1934-11-20 — Page 7

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"MERRIE ENGLAND'

Philharmonic Society's Musical Triumph

On Saturday evening, in the Theatre of the China Fleet Club, the Philharmonic Society gave Its Arst performance of the con- \\ cert version of "Merrie England." The audience, though not fil- ing the house to capacity, was most responsive and appreciative. *The outstanding feature was the Ane work of the choristers who must be awarded very high marks indeed for their patient attention to detall, for their fine phrasing, and clearness of enun- ciation. It is gratifying to realise that the local community can provide vocal talent which can, under skilful direction, rèn- der choral work as fine as one could wish to hear. Aho, it must have come as a surprise to many that an orchestra of such size and' quality could be mustered trum local resources, and hopes are raised that an amateur string orchestra may yet be organised on a permanent basis—perhaps" as an adjunct of the Philbarinonic Society.

Choristers Provide Treat

Under Mr. Anderson Miller's: The ensemble work with which Act I. closes was rendered with ex- baton the orchestra played the overture very effectively, and earn-cellent taste in the solos, and with ed a round of applause not always fire spirit in the choruses, and the coaxed from an audience "so early response of the audience was gen- in the evening.`

erous and hearty.

I

** The Opening Chorus The opening chorus betrayed a touch of nervousness, such as any amateur company almost inevitably feels on its first public perform ance, but confidence was quickly acquired, and by the time "The Teomen of England" was reached the choral work was superb and inspiring.

Second Act.

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER

CORRESPONDENCE

[All letters intended for publi- cation must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not for publication; unlèsų so deäired. but as evidence of good faith.–E»,]

'FRESH FIELDS”

[The Editor, "The Hong Kong Daily Press"]

Str. The forthcoming production by the Hong Kong A.D.C. brings to mind. purely as A. matter of academic interest, that no ̈ Shakes- pertan quotation is 50 commonly misquoted as "Fresh woods and pastures new." The popular sub- stitution of "fields" for "woods " may be an alliterative preference and certainly the line suffers little, If at all, by the 'change. Another general misquotation, from Gray's *Elegy" is "they kept the even. tenor of their way." It should, of course, be "noiseless tenor." Pos-

sibly

these .and other curious" changes are due less to those who "have just enough of learning to misquote" than to Д popular tendency towards euphony in. lan- guage. Car anyone, by the way, explain by any astronomical theory the well-known line in Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner "The horned moon with one bright star within its nether tip." So curious a phenomenon would seem to imply either the transparency of the moon or the presence of a star

The orchestral introduction to the Second Act was very satis- factorily played, and the jovial chorus "The Month of May" wasYours faithfully. rendered with excellent vim. But a small criticism must be made here. The chorus, supposed in the stage version to be heard as

between the earth and its satellite.

JUNIUS.

"

they approach from distance. POPPY DAY FUND should have graded their volume more definitely, and worked up by. a gradual crescendo to their full power,

The quartet "In England. Merric England" W3S light and well balanced, and well deserved the encore that was readily accorded.

The first solo of the evening fell to "Jill" in the plaintive air. "Oh, where the deer do lie." In this Mrs. D. J. Valentine's fine con- tralto voice was used with real artistry. She expressed very faith- fully the personality of the shy creature of the wild-woods-sad, wistful, lonely. The unsympathetic attitude of the folk of Windsor, was well interpreted by the chorus, and again "Jill's" buoyant defance, as she declared herself merry as May, and es proud as a queen on a throne, showed Mrs. Valen-noticeable during the rendering of

From most parts of the area it was difficult to see the chorus, owing to the height of the stage above the floor, and the somewhat excessive elevation of the conduc- tor's perch. This was specially

The Four Men of Windsor "and

Further Donations

Previously Acknowledged $5.901.72 Union · Church

Staffs, Hong Kong Fire

Brigades First Church of Christ

Scientists

s Ping, Esq. Roman Catholic Church

H. M. Ships

H. M. Troops

| Street Sales: Kowloon .;.

'47,82

44 CO

Hong Kong Trade Returns

DECREASE IN BOTH IMPORTS

AND EXPORTS

Statistical Office's Report,

For Ten Months

1934

The Statistical Office of the Imports and Exports Depart ment reports that, during the first ten months of 1934, Imports of merchandise into the Colony of Hong Kong totalled $338.8 mil- tions (£25.3 millions),' as compared with 3423.5 millions (£28.5 millions) in the corresponding period of 1933: a decrease in • terms of Hong Kong currency of 20.0%; whilst Exports of mer- chandise were valued at $267.2 millions (£19.9 millions), as compared with $341,4 millions" (&2%.6 millions) in the "corres- ponding period of 1933: a decrease in terms of Hong Kong ent- rency of 21.7%.

▪༔

Figures for the month of October, 1934 show that imports of merchandise into the Colony amounted to a declared value of $36.7 millions (£3.0 milions), as compared with $42.4 millions (£3.0 millions) in October of 1933: a decrease in terms of local currency of 13.4%.

Exports of merchandise totalied $29.7 millions (£24 mil- Hons), as compared with $34.3 millions (£2.4 millions); à decrease in terms of local currency of 13.6%.

The following table shows comparative" #gures of imports and exports of Merchandise and Treasure during the months of Octo- ber, 1934 and October, 1933:---

Merchandise Treasure

Total

Merchandise Treasure

Total

MONTHLY FLUCTUATIONS Since October, 1933, total Im- 27.50 ports of merchandise into Hong 25 00 Kong fluctuated from the lowest 10.00 HK. dollar value (29.6 milions 473.81 in February, 1934, to the highest 402 88 (42.4 millions) in ̈October, 1933; 2,033.37 whilst Exports fluctuated from

IMPORTS

October 1934 $36,721,817

* 5,696,856

October, 1933 $42,443,758

5,111,028

$42,418,673

447,554,785

EXPORTS

October, 1934 October, 1933

$29,655,684

6,866,32$

534,339,869

13,117,627

$36,522,008 $47,457,496

China, North 7,000,069

4,136,096 (8,071,694) (4,077,282)

China, Middle 554,517 2,124,741

(687.520) (2,203,800) China, South 5,657,732 8,632,088

(8,623,951) (10,597,612) Cuba

tine's ability as actress as well as of "The Sun in the Heavens is Street Sales: Hong Kong 1.721 20 $22.2 millions in February, 1934, to America

vocalist.

high," the vocalists being part of Street Sales: Happy Val- The part of "Bessie Throckmor-

the chorus, and standing on the ley ton" was shared by Mrs. Anderson sloping gallery at the back of the Street Sales: Talkoo Miller and Mrs. Bowes Smith. The platform. Nevertheless, the gener-Street Sales: Sher O former lady introduced the part by lal effect was satisfactory. The

a fine rendering of "She had a duet "It is the merry month of letter from her love." Though, the

song is not difficult it gave ample opportunity for the display of Mrs. Miller's technical skill and the numerous grace-notes were beautt- fully taken.

The ever-popular quintet "Love is meant to make us glad" betrayed in the opening bars a certala lack of cohesion, but the singers quickly warmed to their work, and fully earned their encore, in which they were even more successful,

A Resonant Baritone

"The

|

May "is one of the most pleasing

tine and Mr. Dyer..

Rustic Dances

The rustic dances, so familiar, to many people who have never made the acquaintance of "Merrie Eng- land" as a whole, provided an agreeable orchestral Interlude. Then followed the finest tenor solo in the opera, "The Engilsh, Rose," In which Mr. Dyer acquitted him- self very creditably, though the

ア

9,770

(5,987)

3,385

190,251

Further contributions will

$11,490.75 be

items in the score, and it was gratefully received by Mr. F. G artistically rendered by Mrs. Valen-Maunder, Secretary to Earl Haig's Fund, York Buliding. Hong Kong. Cheques should be made payable Thomson & Co. and crossed "Poppy Day Fund."

Dec.

to

14

H.K. POLICE RESERVE

$34.3 millions in October; 1933. 640.00

The figures are given below, with 81,25 the sterling equivalents, at average 42.20 rates of exchange, in brackets:-- Luports Exports 1933 October $42,443,758 $34,339,869

(£2,973,274) (£2,405,579) Nov. $40,561,833 $33,731,571

Germany (£2,852,004) (£2,371,751) $36.841.971 $27.994.496

Holland (£2,000,045) (£1,975,653) 1934

Italy $27,300,494 | January $32,549,352

(£2,390,343) (£2,011,489) Feb, $29,591,425 $22,223,748

(£2,211,651) (£1,860,994) March -$33,638,848 $27,867,023 1

(£3,522,814) (£2,090,026) Macao

$32,127,612 $26,541,120 (£2,342,638) (£1,935,290) $32,799,925 $27,022,079 (£2,289,161) (£1,885,916)

$34,834,795 $28,062,095 ! (2.485,608) (£1,859,710) $29,705,534 $23,240,797 (£2,181,500) (£1,706,748),

$27,788,719 $39,724,787 (£2,989,704) (£2,001,301) 8. Ámerica

(-)

(178,931)

Cenmark

2,166

+ 140

(7,491)

(282)

Egypt

10,488

.5,567

(18.347)

(10,225)

1

Јарап

Frence

(208,592) (588.459) Indo-China 1,709,125 2,404,482

(2,851,392) (2,496,688)

1,352,536 (1,744,157)

403,994 (257,991) 348,665 (399,510) 3,427,166 (2,046,780)

205,919 185.226

80,082

(222,506)

283,753

(95,933)

3,333 (105,658) 920,932

K.C. 'Wan

Norway

(25,328)

48 (997)

N.E. Indies

2,998,333 (2,657,838)

705,176

(817,332)

Philippines

77,081 368,709

Stam.

2,429,895 (4,429,375)

8,472

Sweden

98.115

(49,518)

5,227

(81,339)

790 (8.214)

(3,854)

2,000,750

* 1,694,371

(2,100,174)

(2,039,252)

341.005

Yeomen of England" top note is an effort to all male deserves special mention. Mr. voices but those of very high re- Sanders's resonant baritone volce gister. "Bulted the solo part splendidly and

The

whole Bowes-" Who

tit-bit of the the volume and fire of the chorus-evening was surely Mrs. was magnificent, rising in the con-Smith's rendering of "0.

that Love is Cruel eluding bars to a really glorious shall say climax.

and colourful voice, added to beautiful phrasing, made this charming aria a sheer delight. and the cadenza was truly magni- icent.

-The tuneful ditty "When true love hath found a man" was of special interest, as bringing to- gether Mrs, Bowes Smith, whose vocal talents have been so long known and appreciated in the Colony, and Mr. E. J. Dyer who was, so far as the writer knows, making his first public appearance on the concert platform. It was very satisfactory to find that their volces blended so agreeably, and achieved a well-balanced duet.

•

Her

Sweet

Splendid Finale

In the Finale, under the title of "Robin Hood's Wedding,"

the chorus work, interspersed with sulos, was splendid, and the total effect was really brilliant.

On all sides, expressions of hearty approval were heard, and His Ex- cellency the Governor, and Lady Peel, who honoured the production with their presence, expressed their cordial appreciation

A Robust Chorus The chorus "Long Live Elizabeth" was splendidly robust where. vigour The Philharmonic Society "cer- was called for, but also, in response tainly provided its large audience to the conductor's baton, finely with an entertainment of En- subdued and expressive in the usual interest and excellence, and Drayer "May Heaven prosper Her, must be congratulated ок its etc." The Queen's response to her popular success. loyal subjects in the soothing "O The production reflects great "Peaceful England," was very sult-credit on all who participated in ably rendered by Mrs. H. L. Lock it, and the Honorary Conductor. hart, who succeeding in conveying, Mr. Anderson Miller, must be well by voice and manner. Elizabeth's content, and feel that the time and anxious maternal watchfulness over talents he has devoted to the her. country. The supporting training of the cast, have been chorus and orchestra gave the amply rewarded by the splendid

right shades of feeling, and the concluding words "and in thy slumber smile" were very tenderly and effectively rendered.

The “Tale of Robin Hood" which in the full stage versión marks the beginning of the Finale of Act I, suited Mrs. Anderson Miller to perfection, and she was well- sup- ported by the choruz.

auccess achieved.

P

The second, and last, perform ance is to be given next Saturday, 24th inst, and a full house may be. confidently predicted.

TATTOO.

!

April

(ORDERS BY THE HON, MR. T. H. May

KING, LG. OF POLICE) General

June All members of the Hong Kong Police Reserve will report for July special duty on Tuesday, November 20 at 18.45 hours sharp, at the August nearest Police Station to where

they reside.

Sept.

337,153,662 $29,432,184 (£2,883,294) (£2,284,060) $36,721,817 $29,655,884 (£2,983,648) (£2,409,524) Fwitzerland Mean rate of Exchange for Octo- ber, 1934, HK$=is 7id.

All members of the Special Con- stabulary will report for specialOctober duty on Tuesday, November 20 at 12.45 hours sharp, at the nearest

Police Station to where they reside.

Winter Uniform Winter Uniform will be taken into general wear as from Friday, November 14, 1934.

C. CHAMPKIN, Acting, D.S.F. (R.). Hong Kong, November 19.

ARMY CHANGES IN

FRANCE

General Weygand's Successor

Specist to the "Hong Kong Dally,

Press” (Copyright/))

*Spain

VALUES BY COUNTRIES The total values of Imports and USA Exports of merchandise are shown below' by countries, the figures for Others October, 1933, being given in brackets:-

(1,257,089)

467,798 778,274

(769,352)(828,874)

712,530 1,450,126 (648,300) (2,274,402)

29,250

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HENNESSY'S

BRANDY

(74,752)

(871,505)

1,176,647 (1,009,878)

79,491

· (127,393) "39,737

This Brandy is served in every

hotel the world over-a

(12,820)

2,150

(54)

proof of its outstanding quality.

1,677

107,985

(102,212) (80,146)

COMMODITY FIGURES

The total values by main groups of commodities, with the figures⠀⠀⠀ 527724 for October. 1933, in brackets are (1.114.195) given below:---

UK.-4

Australia

Burma

Imports $ 3.314,187 (4.344140)

B02,735 (383,680) 21.528

Exports

$

134,828

Imports

(112,885)

186.020 Animals,

Canada

(148,387) 342,399

(120.919) | Live

104,585

777,238 (1,086,526)

(549.918)

(126210) Buliding

Ceylon

18,267 (31,397)

20,787 Chemicals & (17,117)... Druga

*-492,335

-536,705

700,186 (594,275)

Exports

$

17,448 (31,598)

294,640 (356,765);

277,738 (305,958)

(585,719) Chinese

12.525

113,095 Materials 703,730 -(7,313) (78.713)

-(750,920)

Paris, Nov. 18. The Sunday papers announced EL Africa that the positions in high.com.

and in the French Army will be. India

(1,661,280) subjected to certain important

Malaya

546,377 changes in the present week. For

(British) (389662) example, the Vice-President of

11,880. the Supreme War Council, Gene- New Zealand:

(20,906) r. Weygand retires on January

173,371

20 when he reaches the age limit. N. Borneo of 88 years. Weygand's succersur

is expected to be the chief of the S. Africa General Staff, General Gamelia, while the Chief of the Gentral W. Africa

Impolite Hostess: "Very bad form, I call Probably no item in the entire It, to ring me up during church Stad will be General Georges opera is less tuneful and less in-hour

who, it will be remembered, was W. Indies

teresting than "We are four men Guest: "Emobably she knows seriously wounded on the occa-

sion of the Marseilles assassins-B. I. Other of Windsor." but this quartet you don't go to church.""

"Very likely, but she might have tions but who is now on his way demands skilful, harding, and

Belgium Messrs. Best, Frost, Mellon, and had the decency to assume that I

to recovery. Transuccun Buo Mini Peckham acquitted themselves well. do."

2,088,207 Medicine 1,960,322 1,148,005 (1,824:827)"

(1,292.342)

(281,109)

31.647 Dyeing (25,005) Materials

51,415 (7,502) Foodstuf

4,121

42,574

(135,000)

(75,616) Fuels

7,284

(3,027) Hardware

930

179,226

(232)

(67,860) Liquadru

29.064* 175,013

(20,053) ****^(96474) Machinery Az

12774,030/2009/08/628-

(730,974) (109,128)

(998,135)

354.151

327,887 (224,780) (289,838) 10,207.219 8,313,300. (13,494,806) (10,671,803)

689,718 67,810 1893 378) (*(80,868)* 228895 199,445

(218,053)

・(254-125)

429,064

(204,083)

· 2071565 (80,480)

(Continued on page 10.)

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