THE GREY VALLEY HOSPITAL CONCERT AND BALL.

Grey River Argus, Issue 887, 31 May 1871, Page 2

THE GREY VALLEY HOSPITAL CONCERT AND BALL.

The musical and dramatic entertainment and ball, in aid of the funds of the Grey Valley Hospital, took place at the Ahaura on 25th May, in the Hospital building. The liberal programme provided by the amateurs, together with the charitable object they had in view, had the effect of drawing a crowded house; and otherwise making the affair a success. The entertainment commenced with the delivery, by Mr Walter Atkin, of a well-written and appropriate prologue, written by H. M. Moor, Esq. The local part of the performance opened with the chorus "Happy I are we," by the Ahaura Minstrels. This was well rendered by the "darkies," and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. " 'Tilda Horn" was next given with good effecc by Mr Callaghan. " Genty breathe," which was sung with taste and feeling by Mr Webb, was highly applauded, and narrowly escaped an encore. The fervor with which Mr Walter Atkin "Threw himself away," was highly appreciated ; and in the next song, " We are coming, sister Mary," which was finely sung by Mr Stephens, the chorus was rendered admirably. The finaU chorus, " The <\>bden Railway," was a treat. The niggers are supposed to start on an excursion to the "is to be" metropolis, " when the railway comes." By some mechanical means, certain members of the troupe produce sounds exactly resembling tbe puffing, blowing, and screeching of a locomotive engine. The start, full speed, and stoppage of the train were described in a manner that delighted the youngsters among the audience. The tourists arrive at Cobden — alight, and look round — they see nobody inclined " to part," and they s.tart on their return trip, but the manner in which the journey ends is awful. Just as the train arrives at the last " station," at Ben Gough's Ferry, the boiler bursts, and the poor darkies disappear in every direction, much to the regret of a crowded house. The second part opened with the " Golden shoe dance," by Mr Callaghan. This gentleman took part in the performance last year for the benefit of the Hospital, when the institution was initiated, and the wonderful improvement he has made since astonished the large proportion of the audience who witnessed his former appearance. His dancing throughout the evening contributed largely to the success of the entertainment, and when he made his appearance as " Nicodemus Johnson," he was greeted with an uproar of applause. It is useless attempting to describe Nicodemus, he is such a compound of stiffnecked, or rather stifflegged hypocrisy, and withal intermittent agility. All the " gamins" in our streets are perfect in the air, or rather whine, of the song already, and they are in danger of breaking their legs in attempting to imitate the dance. Mr Callaghan was encored twice in this performance. Mr Walter Atkin then recited the "Ruined Cottage," in a manner deserving the highest praise. This gentleman's elocution was an important feature in the entertainment throughout. The "get-up" of Dr. Cook in "Fagan's red nose," was gorgeous. Fagan himself, if he saw him, would envy him the fine t red waistcoat. It would be hard to say 'whether the costume or the song suited the doctor best ; at all events, he had to appear before the curtain three times before the audience would allow him to retire finally. The "Death of Nelson," by Mr C. Brodie, was given with finish and power of execution. On being encored Mr Brodie sang " The Sexton," and this was unquestionably the best portion of the performance. The singer was again encored, when he sang " Santa Luci," and in this and in the two preceding songs the musical accompaniment was remarkably effective. Mr W. J. Potts' " Unfortunate Man" created roars of laughter. He looked the beau ideal of a " perisher," and many sympathised with him in his misfortunes. Mr Stephen's sang the "Minstrel" in an artistic manner, but the music was beyond his register. This gentleman has a fine and well-cultivated voice, and he was heard to advantage in the choruses. The Stump Speech, by Mr Atkin, was as well delivered as it could be, even by a professional actor, and the local allusions were highly relished; but the matter of the speech was not good, even for a composi tion of the sort. There are some among every audience who appreciate a little bit of " gag " more than anything ; but it must be remembered, these do not generally form the majority of any audience. Productions of this kind, to be effective, must first of all possess the essential requisite of novelty, and next humor without personality. The entertainment concluded with the farce of " Box and Cox on the Diggings." Box and Cox didn't appear to such advantage on the diggings as we have seen them elsewhere, and we will leave them in charge of Mrs Bouncer, who evidently is well able to take care of them. The singers were ably accompanied on Mr Pinkerton's pianoforte by Mr Pownall, who did thorough justice to the instrument, and also by Messrs T. Norberg and C. Buckingham, who came from Greymouth for the purpose. The building was tastefully decorated under the direction of Mr Pownall, who evidently understands the work he undertook to perform. The arrangement of the flags, mottoes, &c, with the beautiful ferns and other evergreens, had an artistic and pictui'esque effect. At the conclusion of the entertainment the hall was prepared for the ball by re- , moving the stage, flats, &c, and the company having assembled, dancing commenced. The arrangement of the ballroom was not as perfect as it could have been, but when it was recollected that the entertainment and ball were got up entirely for a charitable object, and that the management was in the hands of gentlemen who were comparatively inexperienced in such matters, a great allowance was made. The ladies, who had most cause to complain, did not do so ; on the contrary, they all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The ball-room was inconveniently crowded, but this was not felt so much as it otherwise would had the weather not been so fearfully cold. A good sum will be realised towards freeing the institution of debt, and the thanks of the Committee are due to those gentlemen who, at great inconvenience to themselves, took part in the performance, and to those ladies and (gentlemen who honored the entertainment and ball with their presence.