MUSIC AND DRAMA

Timaru Herald, Volume CVII, Issue 16477, 23 February 1918, Page 7

MUSIC AND DRAMA

HELP RETURNED SOLDIERS. THe musical and dramatic entertainment given in the Theatre Royal lastf night in aid of the Returned Soldiers' Memorial drew an audience that filled nearly every 'available seat. Thut Theatre was appropriately decorated with, flags of the Allies. The Battalion Band rendered assistance by playing outside, and Miss K. Young and other young ladies added to the receipts by selling sweets.The first part of the entertainment was opened by the Gferaldine orchestra, with an overture that gave the audience pleasurable anticipations of whaa was ■to follow. Mr Ernest Empsnn as solo pianist, Madam Gower Burns, and Mr G. L. Bowron as singers (all three from Ohristchurch) more than fulfilled all expectations, and received hearty applause and recalls. The second part of the evening was devoted to Byron's comedy, "Uncle," played by the Geraldine Amateur* Company, in a manner that would' hava dome credit to a professional companyMost peopLe in the audience, probably, had heard or read of the success of? the company in their own town and Tcmuk'a, and looked forward to enjoying the performance. The laughter and applause showed that the whole housa enjoyed it immensely. After the concert the performers and all returned soldiers were invited to the Soldiers' Institute, where an appetising supper was served. Tha president of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers' Association (Ms Buckley) tfhanked the performers fol coming to their help, and his motion of thanks and appreciation was carried by acclamation.