LAWRENCE DRAMATIC CLUB AND CHRISTY MINSTRELS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 159, 23 February 1871, Page 5

LAWRENCE DRAMATIC CLUB AND CHRISTY MINSTRELS.

On Thursday evening last, the Lawrence Dramatic Club and Christy Minstrels gave their entertainment on behalf of the Tuapeka Hospital, in

Bastings' Assembly Room. There was a good attendance, about 250 persons being present. . The curtain rose to the humourons farce of the " Artful Dodge." The caste of characters was the same as when the piece was last performed, and the amateurs distinguished themselves by a clear appreciation of their respective parts and by good acting. At the close of this piece, Messrs. Downes and Grant played a duett on the cornet with considerable taste; after which, Mr. Mnirhead, a gentleman who was well known in Tuapeka some years ago for his many good services in any benevolent cause, sang a sentimental song, accompanying himself on the banjo. He received an encore, and then sang " A Rattling Boy from the County Down," which he followed by a step dance to his own music. The audience was highly pleased with Mr. Muirhead's performance. After an interval of a few minutes, the Christys commenced their programme. Mr. Downes apologised to the audience for the absence of one of their number who was to take an important part in the entertainment. That gentleman had absented himsetf wffchout given any notice whatever of his intention of doing so. He (Mr. Downes) hoped, however, they would get through their programme to the satisfaction of the assembly. Tho Christys showed a great improvement in tbeir choruses upon their previous entertainment. The corners were occupied by Mr. Fred. Bastings, as Bones, and Mr. Jacob Davison, as Tony. Mr. Grant, as Sambo, opened the programme by singing "The Battle Cry of Freedom." Mr. Groom followed by singing

"Melinda May," which he did in a very pleasing manner. " Hoop-Dc-Dooden Doo," by Mr. Davison, was sung wi+h spirit. "Polly Wolly Hamma," by Mr. Fred Bastings, created great laughter. " Nora O'Neill," by Mr. Downes; was well executed. "Kitty, my love, and I," by Mr. Leary, ■was sung with great taste. "Fanny Frail" was sung by Mr. F. Bastings

in .place of " Ring the Banjo," which •was set down in the programme for Mr. Francis. "Kiss me, Mother, ere I teie/'V^a sweetly sung by Mr. Browne, tod " Worried to a Mermaid " was sung *dth spirit by Mr. Downes. Several very good load Bite were made by the ggnpr gefnOenwßL Mr. F. Bastings, as ,c J • '} '

usual, added great life to the company. Mr. Horace Bastings, on behalf of the

Hospital Committee, thanked those present for their attendance in helping on such a good cause. He also thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had given their services on the occasion. The proceeds from the entertainment, we understand, are close on £30.