Scottish Entertainers.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7925, 5 October 1904, Page 5

Scottish Entertainers.

" Two _ fine artistes " was the unanimous opinion of the large audience present at the entertainment given in the Zealandia Hall last evening by the Scottish Entertainers. The " auld sangs " of Scotland have a charm and beauty which irresistibly appeal to all lovers of good music, and when interpreted by such talented singers as MissFloraDonaldson and Mr Gavin Spence the audience become entranced, then: feelings finding vent in loud and sustained applause at the conclusion of each item. This was the experience of all who heard the Scottish' Entertainers last night, and the enjoyable treat they experienced will not easily be forgotten. Miss Donaldson is unquestionably one of the finest singers that has been heard in Palmerston. The lady has a mezzo-soprano voice, conspicuous for its flexibility, wide range and pure tone, while the dramatic force ■with which she invests her items proves most effective. Mr Spence gave a fine rendering of the various Scotch songs he contributed, while between the songs he maintained a running fire of anecdotes of Scottish history, jokes and witticisms. Mr Spence is a capital storyteller, suiting the action to the word with good effect. Both Scot and Sassenach cannot refrain from laughter at his quaint stories and piquant humour, and last night there was a danger of someone " craekin' a budy's sides." Miss Donaldson included in her items the songs " Scotland," " Sound the Pibroch," " Will ye no come back again," and "By the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond," for all of which she was vociferously encored. The gem of the evening, however, was her rendition of'the

" Skye Boat Song," which provoked the audience to an enthusiastic demonstration of their appreciation. ViV Mr Spence she sang "The Crookit Bawbee " and "When ye gang awa', Jamie," two charming numbers, Mr Spence's songs included " Wi' a Hundred Pipers," "Afton Water," and "Annie Laurie." A humorous reading, " Scotch words," was also very good. Miss Donaldson, being one of the only two Gaelic vocalists living, gave the " March of the Cameron Men "in that tongue. The programme, which concluded with the Scotchman's Doxology, "Auld Lang Syne," and a verse of the National Anthem by the audience, was altogether a most enjoyable one and the audience will retain, many pleasant recollections of the visit of this bonnie lassie and braw Scot to our town.

To-night there will be a change of programme, some Burns' items being substituted. There will also be some pipe music and Master Raebura will dance a reel.