EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18256, 18 February 1931, Page 8

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

CONCERT IN HAMILTON. A GREAT SUCCESSS. THEATRE ROYAL CROWDED. The concert given in Hamilton last night on behalf of the earthquake relief fund was a great success, and the organiser, Mrs H. C. Ross, and those who had given their services so freely must have been greatly cheered 1 t the response to their appeal. The Theatre Royal had been kindly lent free of charge, and other expenses were reduced to a minimum, therefore the sum available for the fund should be substantial. The entertainment had a three-fold attraction. Not only was it for a very worthy cause, but it brought back “live” artists to the stage, and at the same time provided a programme of outstanding merit. Little wonder, therefore, that the theatre .was crowded, and that great enthusiasm prevailed. It was good to hear ieal performers again, after a long course of - “canned” ones, the re-appearance of the orchestras (symphonic and jazz) being a particularly popular feature. People who had almost forgotten how to applaud found the use of their hands again for this purpose, practically every item being encored despite the extreme length of the programme. Some very fine talent was revealed — latent of such a high standard that one regretted that owing to recent developments in the entertainment world it is heard so seldom. Particular interest was taken in the reappearance of Mrs Myra Booth after her studies in Australia. The great beauty of Mrs Booth's voice and her case of ’production were well revealed in the florid "Carmcna” (11. Lane Wilson), and in response to the enthusiastic recall she gave a very sympathetic rendering of the melodious ” Pale Moon.” Again she was forced to bow her acknowledgments. Mrs lan Stuart's voice is of very beautiful quality, and her numbers, “ Waiata Maori ” and “Love's Old Sweet Song,” were much enjoyed, as were those of Mrs F. Bond, “The Carnival” and “Scenes That are Brightest.” Miss Isa Duff’s sweet voice and rare artistry gave great appeal to “Do Not Go, My Love,” and “Four Ducks on a Pond” was a charming number charmingly rendered. Miss Sophie Vivien pleased greatly with “Ma Curlyheaded Babby,” sung with dainty charm, and in "Castles in the Air’” she combined broad comedy with a touch of pathos very effectively. Miss Duleie Evans was associated with Mr J. T. Baltersby in a splendid rendering, of "When Song is Sweet,” and later the two combined with the Harmonic Four in the Prison Scene from "II Trovatore,” which was one of the most popular items of ihe evening. The re-appearance of the Harmonic Four was very welcome, their contributions being a particularly well-balanced rendering of "The Trumpeter” and the-always-acceptable “Funiculi Funicula.” Miss Della Ciapham sang sweetly. Mr Ken. Eade was heard to great advantage in "Keep On Keeping On'’ and (as an encore) "Telling the News.” The choruses by the Technical School girls, under the direction of Miss Isa Duff, were exceptionally well done, especially in the light and shade secured, “Water Lilies" being one of the gems of the evening. A feature of die programme was the high standard attained in Hie elocutionary numbers. Miss Iris Andrews created much amusement with her clever work in "Advertisements.” and Miss Phyllis Torpy was equally amusing in a graphic description of a visit, to the dentist, followed by the

"Soliloquy of a Safely Pin.” Miss Zoe Faville, always appealing, touched the hearts of everyone in the audience with “A Beautiful Story.” Mr W. Russell-Wood, who had come specially from Auckland to assist at the entertainment, painted a vivid word-picture in “Bendy's Sermon,” bringing out all the humour, and, on recall, gave the appealingly whimsical “Story of Ethelred.”

Dancing was well represented by an attractive Mexican dance by Miss Isabelle Brook, a realistic Hula by Miss Betty Syers, a graceful and clever acrobatic dance by Miss Phyllis Davies and Mr George Kingston, a ‘-Jazz Baby” solo delightfully done by little Moretli Monteith, an amusing picaninny duet by Misses Joan Laurenson and Phyllis Oliver, and ballets, by the pupils of Mrs Norman Ross and Miss Mavis Laurenson. The Dandy Dozen were seen and heard in several gay concerted numbers. The orchestral items made Hie audience regret that the opportunity of hearing them is given so seldom. The Cremona Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr 11. Spencer Salt, gave a splendid rendition of the “Zampa” Overture and selections from “lolanthe,” good tone and balance being a feature. The Rio Dance Band, specialising in music of a lighter type, proved equally successful, the rhythm of ‘‘ln Old Montarey” and “If I Had a Girl Like You” setting shoulders swaying and feet tapping, it was a very refreshing change from the mechanical music so much in evidence nowadays.

Sympathetic accompaniments were provided by Mesdarnes 11. c. Ross, 11. Hammond and A. English, Misses Vera Whitlock, Isa Duff and Mavis Laurenson, Messrs Harold Piper, Bruce Anderson and A. Bryant.

Prior to the concert the Hamilton Municipal Band and the Caledonian Pipe Band rendered selections outside the theatre. Home-made sweets sold during I lie performance will augment the funds.

Mrs 11. G. Ross, (he organiser, and those associated with her, must be proud of the success of their efforts. Hamilton has again risen nobly to the occasion.