HAMILTON SPECTATOR
Wednesday 25th August 1915
PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT AT PENSHURST.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
PENSHURST, Monday.
Long before eight o'clock, on Saturday evening every available seat in the mechanics' institute was occupied, and even standing room was at a premium.
The entertainment, which was in aid of the Australian wounded soldiers fund, was the unique and cleverly conceived idea of Mrs. D. Walls, and was entitled “A night with the Allies." Unfortunately a few weeks ago Mrs. Walls suffered a breakdown in health, but her able lieutenants, Messrs. E. C. Stephens and D. Walls, had their forces so well arranged that the evening was a thorough success both socially and financially.
Everyone wanted to help to make the entertainment a record one, and they did it well. The takings at the door amounted to £25, and this was augmented by the sale of a Union Jack cushion, which on being auctioned realised £8/7/6. The cushion was made and kindly donated by Miss Irene Waller, the ultimate purchaser being Mr. J. Waller.
The stage was tastefully decorated with the flags of the Allies, a score of nicely dressed children, who took part in the company songs and choruses forming a pretty background. Proceedings opened by the company singing "God Save the King." Miss Lexie Chesswas appearing as Britannia in the tableau. Appended is the programme, each item meeting with well merited applause - England -Song, "Ye Mariners of England," Master Robin Chesswas : company song; "We'll stand by the dear old flag." Ireland - Company song, "The minstrel boat"," Miss Lily Richie representing Ireland: character duet, ' It's the little drop of Irish tells," Miss L. Richie and Mr. W. Rose (encored). Scotland- Song, "Scots wha hae'" Mr F. Olle; highland fling, Miss M. Clark (encored); pipe selections, Pipers Hayes (2) and Clohesy. Wales- Miss Violet Barker represented Wales and recited "Men o' Harlech" and little Joyce Parry sang "Wales."
Australia—The Australian items were hailed with applause, which increased as Private P. J. Rice, who recently re- turned wounded from the Dardanelles, appeared on the stage. He was heartily cheered, and it was some minutes before the performers could resume their singing. In this tableau, Jessie Waller appeared as a girl scout, and Harry Greig as a soldier. Misses L. Chesswas, Ella Eales, V. Barker, Irene Waller, P. Eales', and M. Cook, bearing bunches of golden wattle, rendered "Wattle Day," and the item was one of the best, if not the best, on the programme. Russia—Russia was represented by Misses Fitzpatrick, Isabel Greig, L. Richie, and Olle, the Russian National An- them and "God the all terrible,' being rendered. The Polish and Servian National Anthems followed, Mr. w. Richie, Junr., representing Servia.
France—Miss K. Leahy represented France, the company singing the "Marseillaise." Mounted on a diminutive "steed," Miss Sarah Hauser rendered "The Vivendiere," the actions of the "charger" keeping the house in roars of laughter. Belgium— Belgium was represented by Miss R. Olle, the company singing the Belgian National Anthem. Canada "The Maple Leaf" was sung by the children, Canada being represented by Miss Isabel Greig. Japan—Four girls, attired in kimonos and carrying the regulation Japanese umbrella, rendered "Gay little girls from Japan'" after the company had given the Japanese National Anthem. Italy- Misses L. Chesswas, I. Olle, W. Olle, and D Cooper appeared in this tableau, the Italian National Anthem being sung by the company.
New Zealand— The New Zealand tableau was warmly applauded. Mr. Geo. J. Chesswas, who appeared as a Maori, sang ' "New Zealand will be there." India—Messrs. E. C. Stephens end R. Camm, who appeared as Indians, completely mystified the audience as to their identity. Miss I. Olle recited "The Pipes of Lucknow," the mu- sic being heard in the distance.
Africa- Mr. Cooper appeared as General Botha and W. Olle as John Bull. The evening concluded, with a grand march of the Allies, after which the Nation al Anthem was rendered. During an interval Mr. Stephens said he desired to thank the audience for their liber al support. It was an ample reward to those who helped to get everything ready. He desired also to thank the pipers (who were cheered) and also all the performers.
