FIRST OF ITS KIND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 68, 21 March 1940, Page 8

FIRST OF ITS KIND

ALL-NEW ZEALAND CONCERT PLANNED FOR LONDON LONDON, Feb. 16. To raise funds for the New Zealand War Services Association, an all-New Zealand concert is being planned. It is the first of its kind ever attempted in London, and it is hoped to arrange for a matinee performance in a wellknown West End theatre to which a member of the Royal Family will be invited. The idea was originated by Mr. Shayle Gardner (Auckland), who is known both on the stage and screen. “We hope that the concert will take place at the end of March or early in April, and the intention is to get as many well-known New Zealanders as possible to take part,” he said. “My plans are going ahead nicely. Mr. Merton Hodge is writing a special scene, and Mr. Hector Bolitho is writing a parody that he will recite himself. I am asking David Low if he will come along with other New Zealand cartoonists to take part, and I hope Jean Batten will be there, too.

“Mr. Warwick Braithwaite, who comes from Dunedin and is the conductor at Sadler’s Wells, is getting together an orchestra composed entirely of New Zealanders, and he will conduct it at the performance. “Other well-known New Zealanders will include Miss Esther Fisher (Wellington)—one of our greatest pianistes ! —Miss Stella Murray (Christchurch), ! Miss Rosemary Rees, the novelist, Mr : John Amadio (flautist, of Wellington'. : Mr. Harry Rountree, cartoonist • (Auckland), Mr. Arnold Trowel], ’cell- | ist (Wellington), and Bebe de Roland, the dancer, from Wellington. “At the moment, my idea is to have as many well-known New Zealanders as possible on the stage in one great I finale. There may be as many as 150 I —anyone who has made a name which ’is associated with the Dominion. I ' hope that Jack Lovelock will be there, ; too, and Mr. Arthur Porritt, and I : have asked Madame Rosina Buckman • if she will come back to the stage just for this occasion to sing ‘Waiala Poi’ again. “Mr. Tawero Moana, the only Macri in England, is going to do two hakis for us. I have communicated with a great many people and I hope to hear from more. It will be one of th? biggest things that New Zealand artists have ever done collectively in London, and we are looking forward to making a marked success of it.” The funds raised by the concert will be used by the New Zealand War Services Association to provide comforts and facilities for the New Zealand troops.