R.S.A. MINSTRELS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1923, Page 4

R.S.A. MINSTRELS.

There was a fair attendance only at the Princess Theatre last night for the Fire Brigade benefit. The call upon tlie public was poorly attended. Had there been a call to a fire every member of the brigade would have responded to save the citizen's home or belongings, and made no charge for the volunteer service: but the citizen was not there in force to do his duty when the Brigade made its call for a little financial help! That was not like the townspeople. There was some lapse—perhaps through lack of forethought. The ICS.A. Minstrels served up some jolly fare to the delight of the audience present, and the performers were much encouraged by tin* plaudits. There was a good programme, mostly new items. A bevy of ladies, a linker's dozen by the way. were added to the circle and helped in the chorus work as in the more pleasing picture. Black faces were inconspicuous, except for the end men who worked off many fpiips and cracks. The orchestra was a great help to the musical munibers. and under good direction the whole went off most pleasingly. In the second half there was further variety added to the programme. A hornpipe danced most daintily was one of the host items of the evening. A banjo solo was another novelty introduced. The comic man was in good form. and re.oulored an amusing Scotch item. There was a demand for “-t'h” and n was aecepled aheartily a- ever. "Yt -. we have no Bananas" wa- another introduced item which caught- on. the soloist throwing the limit among the juvenile section of the audience, creating quite an exciting moment. llicre \.aa humorous monologue, followed by some .-lories which also took well, ami other musical items which were encored, the conductor's humorous song being very acceptable. The eccentric dame was a feature, because of its vigorous execution. Altogether it was a capita! programme. ami was greatly enjoyed. All assisting deserve every credit lor the jolly time provided. Before the lull of Die curtain the audience was thanked for their patronage, and the performers for tlic-ir benefit oll'ered to the Fire Brigade funds.