THE "BLACK DIAMONDS."

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 September 1921, Page 3

THE "BLACK DIAMONDS."

[1O THE EDITOR.]

SIR, —I would like, with your permission and as an old playgoer, to coogratulate the gentlemen who took part in the late local minstrel show for the excellent entertainment they provided. To get 'up a programme of the kind and carry it through successfully is fio easy matter : a good deal of practice, self-confidence, and loss of time is entailed when amateurs undertake such a task. The general public hardly realises this part of the business. On the other hand, it is easy to criticise ; but 1 hope my advocacy for improvement will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given—not with the idea of finding fault, but in order to convey a hint which might make any similar entertainment even more popular, at very little trouble and no cost. When I and others attended the late concert we naturally expected tb hear some local jokes released by the corner-tnen, but such wei-e conspicuous by their absence. There is really no necessity to "trot out" old gags; with a little thought one can always find the material to manufacture something quite original; local stuff is always appreciated by a general audience, though care must be taken that there be i nothing to hurt anyone's personal feelings. Those who take active ! parts in local benefit entertainments are deserving of the thanks of the public ; all will agree with this view, I think. The performers themselves, too, like to make the best impression possible,— when they are successful, then so much more kudos from the audience. To illustrate my meaning I give the following, which was produced recently in another town at a Christy minstrel performance:

Mr Johnson : What's the matter with you to-night, Sambo? You're very quiet.

, Sambo: Yea, Massa Johnson, Ise very sad. My brother Josephesus been 'rested,

Mr Johnson : Been arrested ! Good gracious! You mean that little thin brother in knickerbockers?

Sambo : Yes, Massa, 'rested for cruelty to animals—starving his two CALVES!

"Sambo" was known locally and he had a brother named Joseph, so you can quite imagine how the above squib "took on;" If the Black Diamonds decide to give further entertainments (and I sincerely hope they will), they might find it decidedly advantageous to introduce a few purely local hits. I would like also to suggest that some of the old, tuneful plantation and negro songs be given—those that are known to the audience, and to the younger people through their parents knowing them —instead of the newer ones, which are not so tuneful, sympathetic or melodious. While on this subject I would like to add a further word of praise to the fairy item given by a number of young girls. I think it was simply splendid., and any person, old or young, who failed to appreciate it must have a callous heart. —I am, etc.,

J. H. CLARIDGE