WAITANGURU.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 596, 23 August 1913, Page 5

WAITANGURU.

Own Correspondent

The entertainment which was advertised to be eriven by the Minstrel Troupe, under the auspices of the Waitanguru Comedy Company, eventuated on Wednesday evening of last week, and proved a thorough success. All day Wednesday the weather was very discouraging", with almost incessant rain, and was such as to prove effective in obliterating all cheerful hopes in the minds of the various minds of the company. About four o'clock in the afternoon the clouds began tc disperse, and a great burden was lifted from off the minds of those who had laboured so steadfastly in an endeavour to produce enjoyment, and who, without doubt, richly deserved to have their eiiorts crowned with success. .At (>.30 that evening lights were discernible in the hall, and it was evident that every thing was being prepared in readiness to receive an audience. About 5.30 about forty people had gathered inside the hall and were eagerly waiting to view the figures behind the curtains. Suddenly a great noise and commotion indicated that the commencement was about to take place, and subsequently the curtains were drawn aside and eight dark individuals exposed themselves to view and to the general merriment of the audience.

When the laughter had subsided.- Mr V. Jackson as "Mr Jack Sunflower," rose and delivered his well prepared speech, introducing each member separately, dealing with his capabilities and 'his past achievements. His speech was listened to very attentively, and wop him great credit. Mi- Sunflower acted as chairman, and fulfilled his duties very capably. The company opened the programme with "Massas' in the Cold, Cold Ground." Then followed local "gags" songs both comic and sentimental, speeches and sketche-. Mr C. Thrush posed ss "Mr Johnson," and admirably well did he perform his part He sang "Sentenced to Death" and "Advice to Married Men r? and mastered both songs weli. Mr Lindsay a3 "Mr Fiddler' acted as his name denotes, a3 musician, and proved himself 3 worthy addition to the company. Mr E. Brider, as "Tambo," formed the chief centre of amusement, his attitudes and grimaces delving all efforts on the part 01 the audience to keep a solemn countenance. His rendering of "I m a Roam in' Little Darkie" anu "I m Wearing my Heart Away for "iou,' were well received, and well deserved, and his accomplishment of his part throughout was excellent. Mr T. Denison. as "Bones," was a twin brother of "Tambo," and was in himself a trick. He also was responsible for many of the outbursts of laughter from the audience, the darkie characteristics which he displayed being very realistic. He sang "Ballooning and "Shadow Land," both fonga being well suited to his fine voice, Mr T. Cooper, a? "Sambo," was by no means out of place, ar.d his many achievements were exceedingly crediable. He sang "I've Got Rings on My Fingers" and "Some Day When Dreams Come True," and won well earned applause. Mr N. Thomas, as "Jacko," produced much meriiment throughout his pirt, and though not being possessed of vocal talent, he, without doubt, doubly made up for that, in a sketch in which he posed as an old man. Mr W. Thrush, as "Banjo," filled his place successfully, his two songs, "Th? Old Rustic Bridge" and "Tax the Bachelors," being well received. The singing of "God Save the King" concluded a two hours' performance, and Mr Johnston thanked th 3 audience on behalf of the Comedy Company for their attendance and kind attention. The hall v>as then cleared for dancing. Supper was handed round by the Company members. Music was supplied for the dance by Messrs Lindsay, violin, Andre sen violin and accordeon. and E. Larsen and C. Thrush accordeon. Mr T. Dennison rendered a song during the evening and the company dispersed shortly after 3 a.m.