“HILL BILLIES” FROM STRATFORD FEATURED AT WANGANUI CARNIVAL

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 February 1949, Page 6

“HILL BILLIES” FROM STRATFORD FEATURED AT WANGANUI CARNIVAL

Variety entertainment of a quality seldom seen in this city was presented by the renowned Stratford Savage Club’s “Hill Billies” at Cook’s Gardens last night as part of the Wanganui Carnival activities. Their comedy sketches, songs, harmony, and snappy stories provided a lively show which was a feature of the second night of the carnival. It was unfortunate for the success of the carnival that threatening rain limited the attendance. Those who were present were well rewarded. Highlights of the variety show were the original adantations of numerous verses of the popular “Hig-Jig-a-Jig.” The excellent impersonation of the Andrew Sisters’ rendition of “Danny Boy” was a fitting conclusion to livewire entertainment which was well appreciated by the public. Members of the troupe were: Messrs G. Traill, vocalist and comedian; G. M. Robinson, piano and piano accordion; G. Carter, swanee whistle; N. Wells, drums; W. Curtis, bass; and D. E. Goldsmith, vocalist-comedian. These Stratford “Hill Billies” are well known personalities throughout the Taranaki Province. They have received numerous offers to appear elsewhere in the Dominion. However, apart from visits to Cambridge and Wanganui, they have been unable to fulfil these invitations. At the conclusion of the variety show the visiting Australian athletes, M. Curotta G. Avery. G. Goodacre, D. White, and Mr. R. Graham (manager) were introduced to the audience bv Mr. G. Benson, president of the West Coast (N. 1. Amateur Athletic and Cycling Association. Though lacking the patronage of Monday night, the merry-go-round, chair-o-plane, slide, and stalls maintained good business.