GIRLS' CLUB

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3215, 11 August 1932, Page 5

GIRLS' CLUB

A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

PARISH HALL PACKED TO THE DOORS.

When any entertainment under the auspices of St. John's Girls' Club is open to the public there is invariably a splendid response, and so it proved on Tuesday evening, when the Parish Hall accommodation was taxed to its utmost for what was termed a nautical concei't by the members of the club. Judging by the rounds of applause, every patron thoroughly enjoyed the offering, too. The stage had been most effectively decorated for the occasion, in true naval setting, and the costumes of the various entertainers were in keeping with the setting. Added to this was the appropriate music. The opening chorus, " The Capital Ship," by the whole company of about twenty, was well received, and then Miss Re'ne Bell (Pirongia) delighted the audience with two pretty little songs, "I Hear You Calling," and "I Love Life." both serving to bring out the best qualities of her soprano voice. The applause was very hearty also for the company's presentation of the songs "In This Hour," and "O Who Will O'er the Downs So Free. " Next followed a spectacular ballet of eight girls, the Misses L. Potts, H. and G. Garvey, E. Jones, L. North, L. Cruickshank, A Gifford and V. Holt. It was excellently presented, and appealed greatly. Miss B. Dunkley and Mr A. Terry were next with a vocal duet, " Where My Caravan Has Rested," and for an encore, "I'll Sing To You." Mr Doug. Stallard was in good voice with his selections, " My Old Shako," and "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise." The company next presented two sea songs, " Davy Jones " and "Jack's At Home At Sea," with pleasing effect. Miss G. Ryburn was entertaining with her monologue, " How I Drove the Special," and she responded to an encore with " The Good Little Boy and the Bad Little Boy." A humorous sketch with Miss L. Cruickshank and Messrs K. Storey and A. G. Lash taking character parts, concluded the first part of the programme.

The second part of what was proving an excellent programme opened with an ensemble of the whole company n sailor costume, while they lustily sang " A Life on the Ocean Wave," and, for an encore, " Santa Lucia.'' Then followed a hornpipe by the Misses L. North, H. Garvey, V. Holt and N. Reese, and they stepped gracefully and cleverly. Miss Reine Bell was again heard to advantage in the soprano solo, " While Summer's Here," and she was loudly applauded. The next item was probably the most popular of all. It was a sea chantey, " Rio Grande," by the company, Mr Allan Terry taking the solo part. Responding to imperative calls for more, " Billy Boy" was contributed with equal effect. Miss Betty Syers followed with an exhibition in national costume of the Hawaiian hula dance and an American tap dance, much to the appreciation of the audience. M-' Doug. Stallard caused much amusement with his humorous monologue, " Silly Billy Brown," and he followed with the recitation, " Somewhat Mixed." A bevy of eight sailor girls gave an exhibition of flag drill, cleverly executed, and a bright performance was brought to a close with the company singing' a Canadian boatsong, and, for an encore, " Aloha A'e," with splendid effect. Before the curtain dropped Mr C. A. Finch, as chairman of St. John's committee, took the opportunity to sincerely thank the Girls' Club for providing a bright and interesting entertainment —it was a grand performance, considering the difficulties of presentation—and at his call the members were accorded hearty applause. Mr Finch also mentioned that special thanks were due to Mrs Teasdale, (president of the club) for her unflagging energy in promoting the concert Miss P. North for her able help as accompanist, Miss Betty Syers for training the girls in the ballets, Mr J. T. North for acting as conductor. Mr W. Foggin for his splendid work as stage manager, Mr H. Kidd for training the girls in the hornpipe, and Mr Brad. Gifford for the stage decorations, which had proved so appropriate and so helpful in the presentation of the concert. Afterwards the hall was cleared Co dancing and a tasty supper was served.