MILTON AMATEUR MINSTRELS.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 108, 4 August 1876, Page 5

MILTON AMATEUR MINSTRELS.

An entertainment was given by the Milton Amateur Minstrels in St. George's Hall, on last Tuesday evening', the proceeds to go towards the funds of the local brass band. The hall was crowded on the occasion. The overture was very fairly rendered, considering that the recent floods and wretched state of the roads, bad prevented much practice. The opening chorus — '* Down the Hiver" — whs well rendered, but some voices were awanting, which would have much improved the chorus. " Make Me a. Jacket out of Pa's Old Coat" was executed in Mr F. Grant's usual efficient style, but his fine voice and genial leatures were obscured by the piano. Some attention in the matter of angles would be an improvement. Mr John Grant's song, "The Letter in the Candle," was worthy of him, the execution being very good indeed. Mr Hamilton's " Scalding Hot" secured warm applause. Mr H Marryatt sang very well, but a slight nervousness was observable when the highest notes were being taken. We would recommend him to study Queen Elizabeth's writing on the window : —

" If thy strength fail thee Do not climb at all.''

Mr F. Bastings' local song was greeted with great applause, which it richly de- . served. Mr Taylor's solo, " I'm Dying far from Those I Love," was well rendered. It is sufficient to say that the finishing chorus was a chorus. In the second part, Miss Richardson's pianoforte selections were very well rendered indeed ; the delicacy of touch, the accuracy and whole style of execution, showing that the artiste was an accomplished one. Mr J. Grant's v Will o' uhe Wisp" fairly *' brought down the house." Mr M'Donald's flute solo was well received. Mr A. Hamilton made his bow to the public of Milton with a local song, which was humorous, and without an offensive word or inuendo, and had thus one merit which most songs of the kind do not possess. Mr Blackwood gave a sailor's hornpipe, which was much applauded. Mr Marry att' s song was also very g*ood« Mr and Miss Kichardson's violin and piano duet was . excell en t r while* Mr Richardson's violin solo was an exceedingly fine execution;.- AM.T Basting^, in his negro eccentric ties required to beY heard to be appreciated, lt need not;' be said that he induced much inirthY Tn the concluding farce, Messrs Grant,. Hamilton, and Bastings performed their respective parts well, . The whole • entertainment passed off most successfully, and no doubt wili prove a, mate-?*, s tiaLasaißta-*nAvtriUH fl^t* Q 4a^^