OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17533, 15 October 1928, Page 8

OPERATIC SOCIETY.

GOOD-BYE, "HIGH JINKS." CLOSE OF SUCCESSFUL SEASON. £IOO FOR CHILDREN'S FUND. Scenes of great enthusiasm were witnessed at. the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, when the Hamilton Operatic Society brought to a close its very successful theatre was crowded, and tlft audience was exceedingly cordial.

"High .links," as on the previous nights, went with a swing, excellent work being done by principals, chorus, and ballet, while the orchestra gave great assistance. "High Jinks," though in some respects it did not reach the standard set by the Society in previous years, was very entertaining, and was enjoyed by large audiences. It is a very "thin" piece, and lacking in humour, but this was overcome to a great extent by the introduction of gay ballets and humorous scenes. Taken all round, the society is to ho congratulated upon its performance. Once again it has proved that Hamililton possesses an Amateur Operatic Society equal to any in New Zealand — and superior to most! Everyone will admit that the high standard attained has been due largely to Mrs H. C. Ross, musical director, and Mrs Tabor Gregory, ballet mistress. These two women add to their unusual ability a gift for getting the best out of others; their enthusiasm is an inspiration, the result being that everyone seeks to do his or her best, and with that spirit it is not surprising that success follows. £IOO For Children's Camp Fund. During the evening Hon..J. A. Young, Minister for Health, took the stage, and announced that the society had decided to give £IOO of the protits of the season to the fund for sending children, who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of the trip, to the seaside. Mr Young recalled that last year the Society had given £IOO to the Unemployed Relief Fund. The announcement was received with cheers. Mr Young paid a warm tribute to the Society—its splendid performance and the fine spirit displayed in giving a donation to such a worthy object. Hamilton, he said, should be proud of its Operatic Society. Its productions would bear comparison with those in any part of New Zealand, and its philanthropic and public spirit was deserving of great praise. The greatest medical men are Dr Sunshine and Dr. Fresh Air, and by its contribution of £IOO the Society would bring these to many poor children who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy them.

Miss Delia Glapham th°n handed a bouquet to Mrs Ross, this being a sig- ' nal for enthusiastic applause, and the entertainment proceeded. Surely the Theatre Royal has never ' presented such a gay appearance as it did at the close of the performance. Streamers were thrown from stage to stalls and circle until the theatre was a network of gorgeous colour. Players and audience were excited and happy, ' and there were applause and cheers ' as- masses of flowers and chocolates ' were handed up. Not only were the ladies deluged with these gifts, but ; the men were not forgotten, and there was gay laughter when they were handed bottles or elaborate bouquets of vegetables. There were cries of "Producer!" and when Mr A. E. Bouillon made his appearance he was given an ovation and "He's a jolly good Fellow" was sung. In his speech of thanks Mr Bouillon paid warm tribute to the work'done by Mrs Ross and Mrs Gregory. The singing of the National Anthem brought the season of 1988 to a happy ending. Another success had been added to the Hamilton Operatic Society's already long list. The Final Scones. •\fterwards members of the Society anil friends made their way "back stage." where supper was partaken of and' the usual presentations and va'cdictorv speeches were made. It was a happv little gathering, yet tinged by regre't by the thought that the season had ended and thai they would not meet in such a fashion again until next season. There-, were cheers for evervbodv, and "He's a Jolly Good Fellow" was sung on the slightest provocation. Mr Bouillon thanked all who had helped to make the production a success He said his work had been lightened considerably by the enthusiastic manner in which everyone had helped The Society had two dynamic forces in Mrs Boss and Mrs Gregory, as well as talented and enthusiastic members. His connection with the Society had always been very happy. On behalf of the Society, Mr Bouillon made presentations to Mrs A. .1. Denz (wardrobe mistress; and Miss Mary McKenzie (pianist;, paying tribute to the excellent manner in which Ihrv had carried mil their duties. ' Uolli ladies acknowledged the kindly remarks, and said their work hud been a pleasure. There were great demonstrations when -Mrs Boss, Mrs Gregory, and Mr Itoss (affectionately greeted as "Father") voiced their acknowledgments. Mi's Boss saiil she had been helped considerably in her work by the cooperation of all concerned. She paid < a special cotupliinenl to Ihe orchestra, j saving il was the most evenly-balanced [ the Society had ever had. Mrs Gregory spoke in terms of warm | praise of the ballet, saying thai it had I absorbed material in a manner that had I surprised and delighted her. she re- i gretted vers much that she was leaving i Hamilton. " Good-byi, Tako Care of Yourself." Mention was made of the fact that Mrs Gregory was leaving fur Palmerston North the following night, while | Mr and Mrs Boss would be absent on I a world lour next year. ( [ Regret was expressed at their de- | parture, and the company broke into one of the songs from " High Jinks," — " Good-bye, Good-bye, Take Care of Yourself," followed by " They are Jolly Good Fellows," and cheers. lion. .1. A. Young congratulated the society on ils magnificent success. Not only had it provided delightful en- j tei'laiiunent, but it was doing valuable community work, and in addition had shown a commendable public spirit in devoting part of its profits to the alleviation of distress. The performance thai night was worthy of any town in New Zealand. | Mr A. K. Manning, as president of the Society and former producer, added his congratulations. He pointed out that | ; " High Jinks " was a very '• thin " play I j —witn the exception of " Miss Hook of I' Holland," the " thinnest " the Society , 'Continued m next column,'; J '

had ever undertaken —therefore the success achieved was all the moro meritorious.

The " hoys and girls " of the chorus ! presented a handsome handbag to Mrs I Boss, a gift which the recipient said I she appreciated greatly, for she loved I hen chorus and was proud of them. Supper was partaken of, and a very pleasant hour spent. Everyone was •happy and excited. The singing of " Auld Lang Syne,'' brought the season to a close, and the members dispersed happy in the knowledge that another success had been achieved, and looking forward Willi eagerness, to the session of 1929. Farewell at Frankton Station. An animated scene was witnessed at Frankton Station last night, when about ' 50 members of the Society gathered, to bid farewell to Mrs Gregory, whose work as ballet mistress and in other respects was a big factor in the success of " High Jinks." Choruses from " High Jinks " and " Auld Lang Syne." were sung, confetti showered upon Mrs Gregory and her husband (the latter had come up from Palmerston North for Saturday night's performance;, and cheers given for the popular ballet mistress. Mrs Gregory's departure from Hamilton will be greatly regretted, for, besides iter great work in the Operatic Society, she has done splendid service wiili Hie Dandy Dozen and other stage activities. Mr Gregory, too, was a valued member of the Society. • Their many friends will wish them- suocbm 'a their new sphere, . .....