HUNTLY BENEFIT.

Waipa Post, Volume VIII, Issue 354, 2 October 1914, Page 4

HUNTLY BENEFIT.

In response to the appeal for funds towards the relief of those who have suffered through the Huntly Mine disaster, a fancy dress hockey match was arranged for Wednesday last, to be followed by a coucert in the evening. It was arranged that the game should be between teams composed of local musicians and members of the hockey clubs. The members of theTe Awamutu and Kihikihi ladies’ hockey clubs had also agreed to play a 7 a-side game as a curtain raiser. The event was looked forward to with a great deal of interest, and as a result there was a record attendance at Bockett’s paddock. The game between the ladies was keenly contested, the Kihikihi team proving victorious by two goals to one. Both sides scored during the first half of the game, Miss Walker shooting a goal for Kihikihi, while Miss Olphert did likewise for Te Awamutu. Several excellent chances were missed by the home team in the second spell. Miss Hendrickson, who was conspicuous throughout the game, accounted for the second goal scored for the Kihikihi team. The principal interest, of course, was centred in the tancy costume match, and at the time this match was advertised to start, there were close on 300 people assembled. The players, attired in fancy costume, met at the post office shortly before 3 o’clock, and marched from there to Victoria Park, followed by a large number of people. It was impossible to identify several of the players, so well was their identity hidden, due to the style of costume adopted. The dresses of the “ladies” came in for a great deal of criticism by the fair sex, and there is still a doubt in the minds of some as to the real identity of some of those who took part. Needless to say, a great deal of amusement was created, especially by one of the team, dressed as a Teddy bear. This individual caused great fun, especially among the small fry. Prior to starting, a photograph of the teams was taken by Mr J. Duncan.

Mr A. S. Wallace and Constable Lander agreed to act as rival “ bullies,” and set the ball in motion. The musicians at once set off to score, but their opponents managed to turn the tables and went pell-mell to the other end of the field. During the rush one of the gentler sex was accidentally pushed over. A number of boy scouts witnessed the occurence, and were soon on the scene with an ambulance “ waggon,” and the “lady ” was removed to a place of safety. The injury, however, was slight, and the player was able to resume playing almost immediately. The game continued with more or less vigor, and both sides scored on several occasions, or imagined they did. The decisions of the referees, Misses Harris and O’Brien were most impartial, and the players were always willing, to assist the young ladies in arriving at a satisfactory decision. The costumes of several of the players proved a big handicap in their efforts to distinguish themselves, and if was found necessary to discard portions of their attire. It .was found necessary, owing to the limited knowledge of the game to allow a “little” latitude, this being taken full advantage of. The amount taken at the gate totalled £5 18s. CONCERT. The entertainment arranged to take place in the evening proved successful in every respect, and the secretary (Mr E. Parker) and the treasurer (Mr P. Fredric), and all those who had the carrying out of the arrangements are to be congratulated on the result of their efforts. The hall was crowded and by 8 o’clock only standing room was available. As the programme was a lengthy one, it was announced that no encores would be allowed. Rev. F. W. Clarke referred to the object for which the entertainment had been arranged, and said that the people of Te Awannitu could always be depended upon to show their practical sympathy in any good cause. He was pleased to see such a large gathering present, and on behalf of the promoters of the concert he thanked the audience for their support. They were indebted to Messrs Owen and Rule for the part they had taken in the matter. He also thanked all those who had in any way assisted, and he was sure their efforts would be very much appreciated. The programme was opened with a selection by the members of the Te Awamutu orchestra (Misses Mackenzie and Jones, Messrs Collins, Moeller, Gilbert, Bedford, J. and A. de Coek, and C. and J. North). The orchestra also contributed the overture for the second half of the programme and both selections were highly appreciated. The Te Awamutu Brass Band, under Bandmaster

Newsome, delighted those pre c e n t with the selection “ An Abyssinian Expedition,” a capital intc - pretation being given. A second item from the band would have been welcomed. Trotiore’s “Asthore” and "The King’s Own” were the title of the songs rendered by Mr E. A. Chambrvlain, and the hearty applause accorded him was merited. The anthem “ Hark, Hark, my Soul,” was nicely sung by the members of St. John’s Church choir, Miss Mackenzie taking the solo part. Mr Moeller came in for a splendid reception for his violin solo. The items given by Miss Mackenzie proved two of the gems of the evening, especially the sacred song “ Abide with Me.” The audience would not be satisfied until the latter portion of the song was repeated. Later on in the evening the same performer was associated with Mr Parker in the well-known duet “The Battle Eve,” the voices blending well together. “ Sleep and the Roses ” was the title of the song capitally given bv Mr Fredric, and Mr Flanagan was heard to advantage in the bass song “ Deep in the Mine.” but was not quite so successful in the duet, “ Watchman, What of the Night,” sung wtth Mr Fredric. The Te Awamutu male party, which included Messrs Fredric, McTavish, Parker: Smith, Chamberlain, Flanagan, Owen and White, contributed two double quartettes, and both were deservedly apDil gave a careful rendering of the song “ Sunshine and Rain.” The audience recalled Mr J. Rule for his interpretation of the comic song, “ Hold your hand out, naughty boy.” Messrs Fredric and Winch contributed a piano duet, and their playing was well received. Messrs Parker, Smith, and Owen also gave items, and each performer gave a good rendition of their respective songs. The accompanists during the evening were Miss Mackenzie, Messrs Fredric and Finch.

A most enjoyable dance was afterwards held, to which a large number remained. The music was supplied by theTe Awamutu Band and Mr G. Dalton’s orchestra.