AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 21, 18 August 1917, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

j SCOTTISH CONCERT. As was only to be expected in a. , function o. the kind, Highland aidsand lassies dressed in national costume and wearers of the Tartan were much in evidence at the Town Hail last evening, when the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society set the ball rolling in their latest movement to secure money for the sick and wounded soldiers fund. An excellent and (varied programme was provided. The curtain rose on a bright multi-coiored scene, with a company of Highlanders as a centre-piece and a collection of the flags of the Allies overhead. The proceedings opened with the singing of the “National Anthem” then Miss Reid executed the Highland Fling very cleverly, being loudly applauded. Mr Goldsworthy, of New Plymouth, excellently recited Scott’s “Marmion,” and later was much applauded for his rendering of the New Zealand poet Bracken’s “Not Understood” : Mr Dunstan, also of New Plymouth, was -encored for his singing of “The Drum” and gave “Fluer- , ette’Va light catchy number which was new to many of his listeners. His other number was “Sword of Ferrara.” Mr P, Aitkcn (Stratford)' was well suited in “The Highland Man's Toast,” and was recalled when he sung the well-know* and popular “Doch and Doris.” “Angus MacDonald” was a very good number by Miss Fyfi'e, and in response to an encore she captivated everyone with a musical soul by her rendering of “Somebody Whispered to Me.” Mr Darlow (Inglewood) on being recalled for bis fine rendition of “Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold.” sang “Thrush at Eve.” A Border ballad was sung in good style by Mr G. T. 'Walters. The dancing items provided pleasant I changes in the programme. A reel ; was supplied by Miss and Master | Reid and Messrs Joe Wade and . Macrae. Master Reid's sword dance was a big item from a little per- . former. The Rev. Papakura (Opunake) again delighted a Stratford aujdience. His first number was “If Thou Wert Blind.” and he was obliged to answer a double encore with “Annie Laurie” and “Coming Home.” • Opinion was divided as to his best effort, but perhaps “Annie Laurie” (in the latter verses of which the accompaniment- was dispensed with) should he awarded the honors. Mr Macrae appeared to be quite up to his high standard of stepping in the Sailor’s Hornpipe. Mr F. Hanford iv’as in his usual good form and started off with “The Annuity,” a Scotch item which he was afraid would swamp him in pronunciation, but his ! fears turned out to be groundless. He was twice recalled and supplied two I screamingly funny Scotch stories. | “My Dear Soul” and “Lincoln’s In” (the latter as an encore number) i was very nicely rendered by Miss Laiug (Inglewood). On being recalled for “Bluebells of Scotland” Miss E. Sangster sang that old favorite “Ye Banks and Braes.” Mr P. Gormley (Hawera) delighted the, audience with “Cassidy, V.C.” and was twice recalled, his two other humorous songs being “Dear Me’’, and “Who’s Your Lady Friend.” / The floor was cleared for dancing and the arrangements were in the hands of M.C.’s Macrae, Paul, and McFarhme. Miss Anderson (Midhirst), Mr S. Parker (cornet) and Mr H. Harrison (violin' provided dance music, and extras were kindly supplied by local and visiting musicians. The ladies of the Society provided a dainty supper in their well-known style. Though all tickets have not yet been handed in, it is estimated that the financial result of the entertainment will reach about £OO, which, it will be admitted, is very creditable to those who have worked so energetically for the cause.

A NIGHT WITH BRANICAN. A smoke concert was tendered to Private Jack Brauigan by about fifty friends last evening, the function taking place in the Bridge Buildings. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. McMillan' presided, and visitors were present from all parts of the district, even as far as Inglewood. The proceedings were of the most jovial nature, and many expressions of good will and good luck for the guest were i heard on all sides. The speeches were interspersed with song and .story. The ( hainuan, hi a capital speech, presented Private Brauigan with a • “tenner,” the gift being accompanied with every hope for success in the future, as a token of esteem. The full programme was as follows: Toast, “The King” : >ong, “Salt Beef Bill,” Mr A. Woodhead .encore) Story about a Dog); “Little Brown Jug,” Mr M. I Ereer ; song. “My Old Shako,” Mr J. Lister (encore, “Old Brigade”); !toast, “The Guest,” Private BraniIgan; toast, “The. Boys at the Kront.” ['Private .lack Brauigan and Private Allan Walker suitably responded; song Mr W. Barlow; * song, Mr .1. S. I’owe encored; song, j “Tiie Veteran” (encored); song, i “Good Old Jeff,” Mr Street ; toast, | “Our Fallen Comrades” (all standing): speech by Air Ladbrook ; song, , “Ten Days’ Leave,” Mr Rowe (en(cored); song. “Three 1 for Jack,” Mr Lister; song, “Billy,” Mr Wilson (encore, “0 For a Taping Breeze”); song, ‘ Some.ihere a Voice is Calling,” Mr R. Fryday; re: Ration, Mr Randup; toast, “The Chairman,” Mr iWoodh.ead. Owing to a second engagement, the Mayor retired after the ’principal business was over, and Mr Wood head took the chair , thereafter conducting the gathering in capital 'style. Mr VV. Robinson made an obliging and capable accompanist. “Auld Lung Syne.” heartily repeated, terminated a pleasant evening.