COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT TO MR. DAVID WILLIAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2586, 6 October 1884, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT TO MR. DAVID WILLIAMS.

The complimentary benefit tendered 10 Mr David Williams at the Theatre Royal on Friday night, though moderately well attended, was scarcely so much so as the beneficiairy deserved, considering his many gratuitous services in the cause of public and charitable institutions. The entertainment itself may be said to have exceeded the expectations of those who went, as regards its character and the merits of the performers; and although there were three or four persons’ names on the programme who failed to put in an appearance at all, still there was no flagging, and the able and ready stage manager, Mr T. Muirhead, a host in himself, did not allow these drawbacks to mar the general effect. Shortly before the hour of commencing, the cheerful sounds of the Catholic Brass Band, with their drummer, could be heard entering the town, and at eight o’clock they proceeded to the Theatre, where during the evening they enlivened the proceediugs with occasional selections of music. It was allotted to them to play the overture, which consisted of a quick march “ The day when you’ll forget me.” The Band, under the able leadership of Mr W. T. Richards, continues to improve in play, and also to add to their now numerous and varied selections of music. Mr T. Muirhead was the first soloist to present himself on the stage. He san« “The Four Jolly Smiths;” his voice seems as good as ever*, and he was duly applauded. Instead of “ Jessie’s Dream, which was on the programme, Mr R. Jackson favoured the company with “Nil Desperandum.” He also was in fair voice, and acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the audience. Miss Howe, who is in a very delicate state of health, did not shirk her promised song, but seemed even to surpass her previous efforts when singin" “Good-bye at the Door,” which “she did very sweetly, and to the intense gratification of those present. In the absence of Mr J. M'Laren Mr Muirhead They’re mixed up in an awful way, an amusing song, and well appreciated. Miss Lilly Williams, eldest child of the beneficiary, next presented herself, and sang “Mary of Argyle.” She has not entered into her teens, yet she possesses for her age a powerful and sweet voice, aud she will doubtless become a favourite songster. The audience testified their approval with rapturous applause. Mr Muirhead followed with the motto song “ Don’t put your foot on a Man when he’s down,” for which real manifestations of approval were given. The first part concluded by Mr Williams giving some of his highly amusing delineations of Chinese character and life, which occasioned much fun and genuine laughter. After an interval of ten minutes, the second part was opened by the Band playing the polka “Equilibrio.” The clever stage manager then gave a descriptive banjo song and dance—a much more difficult task to perform than most people would imagine; but the difficulties were hidden by the ability and dexterity of the performer, and he received well deserved applause. “My dear Old Wife and I,” a serio-comic song, by Mr D. Williams, was given with rather too much vivaciousness but did not, however, escape manifestations of approval. From the manner in which “ If I was Single” was rendered, by Miss Pearce, we should suppose that it was her maiden attempt on the stage, as she evidently lacked the confidence which it is necessary to sustain before a public audience; but this is the case with most persons who by special request come forward to assist at entertainments of this character, and the good voice which she possesses may on another occasion be heard to better advantage. Next the company were favoured with a violin solo “The Cuckoo,” a most difficult piece of execution, but rendered by Mr Alex. Miller in a manner worthy of the ability and perfection of a thoroughly accomplished professional violinist.'ip Miller is one of the few men who, pursuing an ordinary occupation in life, rise to such a degree of skill and perfection on the violin without adopting it altogether for a means of living. The song “The Child aud the Wattle Blossom,” by Miss Lily Williams, gave the audience another opportunity of judging of this young person’s fine voice, and the applause which followed testified their appreciation of her talent. Considering the “Recollections of M'Cabe” wore given not in character id must og said that Mr D. Yilliams fairly astonished the audience by his wonderful mimic;y of old Frederick. The double song aud dance of Messrs T. Muirhead and (his Jemima) Mr Thompson (in character) were hmhlv amusing, and were productive of roars of laughter. Tut ■ LMakiuvu ” quick

march by the Brass Band, concluded the second part of the entertainment. After another interval of ten minutes, the curtain rose to the first appearance of the Abyssinian Minstrels, Mr T, Mnirhead as Bones, Mr H. Hope as Tambo, and Mr Dave Williams as President Johnson. The jokes and conundrums, particularly those of Bones, were productive of much laughter, and the minstrels Jackson, Hope, Williams, Thompson, jun., Gr. Wood, Muirhead, and Brown performed their songs and parts to the complete gratification and satisfaction of the audience. An American prize jig was also introduced by Mr J. Thompson. As the audience were leaving Mr D. Williams came out before the curtain and thanked the public and kind friends who had come forward to assist him for their patronage and efforts, and the entertainment concluded by the Band playing the National Anthem. The ball which was held afterwards was kept up till daylight.