“HESSELL” BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 222, 19 September 1936, Page 11

“HESSELL” BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT

On Monday night next, September 21, commencing at eight o'clock, an entertainment of outstanding quality will be presented at the Opera House, in aid of the widow and four young children of the late M. W.Hessell, who recently lost his life under tragic circumstances. An enthusiastic committee with Cr. J. J. Scott as chairman, Cr. Sperring chairman of the programme sub-committee, Messrs. Paul Latham and G. Smithies responsible for stage arrangements, the town clerk, Mr. G. Murch, as treasurer, and Mr. C. R. White as secretary, has completed all arrangements for what must undoubtedly be considered as the strongest and most varied programme of artistic and popular items that has ever been presented in Wanganui for a long time. The vocalists will include Mrs. Scoullar and Mr. Allan Pike, whose success at the recent Wellington competitions places in the foremost of New Zealand vocalists. Miss Merle Spurdie and Mr. Frank Rule will be heard in the popular duet from “The Pirates of Penzance,” which they will present in costume. Humour has been provided in no small measure. Mr. J. Wilkie, Mr. Jim (Goofus) Scott, and Misses Edna and Zelda Watts should all prove most popular. Several dance numbers will add variety to the programme. For the first time in Wanganui will be seen a spectacular Egyptian ballet, “The Slave’s Dream,” as well as a clever Russian Ballet, while Miss Joan Peters in a solo dance, and Miss Jean Williams and Thelma Dandy in a dance duo will also appear. The pupils of the Queen’s Park School will appear in a chorus number and the pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School will be seen in the highly successful number, “The Changing of the Guard.” Of no less interest will be the one-act play, “Shivering Shocks,” by the famous author Clemence Dane. This play by the senior members of the Intermediate School was second at the recent Wanganui Dramatic Festival. The programme will be further strengthened by an elocutionary item by Mrs. T. L. Sperring, a violin novelty by Mr. G. Smithies, and Maori hakas and songs by the Savage Club haka party. The Savage Club, orchestra under Mr. O. Nauman will be a strong attraction. Mrs. Lionel Sherrif will act as accompanist. Prices of admission have been fixed on a low scale, viz, 2s and Is with the privilege of booking the 2s seats without extra charge, at the D.I.C. Arrangements are being made for the trams to wait until the conclusion of the entertainment at no extra charge in fares.