PATEA STAR MINSTRELS.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 21, 23 June 1875, Page 2

PATEA STAR MINSTRELS.

The first entertainment of the season given by the above company, in aid of the funds of the Patea thicket Club, look place on Monday evening lasi, at the Albion Hall, before a crowded ami fashionable audience. We were somewhat surprised to see such a scanty sprinkling of country folks, considering the weather was all that could be desired, and the object for which the entertainment was given. Before alluding to the merits or demerits of the various performers, we must give one word of praise to those gentlemen who were the instigators of the night's amusement, and when we mention the names of Messrs Tennant, Black, • and Taplin (who comprised the committee), the public, we are sure, will agree with ua in saying they fulfilled their allotted task in a very credit able manner, considering that only a fortnight had elapsed between the proposal and carrying out of the entertainment. The first item on the programme was an Overture by the Company, and it was at once perceptible they were no mean adepts at their business, and that they intended to let the audience know they were nut only “men of colour ” but men of talent. “ Down the River,” as on opening chorus, was then very creditably performed, after whicli the usual “ Can you told me ” Toney, &c., &c., by the corner men and Air Johnson, took place, and the “ conumblums " being somewhat local, caused roars of laughter. “Ladies won’t you marry ? ” by Air CUinsbee, was Hie next item, ■which that gentleman did ample justice to, he evidently being at home on the stage, especially with the “ bones.” Mr Tapi in’s “Massa’s in’the cold ground ” was creditably sung, and then followed Mr Baggett wiib his “Hen Convention,” which, at its termination was greeted with loud apphiuse, the “crowing” being a notcable feature throughout. “ Belie Mahono,” a very pretty ballad, was then sung with great effect by Mr Tcnnent, and which the company seemed to highly appreciate. “Some Folks,” by Mr Dasent, came next, and was very well rendered. Mr Black’s “ Vacant Chair ” was the next item, and we need not say was done full justice to, that gentleman being compelled, at the finish oil Ids song, to repeat the last verse, so enthusiastic was the applause. Mr Onnsboe was again at home, with “ A little more cider ” and was loudly applauded. “ Annie of the Vale ” (a great public favourite), was then sung by Mr Hutton, and libs was followed by Mr Adams singing “Good old Jeff.” This evidently was the gem of the evening and was rendered in such a style as to “ bring down the house,” and was deservedly encored. “Yo I Yah ! Yo ! ” by Mr Baggett, brought the first part of the programme to a close.

After an interval of ten minutes the second part commenced witii a duet (violin and flute) “ La don no e mobile ” by’ Mr and Master Connolly, and was executed with great effect. This was followed by a step dance, wherein Messrs Taplin and Adams kept the audience in roars of laughter. It would be difficult for us to say whicli acquitted lu-rnself the best, and as both

these gentlemen may probably meet on the beams again, wc w'di d«-fW our judgment unlit that' occasion. Imo violin sc to by Master Co; vAy was beamimhy nndered, thisyoimg gentleman evidently being possessed- with musical abilities of .no moan pretensions. Quartette —‘‘We’re a band of brothers,” by Messrs Adams, Taplin, Tenncnt, and Black, caused roais of laughter, the contortions which each individual went through to amuse lit ■ audience, bring evidently appreciated, and they wore deserved iy encored. Mr Ormsheo seemed pe.fect ly at home with the banjo, and his impromptu medley, that gentleman being loudly applauded. Mr Adams’ “ Big Sunflower ” was a great hit, his dress being perfect, and evidently studied by that gentleman. Mr Johnston, the worldrenowned stump orator, was then introduced to the company, and gave bis maiden speech to a Batea audience. His “ make up ” was selected with great taste and judgment, the “gloves” being a very noticeable feature in that gentleman’s attire. His local hits wee well served .and highly appreciated. A Break Down by the Company, “I’m off to Charlestown,” brought this highly interesting entertainment to a close. Wc cannot conclude without, passhig a word of praise to Sir Bramwcll, who so ably presided at the piano, and to Mr Connolly who gave his assistance on the flute.