Fire Brigade Entertainment.

Patea Mail, 23 August 1882, Page 3

Fire Brigade Entertainment.

A large audience of a good humored sort assembled in the Harmonic Hall last evening, by way 7 of helping the funds of the Fire Brigade. The programme could hardly have been more varied, though the need of judicious trimming was too evident. The out-door preliminary was a novel sensation for Patea ; the procession being made up of the Brass Band, the Brigade bearing lighted torches, and the Rifle Volunteers adding their bright scarlet and steady tramp to complete the demonstration This proved a great draw, the whole juvenile population turning out in romping force, and all the elders looking on with satisfaction. The pieces in the first part comprised songs that were passable and familiar, but hardly calling for criticism, except the bass song of Mr F. Graves, lately from Wanganui. His voice is good, though his manner is too stiff; and he was deserved applauded for “ The anchor’s weighed.” The club exercise by Mr J. Donnelly was a skilful athletic performance, The comic Dutch duett “ Little frou ” (not fraud, as in the programme) was more comic than was intended, there being too much leg beneath the short kirtle, and too little tow on the head for a wig, A farcical sketch (which the programme called facial) was farcical indeed, and won’t bear criticism. The efforts to give pleasure.were appreciated, but the fun was rough, if not coarse. In the second part, the soldiers’ duet failed to please entirely for want of blending in the voices. The piano solo by a very little lady was clever for one so young. The negro clog dance was done in slippers, and did not have the desired effect, though the time was good. Mr Graves sang another bass song in the second part, and improved on the previous impression. He is a good local addition. The last song, strangely printed “ Nothing more,” was enjoyed not so much for the sentiment as the manner, which had a freshness of its own.

“Rum’ns from Rome ” was the concluding farce. It was not exactly a hit, though the most serious could not resist laughter, which was apt to come in at the , wrong place.

Performers who work hard to please should have their efforts generously recognised. Our difficulty is to do this where it is deserved, and yet indicate shortcomings which ought not in fairness to be glossed over. The programme was too long and too light, the dramatic business being extravagant where it ought to be judiciously moderate. There were too many black faces, without the necessary nigger characteristics. The band helped materially, and are becoming indispensable. Credit is due to all who helped so willingly to make the affair a financial success.