BRIGHT CONCERT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20983, 11 March 1938, Page 6

BRIGHT CONCERT

MUSIC, MIRTH AND MAGIC NORTH END FAIR BENEFITS It has long been recognised that Timaru possesses many talented concert performers, but it is a long time since such a uniformly gifted number were assembled as took the stage of the Theatre Royal last night in an entertainment organised to raise funds for the North End Fair. There was a large audience, which was most appreciative of the ftrst-class entertainment provided for themThe Timaru Harmonica Band opened the programme with three rousing tunes, which earned them warm applause, and they were followed by the Griffiths Duo, who were heard to advantage in catchy Hawaiian melodies. Timaru’s own contortionist, Miss Marion Symons, amazed the spectators by the grace and ease with which she tied herself in knots, and Will Cunningham was instantly popular in piano-accordeon medleys. Mr H. Frances was given a warm reception for his tenor solos, “I Did Not Know” and “Silver Hair, Heart of Gold,” while Miss Marie Campbell’s “Waiata Poi” and “My Hero” from “The Chocolate Soldier” had a universal appeal. The lighter leavening of the programme was in the hands of Mr D. McKivett, who provoked considerable laughter with “Beware of the Maidens,” “The Egg,” and “Perlmutter in Politics.” Clever Illusions The second portion of the programme was contributed by members of the New Zealand Society of Magicians, who for more than an hour mystified the crowd with many clever illusions. Beginning with some tricks which were introduced many years ago, the members of the Society gradually worked through the ages of development in the art of legerdemain, concluding with a modem illusion. Cards were made to appear and disappear, silk handkerchiefs tied and untied themselves of their own volition and all manner of objects were made to vanish in thin air with the greatest of ease. Several different beverages were poured from one jug on request, and the mystification of the spectators was brought to a climax when one member filled his mouth with needles and a length of silk thread, chewed them vigorously, and then pulled the thread out with the needles on it. The illusions, which were presented by Messrs G. Griffiths, S. Robinson, K. Moffatt and Mr “E,” were all well done and deserved the warm reception they were given. A popular addition to the programme was a series of lightning sketches done by Mr H. HopeMusic was supplied by Campbell’s orchestra, accompaniments being played by Mrs A. J. Wheeler. During the interval the thanks of the Fair Committee were extended to the public for their support by the chairman <Mr G. H. Andrews*, who also thanked the artists for their assistance.