’QUAKE RELIEF CONCERT

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1931, Page 8

’QUAKE RELIEF CONCERT

GREAT OKAIAWA SUCCESS.

CHEERFUL COMMUNITY SONGS.

Faces lost that set' look and smiles came freely when Mr. W. G. Simpson lc<l the audience at the Okaiawa earthquake relief concert on Tuesday in community singing. He said singing was a sure cure for that depression feeling and, as they joyfully went through the bld favourites, his hearers were not inclined to quarrel with him. ‘The singing was indeed the most successful portion, of a successful programme, which, commencing with numbers by talented ladies, men and children, was followed by supper and dancing. All had a good time with the additional satisfaction of having done something to help those a little less fortunate than themselyes.

In addition to leading the common-, ity singing, a purely impromptu, effort, Mr. Simpson had the big crowd that packed the hall —and incidentally paid nearly £2O for admission —in the best of humour with his songs. Humorous Scottish numbers interpreted with appropriate verve ensured him an excellent hearing and much applause. But Mr. 'Simpson did not monopolise the evening. There were the children of the Okaiawa school, some of whoiu sang a few suitable choruses, prettily and° in a more confident and robust way than. one would have expected. Others did a folk dance, one of those dainty measures with a delightful musical background which set the feet tapping. The little performers in their artistic display showed the fruits of much careful teaching by the members of the school staff. Two talented young people, Joyce Goodwin and Joyce Knightbridge, made quite an important contribution to the entertainment with an attractive little sketch and songs and recitations. Little Vi Jones also recited prettily and Junne Goodwin could scarcely have improved upon her representation oL a chimney sweep in a novel and daintily executed dance. The children’s portion of the programme was most enjoyable. • Then there were the vocalists. Mrs-. Graham sang most sweetly, a tribute to her performance being a beautiful bouquet that was handed up to her. Miss Gunderson’s song, of the popular kind, also brought forth /rounds of applause fbr its pleasing rendering. Mr. G. Cotterell’s robust number was given in a way that created just the right contrast with the otner songs. Instrumental items of high calibre were o-iven by Mr. E. Drake and Audiey Betts* (piano solos) and Mr. Downey (violin solo). In his humorous recitation Mr. D. Sherson was genuinely funny. At an appropriate juncture Mr. J. Barclay announced that an earthquake relief. eommittee had been formed in Okaiawa and had raised £3O. The concert was one of a weekly series of functions being held to 'raise funds. He asked the audience, whose. presence he appreciated, to express their thanks to the contributors to the programme, especially to those who had come long distances.' In conclusion he announced that subscription lists had been opened in Okaiawa and at the neighbouring factories. Donations worild be acknowledged in the Press. After the ladies had served supper the floor was cleared for dancing. Mr. O. Crawford fell naturally into his usual role of M.C.

WEDNESDAY CRICKET. HAWERA DEFEATS OLD BOYS. In a cricket match at Hawera yesterday the Hawera Wednesday team beat bld Boys by 40 runs on the first innings. Old Boys made 93 (Moloney 56), Worrall taking six wickets for 39 runs. Hawera replied with 123, the scoring being’ of much more even nature. Worrall made 27, McFadyen 15 and Hollenbank 29. G. ’ Moloney captured six wickets at a cost of 15 runs. The annual cricket match between South Taranaki and Rangitikei will be played at Hawera' on March 14. ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE. / At the quarterly meeting of the Loyal Union Lodge, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, in Hawera, pn Tuesday night it was reported that Napier members of the Order now in • Hawera were being helped where necessary. Brothers Sage, Hawke and Kingston, were elected to represent the lodge at the district conference. Sister Tippett was elected the S.V.G.G. in succession to Sister Kasper, who is leaving the district. i HAWERA TALKIES. OPERA HOUSE—-“MANSLAUGHTER.” “Manslaughter,” which with Thomas Meighan and Leafrice Joy was a great success as a silent picture, is now showing at the Opera House, Hawera, the season ending to-night. Claudette Colbert and Fredric March play the leading roles in this audible moving picture which George Abbott adapted and directed. Brought up to date, inspired with Abbott’s genius, “Manslaughter” is said to be even more of a sensation on . the talking screen than it was either as a novel or as a silent picture. It opens among ther playboys and gay girls who ride and swim and make merry in the society whirl. It turns to the serious side of life, as tragedy grips the most daring and carefree of these gorgeous people. It develops iiito a' tremendous conflict of love and hate,’with a handsome young attorney pitting his strength against the' wilfulness ' of a beautiful girl. The famous “Rogue'Song” will open at the Grand Theatre to-inorrow.