Youths' Institute Entertainment.

Manawatu Herald, 9 November 1897, Page 2

Youths' Institute Entertainment.

The above entertainment was sue ceßsfully given last night to a full house, every seat being filled, though it rained and blew hard, and was as unpleasant a night as could well be imagined. There was evidently very much interest taken in this initial performance and we think the audience were not disappointed.

' There was a capital orchestra, the largest that has ever been at any amateur performance, and their playing was very pleasing and of great assistance to the Christys'. Miss Stansell presided at the piano, and Misses Austin and Collins and Mr C. Austin played the violins, the Rev. R. Young and Mr J. D. Gibson clarionets, and Mr Betty the Euphonium*

THE MINBTBKLS.

The curtain rose to the Darkies, seated in a semi circle, and dressed in black trousers and white shirts with a vivid red tie and sash. The young niggers were Masters P. Stansell, J. Furrie, A. Jenks, A. Stansell, W. O'Brien, H. Collins, G. Rhodes, B. Wilson, W. Cook, A. Imrie, J. Robinson, A. Shadbolt, A. Cook E. Dodson, E. Oaborne and E. Collins.

Messrs F. It. Young was Tambo and F. Hadfield, Bones. Mr Alf. Fraser was Mr Johnson. Mr Fraser as centre man was in evening dress, but the corner men were wonderfully arrayed in semi-military coats. We oan say that Tambo showed an amount of life which is so necessary to one in his position, and he made bis points dearly. The Bones showed a thorough knowledge of these instruments and his points were partly lost owing to his too politely addressing the chairman instead of the audienoe. However he helped very considerably. The ohorußes were given remarkably well by the 16 little nigger boys and showed that they were suffering from no throat affection. Masters P. Stansell sang "Good old Jeff"; H. Collins and G. Rhodes a duet " Be kind to mother fond and true" ; B. Wilson •' Always taka mother's advice " ; A. Shad bolt " Oaly to see her face"; and A. Cook and E. Dudson " Pour old Joe " ; B. Osborne had two songs " There is a lock on the chicken coop door," and " Have gou seen O'Hooligan." All these items were vigourou3ly applauded. The singers showed that they had practised assidiously and promise a treat in the near future. Mr F. B. Young (Tambo) sang " Mind the paint," which was encored, and Mr Hadfield (Bones) sang "Uncle Jefferson."

Before the curtain fell the new instruments were placed in the hinds of the company and we had a little illustration of what the future drum and fife band will be like. The two corner men appeared in fresh costumes, and Bones took the tenor drum and beat a tattoo in a professional manner, and we may here mention" that he has kindly consented to instruct the youagners. Mr Tambo took the biggest drum and sounded it on every occasion. With this little flurry the curtain fell. It was mentioned that besides the musical instruments a set of cricketing materials had also been obtained.

THB SECOND PART.

The first item of the second part was some splendid step dancing by Master R. Walden, which fairly brought down the house, and had to be repeated. It was unquestionably very good and Master Walden is to be congratulated on his performance. Miss Harley then sang the " Valley by the sea " in her usual cultivated manner, and was duly encored, in response to which she obligingly sang " Bonnie new moon." Mr J. D. Gibson played a clarionet solo to a piano accompaniment by Miss Gibson,

entitled a " Swiss Air," which waa howaver brought to an untimely end by a fainting fit on the part of the performer* frftAited. The Key. R. Young thanked thd audience for their company that " night. He drew ftttbiition id the" very short time for practice that the lads bad had, but .thought they kad done very well. It was intended ,td give other entertainments ddritig the year when there would be something better provided, as the band instru--1 mcnts had arrived, and thus more > instrumental music would be given. He assured the audience that the Institute intended to avoid begging, they had started on faith and had ordered the instruments on an advance made by Mr Easton, and^ he thought now that gentlemen* to "whom they were very much obliged, would get his money back. They need fear no requests for five shillings or ten shillings. He did not believe in that system. Mr Young further thanked the performers who had assisted.

FINALE.

The finale was a very good darkie farce, locally written by Mr Alf. Fraser, entitled "Dr Bank's Servant," the characters being taken by the author as Qub, Washington, Masters 6. Langdon representing Dr. Banks ; and E. Qillespie the policeman whilst E. Osbore, W Coley, F. Hooore and C. Bowie were the suffering patients. A good deal of fun was elicited, Mr Alf Fraser being, of course, the chief actor, but the lads were very good, especially Master Langdon, who showed an aptitude for acting which will probably be more observed by and bye. A new bit of scenery was refreshing, representing a doctor's shop, and the get up of " Gns Washington " was grand. We must not omit to mention that Master A. Jenks played the opening piano overture " Marche dee Flambeaux " in very good style, for which he was applauded.

CONCLUSION.

We have nothing but congratulations for all who helped, and despite the weather it is satisfactory to learn that tha Institute will clear £10 by their efforts. This is a praotical illustration of self-help. After the performance the little niggers had a light supper in the sample rooms, given by Mr and Mrs Stansell. Owing to the night having been so wet, many were undoubtedly unable to attend, and we would suggest to the Council of the Institute, the. idea of repeating this entertainment flome night, say a week on Wednesday at"popular price?, something like a sbiU Hog for adults and threepence for school children, when we feel assured that another good house would greet them. The performance will easily bear repeating.