PATRIOTIC MINSTRELS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1407, 5 June 1915, Page 2

PATRIOTIC MINSTRELS.

The concert programme submitted by the Patriotic Minstrels was an attractive feature of Thursday night’s Fair. Prior to the performance two squads, boys and girls, from the local State school, gave exhibitions ol physical drill. Mr Gabites and Miss Bayley supervised the respective squads and the exhibition gave evidence of careful training, the pupils acquitted themselves admirably and won a hearty round of applause. The Minstrels were ranged on the stage in a half circle. Mr P. Robinson as “Tambo” fairly excelled himself and his clever antics with the tambourine caused roars of laughter throughout. Mr Bullard, as ‘‘Bones,” showed that he had not lost any of his old dash and was responsible for increased merriment. The jokes of the “corner men’’ were practically inaudible at any distance from the stage. Mr Hornblow officiated as “Mr Johnson.” The other members of the circle were : Mesdames Jenks, Raine, Freeman, Misses Signal (2), King, and Messrs Alf. Jenks, Barber, Signal and Aitken. Mr Alf. Jenks made an able conductor. The accompaniments were played by Miss Jenks (piano), Miss H. Cook (violin) and Mr Baughen (cornet). The opening chorus “Delighted to see you ” was sung with great gusto, followed by Mr Bullard’s verse descriptive of the Kaiser’s dream in respect to his Zeppelins. Mr H. Signal rendered the stirring song “ The Empire of the Sea,” with good effect. Mr P. Robinson fairly brought down the house with his quaint and realistic rendition of the old song “ Any Rags ?” The now famous recruiting song, “Your King and Country Need You ” was cleverly interpreted by Mrs Freeman. Mr G. Barber was in good voice and sang “The Old Brigade” with fine effect. Mr Alf. Jenks livened

thing’s up with the minstrel song “In Darktown to-night.” The song with the finest sentiment on the programme, “ The Women who Stay at Home ” was entrusted to Miss D. Signal who gave a very fine interpretation of it. Mr Hornblow sang the humorous song “The Top-hat That my Grand-dad Used to Wear,” the local verse catching on with the audience. Mrs Raine scored a success in her rendering ot “ Good Night.” Mr Aitken sang the revised version of “ Pay, Pay, Pay,” and during the chorus coins of all descriptions were showered upon the stage and thrown into the collection boxes. Each song was accompanied by a chorous, and the programme was not allowed to slacken. The company scored a fine success, and their programme added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening.