AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 20, 17 August 1917, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

TOKO S FAREWELL. J i , ~ Over one hundred of Toko’s boys have gone to the war; eighteen hare paid the supreme sacrifice; and two have returned wounded. It is a great record, and a sad one. But still they go. Last night a large crowd gathered in the Coronation Hall to do honor to two of their lads, Riflemen A. Cate and R. Bnrghara, both members ot loyal fighting families as their records show. On a fateful Bth September. three Toko men were killed, one of these was a brother of Rifleman Cate, who is now going forward to meet the foe. Rifleman Bingham lias a brother now at the front. Though just turned twenty years of age, these lads in khaki are of the hefty type, turning the scale at over thirteen stone. No one doubts that they will make good soldiers, and the best wishes of the whole countryside goes with them to the n«ar —and back again, we pray. Mr W. H. Were, on behalf of Toko, in a short suitable sjxsech last night, presented them with wristlet watches, and referred with pride to the fact that such fine lads were born and brought up in the district. Miss Burgham fastened the gift on her brother’s wrist and Miss . I ones performed a similar compliment with Rifleman Cate. The recipients it appeared would be more at home ihandling rifles witli fixed bayonets ;than making speeches, but they gave it a go, which, is a sure 'sign of grit, ■and they thanked .all Toko very much .for the gifts and kind expressions of good luck. It was a pleasant interlude in the night’s entertainment, !which took the form of a social ana dance, everything going off merrily. Songs were given by Mr W. Harris, “Little Grey Home in the West” (encored) : Miss B. Sheahan “God Send You Back Again” (encored); Miss Fieldes “Bird of Love Divine” (encore “Homeland”); Mrs Massey, “Mate O’Mine” (encore “Mother Macree”); Miss Bretherton, “Rainbow” (encored); Air T, Wilson “A Sail on a ■Piping Breeze” (encore “Youth”); Air T. Hanford “Dream Boat” (en'cored); Air F. Hanford (treble encore) ; Air James, of Ngaere (encored); song and dance, Air J. Andrews '(encored). Air F. Foley delighted and mystified the audience with sleight-of-hand tricks with cards and coins, and was loudly - applauded. Excellent music for the dances was supplied by Mrs Bianchi (piano) and Mr S. Parker (cornet); extras being kindly played by Aliss Eileen Kelly, Miss, May Japi® B ? and Aliss Alurphy. The Im.C.’s were Air AI. Gernhoefor and Mr J. T. Kilpatrick. The Stratford, visitors are indebted to Alessrs ‘G. Smart, C. Bridger, J. Davis. H. GplInp, and AI. Gernhoefer for the use;#)f their cars as conveyances. Circumstances arose necessitating Mr AI. Gernhoefer, Air P. Gold-up and Mr B-. Bennett turning out with their cars in the small hours of the morning for which special thanks are due.

SOCIAL AND DANCE AT NCAbRE. The attendance at the social at Ngaere last night was rather disappointing. A varied programme was submitted and was keenly relished, encores being the order of the evening. The Rogers’ instrumental trios were features of the programme and included “Lucia di Lanruermon 5 ' (Donizetti) and “Souvenirs of Sorrento” (Papini), and Miss Rogers was also encored for her bowing -in “Legende” and “Rigioletto.” Mr 13. J. Peters was in good voice and both his contributions wore honored with recalls. Mrs Edmondson “Valley of Laughter” and Miss Phillips “ When You Ho Home” also fully deserved the recalls for-their items. Mr ()eo. Sannc contributed two numbers “Dike Stars Above” and “Annie Laurie.” and also assisted Mr Edmondson iu the duet '“All s Well. Those items proved very popular. In the quartette party’s numbers, “Mien of Harlech” and “Poor Old Joe,' the voices blended with good effect. The comedy element was entrusted to Mr Prank Ban lord, who was in great ,Jlemuncl, and generously contributed comic ditties, after-dinner speeches, etc, that proved him a versatile and accomplished entertainer. Air Edmondson was the principal accompanist, Miss Rogers and Mr Tom Hanford also lending valuable asssistanee. At the close of the concert the hall was cleared and till an early hour a bright and merry band thoroughly enjoyed the hill-01-fare.

SCOTTISH CONCERT. A Huai reminder is given of the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society s concert and dance in the Town Hall this evening. It is claimed that the concert programme is one of the best provided on a Stratford platform lor si.me, time, and a big crowd will no doubt take advantage of the opportunity of hearing several outside performers as well as the local talent. Special arrangements have been made in connection with the supper for the dance. FIRE BRIGADE BALL. Members of the Stratford Volunteer "ire Brigade are working energetically ia view of the forthcoming Plain and Fancy Dress Ball. It is hoped to at least equal if not pass the standard of the last successful function recently held.