PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 79, 23 March 1908, Page 4

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

WAITAIU. (From Our Own Correspondent). St. Patrick's Day wa3 celebrated in Waitara by a grand spectacular and variety cnki'tainmenl, organized by Mr. Farmer, in aid of St. Patrick', Church. The sfntiug capacity of St. John', Hall was severely taxed, and liefore eight o'clock, standing room only, and very little of that, made the managerial heart wax glad. In compiling the programme, particular pains were taken to give the play-going public sometlung fresh and out of the beaten track, and in this the promoter was fortunate enough to be successful, the general consensus of opinion being "the host show ever staged in Waitara." The main atractions were excerpts from comic opera and musical comedy, produced under license from Mr. J. (.!. Williamson, and staged by members of the InglewoOd Operatic Society. The costumes of the performers were maguiiiccnt, while the singing and acting were well above the usual ainatsur standard. 'The following were the numbers given:—"Soldier in the Park," from the. "Uunaway Girl," liy Mrs. 11. Thompson and chorus; ''The Toreador," Mr. Walter Matthews and chorus; "Yo ho, Little Cirl, yo ho," Mr. It. D. Eog-;rs and chorus; Sir Joseph Porter's song from "Pinafore," Mr. J. H. Howe and chorus; "Follow the man from Cook's,'' by Messrs. Matthews, Kowo and Thompson; "Sister," Mrs. 11. Thompson and chorus. All the above were splendidly staged, the setting of the "Toreador'' in particular Ijeing a brilliant blaze of color, the national Spanish dress lending itself most effectively to display. In addition to the foregoing the folloving concert and variety programme was submitted to the audience, who manifested their approval by undeniable eucores:— "Father O'Flyiin." Mr. Walter Wilkes; "Just a hunch of Shamrock?," Miss lindley; "The lioiuany Lass," Mr. S. P. How; "Sleep and Forget," Miss May Jones; and "Teach me to llomsmber," Miss Foley. Mr. W. Lints gave an exhibition of club-swinging with glass jars filled with water, the pe.'former being olindiolded during the at', Later he gave a. pyrotechnic act, producing globes of lire, both turns being productive of hearty applause. Mr Carrie recited "The (Jee-gee and tlia Moto.'' in good style. The humorous side of things was capably delineated by Mcsm's Hinnie. Farmer and W. Matthews, who kept the ball lolling chestra consisting of Mrs. Kussell (piano I. Mcs,rs. I.occli I violin), Sturiney (lias,), and Kicliards (cornet) lent very valuable assistance. The accompaniments were played !>v Mrs. ltu s ,cll,Miss Chong, and Mr. J. Sutherland. The total takings amounted (o £22 Os (id. r which is a record for Wait:\ra. Extra stagi? lighting -was supplied bv Mcssr.,. Andrews and Co., and the hall was decorated with a line display of bunting.