The Steels-Payne Gjojnnpany.

Manawatu Herald, 13 July 1899, Page 2

The Steels-Payne Gjojnnpany.

One of the best all-round musical entertainments that Jjas.beea heard in this city for a long time past; was that in which the Payne Family gave a taste of their quality at the Mechanics' Institute last night (says the Ballarat „ Courier of a date in last January). It is over four years since these" gifted performers first left Ballarat to wop patrons in the wider fields ot South Africa. Since then the entirety of the harmonious little group has been broken, but only to receive .reinforcements of, undoubted strength in artistic merit. Miss lAzzie Pftyne, Miss Kate Maher, Miss Gertie Bromley, Mr Ralph Steele and ~MFJSHfi& "WffllSms had only to appear to become immediately popular. Mr J. Morris rendered " Oh, Promise Me," in a very pleasing manner. Mr Steele, like that clever artiste, Miss Lizzie Payne, is almost a conjuror with musical, and what might also be termed as musical instruments. He seems to be able at will to distil sweet sounds from the most uncompromising material. Indeed, this observation applies almost equally to every member of the company, They are realty "stars," to whom no role comes amiss, -ftfceljier it be as one in a quartet, as a soloist, or in an important bellrmging part. Mr Williams has a fine deep voice of won- ! derful range, which was heard lo great * advantage in " Rocked in the Cradle

of the Deep " and in the encore number "The Last Muster" besides several other finely rendered items. This talented company appear for one night only at the Foxton Public Hall next Monday.'