THE CARNIVAL CONCERT,

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 310, 28 September 1915, Page 4

THE CARNIVAL CONCERT,

NEARLY £IOO RAISED. Nearly another £IOO was added to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, as a re- ' suit of th e Monster Concert in the Town Hall last night. It was in every way what it was intended to be. for there was a monster attendance, a monster programme, and monster rej turns. Th e function, in its entirety, reflected sociability and a singleness of i purpose, and in that respect it was one of the most enjoyable entertainments one could wish to go to. The promoters have every reason to feel satisfied with the result of their labours for it is doubtful whether a larger or a more enthusiastic audience ever filled our Town Ha, 1 .!. The assistance rendered by a clever contingent from Marton made the programme particularly interesting. "Mine Host," of the White Hart, was indeed a host in himself, but with his famous "Spoof Band," he was simply irresistible. H e is an entertainer of no mean order, and all Taihape will appreciate the lift (he and his band have generously given our Carnival. The Carnival Committee is also indebted to Crozier's Orchestra for making the journey from Marton to contribute to the programme with well-play-ed selections, and for putting the finish touches on vocal items rendered by members of the "Spoof Band." In Mrs Stanley Peyton, Taihape has a musical asset of which it has every reason to feel proud. This lady's contributions by way of accompanying most of the vocal items were excellently rendered, being well-suited to the voice and style of each individual performer. The Taihape Brass Band gave ready and valuable help in playing outside the hall to draw public attention to what was taking place.

The programme opened with a procession of Britain and her Allies, even our Maori contingents being represented. Tjhis was a pleasing item, wellprepared, suita.bly dressed and creditably performed. The irrespressible Union Jack was then introduced by Mr D. J. McLennan. who, after a good deal of waving and fondling, sa/id it was to be sold and th e buyer or buyers could earmark the amounts they paid for the purchase of scrip in favour of whatever Queen candidate they felt disposed to support. Bids of £l, £5, £lO followed one after the other, it being knocked down to Mr Forde, in favour of the "R?d, "W!hit e and Blue candidate. After being bought, time after time, it was put up for "keeps." £1 shouts a bidder; £5 came sharply from a prominent worker for "Red, White and Blue," and at that price it was handed over to Mr H. O'Callaghan, aiteas realising a total of £3B 10/. The programme was lesumed wlt.'i a recitation, or it nvght le said, an e<o cutionary display, oy clever little Fi-n----mie Walsh, whose little voice colli be heard well all over the large hi' 1 , in a none too easy •• nee, "The Irishman and tht Mayor." He Avas, of course, encored. Mr A. James sang the patriotic song, "God Bless our Empire," most successfully, and in response to an irresistible encore sang "The Boys of the Old Brigade." Next, the audience was favoured with "The Two Sports," by Masters Stan. Pey-* ton and Jim Haigh. An encore brought forth, "Here we are Again." during which coins began raining on the platform, but the lads were quite equal to the emergency, and did not quit till they were satisfied that tjhey had extracted the last penny. Recitation was a strong feature on the programme, but there was far from being a dull moment. Miss Elsie Robinson recited as few young amateurs do and, scored an undoubted success with "British Statesmen," for which she was encored. The motor car tableau was a happy thought on someone's part, as, in addition to the mirth it raised, it added splendid variety to the programme. Mr Sam Powell, the chauffeur, (had rather a lively load aboard, who did a charming little vocal entertaining while he attended to the idiosyncrasies of Ihis machine. It is presumed the car broke down, for although the audience shouted, clapped and stamped, Sam couldn't b e induced to return by the road he came. Mrs Missen next contributed a splendid rendering of "When the Leaves Begin to TuruV'and as an encore gave Mr Alf. Itlll's "Waiata Poi." Following one after the other, came two very evident favourites, Mr A. Walker and Mr Stan. Peyton. The former was determinedly encored for his rendition of "The Song that will Live for Ever," while Mr Peyton had to submit to a triple encore. Everyone of his items were particularly well rendered, i:i fact, he would scarcely wish for anything more amusing and satisfyir|j. There were few people in the hall who hadn't the inclination to procure "sausages" for ihim. Another very agreable change in the programme was a very pretty exposition cf physical drill by ladies of the Taihape Gymnasium. The movements of almost every performer were graceful in the extreme and they certainly reflect the rrreatest credit on their instructor, Mr Nlcholls.

After a short intHval Crozier's Orchestra played a very pretty setting of title hymn, "Abide With Me," in. which the chimes were effectively introduced. An undeniable encore was responded to. The Marton Spocf Band prcvod to be a mirth-provoking instituTior., although funny to an exuviae, its item s were quite free from any vestige of vulgarity. They are to be cornplimented upon their remarkable success. Three cf the band's members contributed soles, for which they were \ery deservedly encored. It is to be hoped that more may be seen of the Sportf Band before the Carnival closes. The last item c n the programme was a song by Mr Kite, "Dear Old New Zeal a < I.' Mr Kite is only a yd'uth, but in his songs last night he pave great promise of future ability. The entertainment ended by the singing of "God Save the King*' at ib< ut quarter past eleven, and although the items carried the function well into tlu night, there was not a dull moment during th-r whole of the even' ig.