OFF TO MILAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 639, 16 April 1929, Page 1

OFF TO MILAN

J.C.L. Concert to Birrell O’Malley MANY ARTISTS Nearly 500 people gave a staff farewell concert at John Court, Ltd.’s, last evening to the popular Auckland tenor, Mr. Birrell O’Malley, who Is leaving on Friday to study in Milan. Many artists gave Items in an excellent programme, and Mr. O’Malley, besides giving "Because” as his main number, was recalled twice. He sang “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” and “Mother Machree.” In a brief speech, Mr. John Court told the audience of the interest tile firm took in Mr. O’Malley’s prospects. For the past 40 years, Mr. Court had watched the ability and the interests of many young men, and none had shown more promise than the guest of the evening. Mr. Court mentioned that Mr. O'Malley had been with the firm nine yeSTrs. For the directors and the staff, Mr. Court presented Mr. O’Malley with a cheque, a rug and a travelling trunk. In reply, Mr. O’Malley said that the trip to Milan had been made possible largely through the generosity of the firm. Applause for Mr. O’Malley In his songs was unlimited. His easy range of voice was impresive. In the programme given, elocutionary numbers by Miss Lynda Murphy, and Maori songs by Mr. Barry Coney were outstanding. Miss Murphy delighted the audience with charming items. Mr. Coney sang “Waiata Maori,” introducing “Hoki Hoki Tonu Mai,” and “Komate, Komate.” As an encore he sang “Hei Ha.” Mr. Dan Flood gave two amusing sketches at the piano, and a young singer, Miss Sybil Phillipps, gave pleasure with her songs. Other prominent entertainers were Misses Dorothy Youd. Martha Williamson, Mina Kronfeld. Messrs. Lambert Harvey and Dudley Wrathall. Misses Youd and Williamson and Mr. Wrathall sang the “Gipsies’ Laughing Trio.”