COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 266, 21 November 1913, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

Under the auspices of the musical fraternity of Te Awamutu a most successful concert was held in the local Town Hall on > Wednesday last. The hall was crowded to the doors, which must have been gratifying to the promoters. The programme, although not a lengthy one, was composed of well-selected items, each one being received with well-merited applause. Great credit is due to Misses V. Lang (secretary), V. F. Mandeno (treasurer), and Mr O. Price Owen, for the interest taken in arranging the details, and to them the success of the concert was largely due.

The Te Awamutu Town Band rendered valuable assistance, contributing items in both the first and second parts of the programme, besides playing selections outside the hall prior to the concert. A very pretty floral dance was given by several of the school children, under the direction of Mrs Dawson. The various movements were exceedingly well carried out, their efforts being heartily applauded. " A Perfect Day " was the title of a song nicely rendered by Mr E. Parker. A great reception was accorded Baby Denz for her dancingofthe"SheaunTnubhas," and also for the "Highland Fling." Miss J. Dil's interpretation of the song "Invitation" was well received, while Mr Dil gave a trumpet solo. The comic element was supplied by Mr J. Archibald who, in the " get-up " of a special constable, kept the audience amused with his drolleries. He had to respond to an undeniable encore. The second half of the programme was opened with a selection by the Town Band, which was well given. Miss Margaret Mackenzie's splendid voice was heard to advantage in the song "Melisande in the Wood," and the audience insisted on her reappearance, and for an encore she sang " Mighty lak a Rose." .Mr T. Stitt. who was in splendid voice, gave a fine rendering of the song "Good Company," his recall number being" The Yeoman's Wedding," in which he was equally successful. The Boy Scouts, under command of Scout Master O. Price Owen,, gave a very good display of the manner in dealing with an accident, being very neatly and efficiently done, and for which they received hearty applause. Messrs G. Galloway and O. Price Owen both contributed items, both being applauded. Mr J. Archibald's song entitled "Billy Muggins " pleased the audience, and they insisted on an encore. Mrs Black acted as accompanist during the evening. At the conclusion of the concert Mr O. Price Owen intimated that it was intended to make a presentation to Mr and Mrs J. Rule, and the ministers of the various churches in Te Awamutu were invited on the stage to assist in making the presentation. The Rev. F. W. Clarke apologised for the absence of the chairman of the Town Board, who was not able to be present to make the presentation to Mr and Mrs Rule. He referred to the high esteem in which both Mr and Mrs Rule were held. Mr Rule had been foremost in helping forward any good work in the district, and he thoroughly deserved their appreciation. (Applause). Mr Rule, the speaker continued, possessed good talents and whatever he took in hand he did thoroughly, and he had a happy knack of getting people to work in harmony, which was not an easy matter, especially among the musical fraternity. He then presented Mr Rule with a well-filled purse of sovereigns, and to Miss Rule he handed a handsome handbag for her mother, who*ivas not able to be present owing to ill-health. Mr O. Price Owen testified to

the good qualities of the re-

cipients, who, he said had never refused when asked to lend a

helping hand in any good cause. He wished them both every good wish in which he was sure those present would join. (Applause). Rev. J. A. Lamond said he was pleased to be present and join with those in assisting to help one who was thoroughly deserving of their sympathy and assistance.

Rev. D. J. Shaw said that dur-

ing the short time he had been in Te Awamutu he had learnt that Mr Rule was always ready to help every good cause, and especially was he looked upon as a helper of the churches, and he thoroughly appreciated the kindly and willing spirit. He trusted that both Mr and Mrs Rule would have many pleasant and happy years before them. (Applause). Rev. Father Lynch said he was pleased to see such a large and representative gathering. They knew how to appreciate and entertain. Great credit was due to the clergy. They had vied with one another in an endeavour to make the presentation a success. The speaker referred to the excellent manner in which Mr Rule had conducted entertainments for the benefit of the town and district, and their object in holding the entertainment was to induce Mr Rule to render assistance to all deserving objects as he has done in the past, (Applause).

Mr Rule, on rising to respond, was received with cheers. He thanked them foi the honour

they had done him. Words failed to express his gratitude Lithe kindness they had shown him. He had at all times endeavoured to do his duty, and l< : was pleased to think his efforts had been appreciated. He would continue to do his best to help ii any forward movement. On behalf of his wife, he sincerely thanked the people of Te Awamutu for their kindness. (Applause). The audience then rose and joined in, singing " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," followed with three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Rule.

Those present were then ii - vited to the supper room, where an excellent repast had been supplied by the members of the "Girls' Minstrel Club" and friends. Afterwards a shori dance was held, which proved most enjoyable. Mr A. C. Edwards acted as M.C., while Mr G. Dalton supplied the music.