THE BLACK STAR MINSTRELS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2177, 19 March 1891, Page 3

THE BLACK STAR MINSTRELS.

An entertainment was given in the Volunteer Hall, Terauka, on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day by the Black Star Minstrels, the amateur troupe which created so favorable an impression last winter. There was a good attendance, and the audience through out were appreciative and very orderly. The programme commenced with an overture on the piano by Mr It

I McLeod, which was well played, This ( was followed by an opening chorus by the company, which was applauded. Mr H T Clinch, now for some time a stranger at local entertainments, acquitted himself very creditably in a pretty ballad, “Only to See Thee Again,” the chorus being taken by the company. Mr S Kroon, who made an excellent “ tambo,” sang a comic song, “ Have You Seen Her,” capitally, after which Mr F Colville made a favorable impression with “ Don’t Forget the Fireside.” Mr J Elder, the “ bones ” of the company, sang a lively song, “ The Chinese Parasol,” and was applauded, Mr Collins, the junior of the company, sang “ Poor Little Johnny ” with considerable expression, and Mr S Kroon followed with the amusing song “ Near it.” Tambo on this occasion was not exactly near it, but rather far from it, as he forgot about half the words, He covered this defect, however, very cleverly. Mr J Collins sang “ Mother is the Best Friend of All,” and Mr J Elder “ All Alive and Kicking.” The patrl otic song, “ America’s Emblem,” by Mr E Whitehead, with chorus by the company and colored effects, made a capital finale to the first part of the programme. , Mr A Clinch, as Mr Johnson, was very successful. Mr E McLeod acted as accompanist. After the usual interval the brothers Collins gave an amusing sketch entitled “ Bruised and Cured.” Mr 8 Kroon sang “ An Awful Scrub ’’ in character. This was one of the best performances of the evening. Mr Chalmers danced a sailor’s hornpipe with even more grace than usual, and had to respond to a recall. Mr A Clinch was amusing in a stump speech on “Woman’s Rights,” and Mr W Angland delighted the spectators with his excellent dancing of an Irish reel and jig. Mr H Clinch was again successful with a motto song, “Your Pocket Book’s Your Friend,” and Mr E Whitehead was particularly happy in his selection, *• A Soldier on the Battle Field.” Messrs Clinch and Elder gave a comio sketch, and brought the second part of the programme to a close. After a brief interval the amusing farce of “ That Boy Pete ” was performed, the characters being sustained by Messrs A Colville, A Clinch, F Colville, W Collins, and H Colville, and the Misses “ Melville,” “ St. John ” and “ Harcourt,” specially engaged for the occasion. The entertainment throughout was very enjoyable, and the various performers are entitled to praise for their rendering of the several songs and of their parts in the sketches. The singing of some of the items was marred by a certain indistinctness, several of the singers being somewhat modest about opening their moutns, but this fault will doubtless be corrected another time. The hall having been cleared, a dance took place, about 40 couples being present. Capital music was supplied by Messrs H and F Colville, and Mr W McCallum proved as usual a most efficient M.C. The proceeds, after deducting expenses, will be devoted to benevolent purposes.