The Steele-Payne Bellringers.

Manawatu Herald, 26 October 1899, Page 3

The Steele-Payne Bellringers.

. Last night this talented company appeared at the Public Hall and gave their entertainment to a full house and a quiet and appreciative audience,. every number being encored. The song "Soldiers of the Queen," was sung by the little son of Mr Steole, and was thrice re-demnmlod. Mhs Gertie Bromley was highly :\pprecin!«- 1, her songs being voiceferouply rnccved. Miss Kate Maher also gained hor audience with " The dear little Shamrock." Mr James Williams song " Out on the deep " showed his magnificent voice to full advantage, and in responding to an encore give " Rocked in the cradle of the deep" equally well. The bells and other musical items were rendered in the usual perfect manner and the audience seemed surprised when the last item was announced.

A very peculiar and unaccountable incident occurred at the last item but 1

one when Mr Steele came on the stage to sing the humourous song "Time, gentlemen, please." Just as Mr Steele faced the audience some man called out "you're drunk," which caused Mr Steele to say, " who said that ( if 1 dan find him 1 will put him out myself." The man rose and said "I said you are drunk," when Mr Steele said, he, the man, was a liar, that he was not drunk. The man walked out followed by Messrs Williams and Steele. When the song was sung Mr Steele told the audience that he had never been so insulted in his life, he was not drunk, anc he could not have gone through his part if he had been. He would very much like to know who the man was to make him publicly apologise. During his twelve years connection with the Payne Family there had never been such a charge made against him, and he felt/ it deeply. The audience testified their feeling being with Mr Steele by loud applause.