THE GORGE ENTERTAINMENT

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 149, 17 September 1872, Page 5

THE GORGE ENTERTAINMENT

The Amateur Entertainment given at Kawarau Gorge on Friday evening last, in aid of the funds of the Town-hall budding, was, considered from all points, a complete success. The attendance was numerous, the “ Gorgeites” mustering in strong force, and being complemented by visitors from Cromwell, Bannockburn, and the Lowborn. Altogether, there must have been close on one Hundred people present; and the building was rather unco ufortably filled. A refreshment booth, —under the proprietorship and management of the Town-hall Committee, —was erected just at the entrance to the hall, and the profits accruing from this Source also went to swell the general total. What with the amount thus realised, and that obtained from the sale of tickets,, we believe that the debt upon the building will be cleared o!F, and the Committee can at length be congratulated upon having a “ clean sheet.” We were pleased to see that the comfort and convenience of the performers had been studied : side-curtains were rigged up to conceal the comings-oii and goings off of the singers, and a room and toilet-requisites were provided for the use of the “Nightingales.” The Committee had evidently done everything in their power to render the affair a success, and their efforts were rewarded to the full, and tneir expectations happily realised. We regret we have not sufficient space at command to give a detailed report of the various songs, Ac. The rendering of several of these were greatly marred by a failing common with amateurs, —defective memory ; and one or two of the singers rather ismominiously “ went for” the side-door. The program me, as advertised, was not strictly adhered to. In the first place, owing to some delay connected with their passage from Cromwell, the baud did not arrive in time to play the overture ; consequently, a makeshift had to be provided by Messrs Campbell and Kelly, with the flute and fiddle. When the band, however, did arrive, they favoured the audience with a well-executed piece of music, which was listened to very attentively, and was loudly applauded. Mr Welliugs, from the Bannockburn, sang “ Cheer for the Tilot,” and Mr Joblin, in addition to his announced song “ Alone on the Shore,” sang the “ Bond-street Swell Mr Johnson, who was to sing “The White Cliffs of Albion,” did nut put in an appearance, and a solo on the flageolet by Air Wilson was omitted, —possibly because he had already sufficiently catered to the amusement of the audience, Tlie most commendable feature in the first part of the programme was certainly Mr Hurley s song and dance, “ Love among the Hoses, ’ for which he received an encore ; and Mr Bistings’ “Stump Speech.” Mr Hurley managed to avoid that frequ nt source of failure to amateurs, —over-doing ; and so rendered the performance enjoyable. Mr Bastings’ speech was excellence itself we have often seen professional “darkies make a much loss creditable show.

The see mil part consisted of the “nigger business," by the Kawarau Nightingales, and their efforts to provide fun and amusement were successful on this occasion beyond any prevhms one. Perhaps the fact that the four members of the troupe who took part in the first portion of the entert lininent were well received, had the o.Tcet of imparting a liveli ness to their performances. Bones (Mr Hurley) was especially and unusually lively ; and the anecdotes and jokes of Tony (Mr Bastings) were simply irresistible. When the Nightingales had “ bowed and scraped'’ themselves oil' the platform, Mr (j. Burrows came forward and, in the name of the Committee, returned most heartv thanks to one and all, —performers and hearers. He also mentioned that the building, among other uses, was originally intended for a sclioolhouse ; and he hoped that endeavours would be earnestly made to have a teacher located iu the (forge : he was sure there were enough children to warrant the hope for this. He then introduced

Messrs F. Bastings and P. Smith, who wound up the entertainment with a negro farce, winch, true to its name, caused roars of laughter. After which, a dance followed, i and was continued until between three and four in the morning. M e hope to see, as a fruit of the success of this entertainment, more frequent attempts to supply amusement to the Gorge people, i Such attempts need not he on so extensive a I scale as the performance under notice. What i '“''e known as “ Penny Headings” might easily j he organised, and instruction thereby comj bined with amusement and pleasure. Perj haps a shilling as admission fee would he | enough, and the proceeds could he devoted to the purposes of a school, or some other institution. We commend the suggestion to out jGovgo friends.