ST. SAVIOUR’S HOME FOR ORPHANS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18203, 2 March 1929, Page 13

ST. SAVIOUR’S HOME FOR ORPHANS

Lon Vernon (remembered for his realistic acting in “Rose Marie*’) seen as Rene de Montigny in “The Vagabond King,” the big J. C. Williamson musical play now being presented to crowded and delighted New Zealand audiences. Mr Vernon (in private life a charming and inoffensive gentleman, who lias resigned himself to bloodthirsty roles) has played the villain in many J.C.W. productions. In “The Vagabond King” he is a thoroughly dirty rascal, with the coutenance of a cut-throat, and (for stage purposes only) the soul of a traitor.

When Justin McCarthy wrote “If I were King” and created the character of the beautiful Katherine de Vaucelles he must have conjured up such a woman as Strella Wilson for the part, for she acts the great lady of the court to the very life. Possessing an | attractive figure, a handsome and ex- j pressive face, with a voice that for : sweetness of timbre and range has not been excelled, with dramatic power j given to but few, this Australian song- • bird has surely never been seen and heard to better advantage. With Mr James Liddy’s tenor voice mingling with her dulcet tone, the duets in “The Vagabond King” are surely a joy unalloyed. The visit to New Zealand of those two famous stage artists Irene Vanbrugh and Dion Boucicault calls back memories of another Dion Boucicault who, with his Avife, AA’as also the ido 1 of the people. Many, theatre-goers will remember the elder Dion in a series of Irish dramas, many of AA'liich were the work of the famous author, actor, and producer. Who of these can forget his i! limit work as miles-na-Copaleen in I “Colleen Bawa” or as the Avitty irresponsible Con in “Con, the Shaughran.” Mrs Boucicault played feminine lead in all the dramas, and the supporting company Avas a remarkably strong one. Some of the members Avere Misses Kate Douglas, Gwynne Herrick, Millard and Carrie Davie, Endsleigh; Messrs Frank Gerald (aa'lio always played the villain) F. C. Appleton, W. Hubert, Robert Vernon, Oscar Balfe and C. Thompson. The mantle of fame of the inimitable Con has truly fallen on the shoulders of his illustrious son, and his charming Avife.

Clem Dane, leader in fun with the Midnight Frolics,” is one of the few comedians who objects to being interviewed or photographed. Some years ago Clem Avas so shy' about being a comedian that he used to practise his art in a paddock so that his brothers and sisters wouldn’t laugh at him.

James Liddy, avlio plays the splendid part of Francois Villon in “The Vagabond King” the latest J. G. Williamson musical success (hoav playing to croAvded houses in NeAv Zealand) scored many successes in drama before his beautiful voice claimed the attention of managers and he Avas induced to essay the roles in which he has so impressed and pleased Australian and NeAv Zealand audiences. He playea Villon in the drama “If I were King” (on Avhich the Vagabond King” based), one hundred times, and the Prince in “Old Heidelberg” (which formed the basis of “The Student Prince”). In opera Mr Liddy has played Danilo in “The Merry Widow,” which Avas again one of the successes of the season Avhen it Avas recently revived in New York; also leading part in “The Chocolate Soldier.” He then played in “The Student Prince” and “The Vagabond King,” in the New York productions.

It is remarkable that in a prosperous young country like New Zealand so many children should be homeless •and dependent on the State and the Churches for their welfare. St. Saviour’s Homes, which represent the Anglican Church’s contribution to this problem in Canterbury, provide for 25 0 children including 22 helpless babies.

The Babies’ Home at Sumner, is the only home in Christchurch where destitute and orphaned babies can be taken in, and cared for. Many a pitiable case has been discovered; many a mother’s heart gladened at the thought that her baby will at least receive love, care and attention during her temporary ahsence; and many a father has blessed the work of St. Saviour’s Guild in caring for his motherless babe. The Boys’ Home in Timaru, and the Girls’ Home at Shirley, both carry on similar work. One has only to pay a visit to one of these to realise how wonderful the work is. Happy and contented, well nourished and well clothed, spotlessly clean and nicely mannered, they comprise a family the church can well be proud of. Here a big band of noble workers bestow upon the motherless and fatherless and destitute, a love and care that they otherwise would have to do without. With a kindness and thoroughness they are trained to become useful and efficient citizens. Each year the numbers increase, and the need becomes greater at present. 5 St. Saviour’s Guild has been taxed to the limit of its financial resources. Friends of the Homes have organised a canvass in Timaru to begin next month, and doubtless the public who have so -liberally given in the past will again come to the assistance of the orphaned and destitute. The workers in this effort are voluntary, and every penny given will reach St. Saviour’s. The Homes keep their doors open to children of all denominations.

There are few who cannot sit up and listen with pleasure to a good song by an accomplished male singer, tenor or baritone. Looking over the H.M.Y. song recordings it is curious to note that in music of this class the men seem to. predominate. The women appear more frequently in opera numbers. In the welter of orchestral recordings, which have enjoyed an amazing popularity, it is possible that some of the following may have been overlooked (they are all worth while): Len Maurice, the popular Columbia baritone, can always be relied upon for a clearly sung and sympathetic version of the song of the moment. His latest record is one of his best —a pairing of “My Honeymoon Waltz,” the Theme Song of “The Trail of ’98,” with “Some Day, Some Where,” Theme Song cf “Tlio Red Dancer.” Columbia 01398. Another brilliantly successful Len Maurice record is 013'JO, a pairing of “Sunny Boy” and “There’s a Rainbow Round my Shoulder,” two theme songs from the great **Talky” triumph that will soon be in Wellington, “The Singing Fool."

“The Deathless Army” (Trotere), “Trooper Johnny Ludlow” (Gordon Temple). H.M.V. C 1275. These are the kind of songs that Peter Dawson sings really well. They are two old favourites, songs which, whilst they may arouse in many reminiscences of other performances, can certainly bring to the mind of none a finer performance! “Mary” (Richardson), “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose” (Traditional). H.M.V. DA9OI. Here are two fine songs artistically interpreted by an outstanding tenor, of whom Britain might well be proud. Joseph Hislop completely conquered his Australian and New Zealand audiences during his recent tour, his success being well-deserved. The beautiful accompaniment (piano, violin and ’cello) admirably blends with the tenor’s voice. “Bright is the Ring of Words/* “The Roadside Fire” (Vaughan Williams). H.M.V. 82671. Stuart Robertson is a pleasing bass. He has made a splendid record of these two songs. Vaughan Williams’s style is peculiarly “English” in the best sense and the singer has here achieved the feat of absorbing the typical atmosphere of each song perfectly. (1) “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny’;; (2) “The Old Folks at Home.” Sung by Sophie Braslau, contralto. ' Columbia 04215. Male Quartet and Orchestra. A masterpiece of its type. It is easy to predict that >his will be one of the vocal records of the year. Sophie Braslau’s vibrating contralto is nicely shaded to catch the degree of sentiment offered by these two old favourite American songs, and she sings true to the final note. The male voice quartet and orchestra provide a happy background, and the men sing really well—and what could be more pleasing than a well sung male quartet. This “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” is worthy of rank with Edna Thomas’s version, and that Is saying a great deal.