ENTERTAINMENT AT GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1397, 26 September 1885, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT AT GERALDINE.

The entertainment which took place in the Oddfellows’ H ill, Geraldine, was an unqualified success, and we doubt if any entertainment of the kind has been so thoroughly enjoyed in Geraldine before. Its object was for the purpose of partly recouping the Young Men’s Club for the loss they had sustained by the late fire, and every credit is due to its members, who worked hard to make the affair a success. The stage in the hall was simply and ingeniously fitted with scenery to represent a drawing-mom, and this work alone—carried out by Messrs H. R. Pratt, Geo. Kruse, W. G. Sherratt, and E. Millard—is deserving of great credit. The attendance was one o f the largest we have seen in the hall—all sitting room being taken up—and we have no doubt but that the financial result will be most satisfactory. The entertainment was opened by Mrs Foster, who played selections of popular ain on the piano, the performance being executed with a taste and finish which showed that Mrs Foster is a first-class musician. The old favorite, Mr Lodge, then sang “ Our Jack's come Horae to-day but he was in anything but good voice, and was not heard to advantage. The “Kerry Dancers,” by Mrs Glass, was pleasingly rendered, and Mr W, M. Moore’s reading, the subject of which was the experience of a recruit in a Volunteer corps, was highly amusing l to everyone, but more particularly so to the members of our local corns, whose recruit drill is fresh in mind. Mr Ryan, late of Waimate, now appeared on the stage to dance an Irish jig, The music for this was to have been supplied by Mr Finlayson on the bagpipes, but, after two attempts, Mr Ryan found he could not dance to tlmm. He then danced without music. Mr Ryan is a first-class dancer, and his performance was a treat seldom witnessed in Geraldine. Later on in the programme he danced a sailor’s hornpipe to concertina music, and on its conclusion he was greeted with a deafening cheering and had to respond, Mr Geo, Kruse’s stump speech on “Women’s Right ” was capitally given, and caused much amusement. Miss F. Helem’s solo “The Clouds have rolled by, Mother ” was fairly well sung, as was Mr Greaves also “ London Town,” The pretty trio “ Shepherds tell me,” by Mrs Glass, Miss Andrews and Mr Hughes, was well rendered. MrFinlayson gave a selection on the bagpipes, which, though well played, could very well have been left out of the programme, as the bagpipes are hardly suitable in a small hall. Miss Andrews pleasingly rendered the solo “The Bridge,” and was followed by Mr Logan singing, in character, “The Old Log Cabin iu the Dell.” In response to an enthusiastic encore, he responded with the last verse. Mrs Hammond sang “ Maggie’s Secret ” very nicely, and Mr Thatcher’s song “ The Russian Bear” found favor with everyone, There was now an interval of ten minutes, and then followed the beat part of the entertainment, the farce entitled “ Leave it to ine.” Space will not permit of us giving a description of the plot of the play, but one productive of more genuine fan and amusement it would be hard to find. The amateurs who took part in it simply did their parts to perfection, and one or two showed remarkable talent for comedy acting. Mr H. R. Pratt, as Mr Easy, a crusty old gentleman, acted his part to perfection ; and Master Geo. Bethune, as his daughter, did full justice to the part allotted to him. Master E. Millard, as Adolphus Courtley, Miss Amelia’s lover, was remarkably good, and went through his part well. Mr Quince, an old gentleman to whom Mr Easy wished to give his daughter’s hand, was represented by Master W. G. Sherratt. Master W. S'onehouse, as Susan the housemaid, acted very cleverly and also looked remarkably nice. The chief character in the play, however, was Joe, a costermonger, and sweetheart of Susan. This was undertaken by Mr Geo. Kruse and his impersonation of different characters was almost perfection, and shows that he is possessed ot comedy talent of no mean order. The audience were brimful of laughter the whole time the piece was on the stage. Before singing the National Anthem, at the close of the entertainment, Mr W. Coltman, the President of the Young Men’s Club, thanked the audience for their attention, and also moved a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted in the entertainment. The vote was carried by acclamation. Special thanks are also due to Miss Foster, for kindly accompanying most of the singers, to whom she gave every satisfaction, and also to those who came from Woodbury to give their asistance. After the entertainment a dance was held, which was kept up for some hours.