THE RIRORIROS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2281, 28 August 1908, Page 3

THE RIRORIROS.

A UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT

The Salvation Army Citadel was literally crowded out last night, many being unable to gain admission, when that talented company, the Riroriros, under Major Holdaway, gave the first of a series of entertainments which it is proposed to hold in Gisborno. The girls, twelve in number, are from the Salvation Army Girls’ Home, and are of ages ranging from 5 to 16 years. They are all dressed similarly in navy blue serge dresses, with sailor blouses, trimmed with red cord round the collars, and with red vests, and bows of red ribbon in the hair. They presented a very pretty appearance, and quickly established themselves in the good graces of their audience by their winning smiles and captivating ways. Adjutant Dickens, in a short speech, introduced Major Holdaway and his company to the audience, reminding them that the Alajor was an old friend, and extending them » hearty welcome.

Major Holdaway briefly returned thanks for his reception, and said that he was glad to be able to come amongst Gisborne people once more, shake them by the hand and say, “God blesss- you.” The first item was a song and prayer for blessing, tlfb children kneeling and singing .with hands outstretched and clasped. An introductory address by the children was a novelty. Prior to tho commencement of the musical part of the programme they stood on the platform in line, and recited in unison a short speech explaining tlie meaning of tho name Itiroriro (a singing bird), and quoting tlie Maori proverb, “When the Riroriro sings the summer is near. A lengthy and miscellaneous programme of twenty items was gone through, comprising action songs, handbell selections, drills, recitations, fairy glass selections, and a character song. The latter was entitled “Tho Waif’s Carol,” and was sung by a little mite, dressed in tattered garments, who sang to five other girls who represented houses, and the subject was supposed to lie a little girl appealing for alms at Xmas time, and meeting, with rebuffs until she reached the girl who represented the Salvation Army Home, when she was received with open arms and befriended. The performance of the action songs evidenced very careful training tin’ movements being characterised with an easy grace, pleasing to the eye. The songs, entitled “Hanlie Girls,” “The Halleluiah Ship,” and “Smile whene’er you can,” met with the most favor, and were especially applauded. The handbell selections were most harmonious. “Lead, Kindly Light” and “The Holy City” being the two items chosen for tlie evening. The drills shown were also something of a novelty, especially the “Play Drill.” where imitations were given of bubble blowing, boat rowing, inarching and bonding exercises, and a laughing exercise, at the conclusion the children grouping together under the Army Standard in the middle of the platform. Fivo recitations were given, one in which each girl had a line to say entitled “The Secret of Success,” aud the other “Smiles and Frowns,” by little Vera, tlio youngest in tlie company, fairly brought down the house. The fairy glasses items hv Major Holdaway and the" eldest ol the girls were cleverly executed, and called forth unstinted applause. During tho interval the Band gave a selection, entitled “Faith Triumphant,” and a spontaneous collection to help to defray the necessary expenses of the tour realised £2 2s 6d. Adjutant Dickens announced that an entire change of programme w’.ill bo submitted each evening, to-night and Sunday night in tho Citadel, and on Monday night in His Majesty’s Theatre. Taken all round the entertainment last night was a most distinct success, and the hearty encores which greeted most of the items evidently indicated the pleasure with which the program mo was received by tlie audience. To-night tlio doors of tho Citadel will bo open at 7.15, and tho programme commences at 8 p.m.