WAIHOU

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6603, 23 May 1925, Page 5

WAIHOU

BENEFIT SOCIAL TO ME AND MES McENTEEE The residents of the Elstow and Waihou districts turned out last evening to express in a practical way their sympathy with Mr and Mrs McEnteer, who recently sustained considerable loss when their residence was destroyed by fire. The Waihou Hall, which was tastefully decorated with greenery and coloured streamers, presented an animated appearance, and great praise is due to the organisers for the splendid entertainment provided. It had been announced that Darby’s orchestra would supply the music but unfortunately two members of the quartette were unable to reach Waihou from Matamata, and it was left for Mrs Darby (piano) and Mr Darby (violin) to carry on. This they did in a way which did them great credit and gave every satisfaction to the dancers, and no charge was made for their sei-vices. A song by Miss Lila Robinson was received with continued applause demanding an encore, the singer responding with a fairy song which delighted the hearThe inimitable Mr E. C. Wykes convulsed his audience with a wonderfully sweet rendering on his “Big Basso.” We are convinced that this remarkable instrument is unique in the realms of music, and judging by the volume of appluase which greeted the artist, its success as an orchestral instrument is assured. Mr Wykes, on being called back for an encore, sang “Mr McClusky,” the man who stuttered too much, which received an ovation.

A diversion was caused when a number of baskets containing a great variety of good things were sold. A prize, which took the form of a handsome fruit dish, was given to the donor of the basket which brought the highest price. Mrs Bullen and Miss Teague, whose baskets realised 14/each, tied for first place, and in the subsequent draw Mrs Bullen was successful. A basket with which went a live Black Orpington cockerel was knocked down for 12/-, another gaily decorated basket fetched 10/-, while others sold at from 5/-, 7/and 7/6 upwards, and in all from the sale of these baskets, all of which were donated, was realised £6 16/-. Two guessing competitions, one for a boudoir cap and the other for an embroidered nightdress, were decided. Mr F. Flowerday won the boudoir cap and Mrs A. Allen the nightdress. Extras were played by Miss Joan Black, Miss Burke and Mrs Twidle.

The supper arrangements were excellently carried out by the ladies in charge, and the M.C. (Mr H. Rowbotham) discharged his duties in a way which added considerably to the enjoyment of the evening. The total amount realised is not available as we go to press, but will be published later.