CHRISTMAS CHEER CONCERT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 17 December 1932, Page 2

CHRISTMAS CHEER CONCERT.

LAST NIGHT’S PERFORMANCE. The quality of the programme arranged at the Palmerston North Opera House last evening by Mr Harry Dawson to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Fund and the Salvation Army fund deserved a larger audience than was present. A particularly enjoyable selection of items had been arranged and , the warm applause which followed each item was well merited.

The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) acted as chairman and introduced the performers. A feature of the evening was the smartness with which the successive items were presented. The following was the programme: —Salvation Army Band, march, “New Zealand Warriors” ; vocal duet, “Nocturne,” Mesdames H. Prince and Dawson; selection “American Melodies,” Band; duet, “Whispering Hope,” Mesdames Prince and Dawson; ’cello solo, “Silver Threads Among the Gold,” Miss D. Welton; march, “Winnipeg Citadel,” Band; travelogue, Mr Dawson; cornet solo, “Melody,” Mr J. Clegg; duet, “The Voyagers,” Mr and Mrs Prince; contralto solo (with ’cello obligato), “Perfect Day,” Mrs Dawson; humorous Braille reading and pianoforte solo, “Sally,” Mr Caple; selection, “My Fortress,” Band. Mr Dawson’s travelogue, which occupied about 45 minutes, was most enjoyable, his splendid selection of pictures being shown from the standard sized projector. The selection was of a most comprehensive nature and included views of Sydney’s famous buildings; the various stages in the building of the harbour bridge and the structure in its finished state; beauty spots in the Blue Mountains and Mount Kosciusco; the location of Canberra, the Federal capital, with views of the £1,000,000 Parliament House; pictures of Australian birds and animals; slides showing Tasmanian beauty spots; also pictures of various floods and other disasters. Mr Dawson gave most interesting comments on the pictures. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr Mansford moved a warm vote of thanks to Mr Dawson for arranging the entertainment to help those in distress. He pointed out the responsibility of citizens to help those who were unable to provide for themselves during the Christmas season and appealed for help. Ensign Thorne, seconding the motion for a vote of thanks, expressed his appreciation to the Mayor for his good services. The speaker pointed out the dire need of many people in the city and said he hoped to be able gladden the- hearts of many children during the festive season. In reply, Mr Dawson said he was pleased to assist in any way and expressed regret that it was not a packed house. He returned thanks to the band, the artists,' the operator for the slides, Mr F. Jackson for his kindly, interest, and the Press.