"DE OLE PLANTATION."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 23 May 1907, Page 2

"DE OLE PLANTATION."

The popularity of plantation melodies increases rather than diminishes as the years roll by, so it was scarce to be wondered at that a good crowd braved the unfavorahlc weather last night to hear the "Darkies from de ole plantation" render their charming old chorus songs in the White-ley Hall. The stage had been prettily decorated with foliage, the ell'ect of which could have been heightened by increased stage-light-ing. On the stage was a party of coal black darky gentlemen, and with them several ladies, who, in the shade, appeared to lie miilattoes, but in the gaslight proved to be young members of the \\ hiU'lc.y Church congregation, who had declined to submit to a dressing of burnt cork. All were attired in conventional

"nigger" costumes. Tlie chorus effects were very pleasing, and some of the solos wove of genuine unit. Tf we may select one for special mention, the best was the lullaby "Drowsy Pickaninny'' hy Hiss Ainsworth ami chorus. All the items seemed to be well received. The inclusion of the traditional tambo and hones and a few slices of the darkies' humor would have improved the effect, for they are perforce important purls of "culliid" entertainments. The minstrels were Hisses Collis, Black, Ford, Blanchctt, Buekman, Ainsworlh. Sole, and Hooker; Messrs. Johns, Muldoon, Ainbury. Hooker, Asher, Knowles, Blnncliett and S. Collier. Staffs of young ladies served salads, jellies, and suppers, and helped in no small degree to swell the proceeds, which are in aid of the Methodist circuit fund. The darkies submit a fresh programme this evening.