The Cotton Planters.

Manawatu Herald, 23 November 1899, Page 2

The Cotton Planters.

The Cotton Planter Minstrels appeared at the Public Hall last night and were greeted with a good house. There was, unfortunately, a misunderstanding as to the personnel of the troupe, some imagining that they were the old Otaki Maori Minstrels who appeared here some time ago, and did not " catch-on." If the fact that these gentlemen were well-known amateurs of Otaki been made more public, the r house would have been even~*T much larger. The singers were very good in the part songs, and some four or five of the soloists possessed good and cultivated voices, which proved a treat to listen to. Unfortunately for _; Foxton there were a few idiots of ■ larrikins in the hall who did not know how to behave, and who attempted to create a disturbance by hooting, but they were promptly suppressed. The performers are to be congratulated on their efforts, and their reappearance on a future date will be looked forward to.

The first part of the programmewas of the usual Christy Minstrel order, and the members opened with a chorus "The Transvaal March," which we understand was composed by Father De Lach. This went evenly, and was a fitting opening, the music being pretty and bright. " Climbing up the Golden Stairs " was sung by Mr W. Greenough nicely, and " America's Emblem," rendered by Mr Jillett deserved the hearty applause which followed. A comic song by Mr Owen " We're all young fellows brand new," pleased the audience, as did the fbl'owing item " Rum turn tiddley-um," by Mr Pene Enoka. . " Let's be friends again," was well rendered by Mr W. Be van, and Mr Byron Brown sang a good song " Around the Camp Fire." Both of these items were enjoyed, the singers acquitting themselves well. The next number simply brought down the house, Mr J. Hohepa haying to return twice through the audience persisting in a repetition of " Is'e a little curly-heaaded coon." " The Idler,* 1 a song by Mr E. Lanchester was also ancored, and the performer returned and repeated the last verse. " Only a dear little flower," by Mr E. Brown, and " Sailing down the Golden Stream," by Mr W. Wilson, were also items much enjoyed. The customary jokes and by-play of the four corner men was also good, the tambos being Messrs W. Greenough and Owen, and bones Messrs Robinson and Wilson. Mr Byron Brown ably filled the_ position of interlocutor, and Mrs Nicholson proved herself to be a most capable accompanyst throughout the evening. After a short interval the second part of the programme was opened with a solo by Mr Mcßain " The Gladiator," and ij is a pity this performer .lid not arrive in time to take part in the opening, as he is a decided acquisition in the choruses. Mr Byron Brown next gave in good style " Sally ;n our Alley," and the song and dance, " •' Good evening to you one and all" by Mr W. Greenougb seemed to hit the popular taste, and this performer was recalled. A character song, " Soldiers of the Queen," by Mr Mcßain, in which members of the company joined in the chorus, was a capital number, and was much appre;iated. Mr Brown then essayed to re- . cite " The Two Vagabonds," but the « intics of one or two unruly spiritawho should have been put out, prevented the item being given. The farce " Irish Justice," was then staged, and the following members took part: — Mr Nicholson, Judge O'Connor; Mr Geo. Murray, Sergeant Bullock; J. Jillett, lawyer; Messrs Owen, Greenough, Pene Enoka, Robinson, Wilson, Hohepa and Bevan also represented persons brought before the judge for different offences for him to settle. The piece went well all through, the principals taking their alloted parts well, and causing no end of amusement.

The Cotton Planters are to perform in Levin on race night, and their entertainment will no doubt be well patronised on that occasion, as it deserves to be.