SALVATION ARMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2560, 22 July 1909, Page 4

SALVATION ARMY.

THE RIRORIROS.

■When Brigadier Holdaway and his talented &v£iih» visited Qisborno lgt year to give a aeries of entertain men, they made many, warm friends, so that it was no surprise that the Salv Army Citadel should be crowded last evening to again welcome the visitorsThe Mayor and Mayoress (Mr., and Mrs W D. Lysnar) were among the laige audience, and His Worship spoke n praise of the good work that was being done by the Salvation Army. Brigadier Holdaway has b rought about twenty clever children, and singing, reciting, and drill show effect of patient and careful .training. The performance was not without little' drollery, and the, audience was kept in laughing humor throughout the evening. The action songs were well given by the full company, an among the numbers were, “Come, bing the Song of the Sailor Lad, and - Umbrella Drill,” in the latter of which the children tell the storv of the sun, and ’imitate that luminary as he hides behind the clouds. Another action song that caused great laughter was the Story of a Fiy ” and the children humorously told in song how the fly tickled auntie’s nose and uncle’s bald pate. The girls of the company gave some good items, including “A Foolish Little Maiden,” and “Merry Little Milkmaids,” in which they sat on threelegged stools and imitated the milking of the cow and the churning of butter. The best item was the representation of a school singing competition, and the children both sang and acted w r ell. While the collective singing was exceptionally good, the quartette and solo singing was equally appreciable. Two small boys, sons of Brigadier Holdaway, sang a humorous song, “I want to join the Army,” and a duet “So is he/' Six of the Riroriros gave a song descriptive of street life in large cities, and went through the actions of selling flowers, matches, and laces, cleaning boots, and other work, to perfection. Some musical items were played by the children on hand-bells and musical boxes, and by Brigadier Holdaw r ay and the corps cadet on fairy glasses. The Riroriros have special costumes for each song, and at times they appear grotesquely funny. The entertainment right through has a true “Army” flavor, it never drags, it is light, wholesome, and withal instructive. and shows in a realistic manner what splendid work the organisation is capable of doing. To-night Brigadier Holdaway and the Riroriros will give an entertainment in His Majesty’s Theatre. A special programme has been prepared, and as. the performance will be up to the high standard that has drawn crowded houses in other parts of the Dominion, the theatre should be packed to the doors.