous meeting to frame a set of rules for the league, reported having done so and these were read by the secretary. The rules as submitted were discussed and it was finally decided to supply members desiring them with copies so that they could be thoroughly considered and, if necessary, revised before being adopted at the annual meeting later in the year. In the meantime it was agreed that five should form a quorum at future meetings before the annual meeting. It was also decided to hold a general meeting once in every three months. Messrs Edge, Denton and Crawford were thanked for their work in framing the rules and the matter of procuring duplicate copies was left to the chairman, secretary and Mr R. Woods. Mr Edge reported that nineteen picnic parties had visited the port during the year and it was estimated that more than 4060 people had attended as members of the parties, in addition to hundreds of others who joined in. The water boiling plant had proved very efficient and the hot water, entirely free from smoke, soot or other impurities, had been most favourably commented on by those using it. Expenditure for the year amounted to £62 13/8 and it was anticipated that there would remain a credit balance of about ten guineas. Commenting on the report, the Mayor said that the position appeared to be very satisfactory and it was good to know that the league was functioning well. On the motion of Messrs Denton and Boberg the secretary’s report was adopted. Mr Edge was instructed to open negotiations with the Borough Council with the object of having a ladies’ retiring room added to the pavilion in Argyle Park, the league to pay part of the cost of erecting it. It was decided to draw the council’s attention to the necessity of adding to the shelter hedge on the eastern end of Argyle Park.