BENEFIT FOR THE TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 215, 14 March 1872, Page 5

BENEFIT FOR THE TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

The Lawrence Amateur Christy Minstrels gave an entertainment in the Commercial Assembly Room, Lawrence, on Monday evening last, for the benefit of the Tuapeka Hospital. Despite bad weather and a dark night, the large hall was well filled by people from all parts of the district. The entertainment, from several causes, fell somewhat short of what was expected by the audience. Two or three of the minstrels were absent, and the burden of the entertainment rested upon Mr. Frederick Bastings and Mr. Mnirhead, who performed their part admirably ; but they had not that support from the other members of the company which was so necessary to make it a complete success. The songs and choruses were not up to the mark, owing, we are informed, to a want of sufficient rehearsal.- There was also a great deficiency of instrumental accompaniments. Still, that defect was not attributable to the Christys, as it was impossible for them to supply what could not be obtained in the district. A philharmonic society in Tuapeka would be the means of supplying material for many entertainments in Lawrence, if one could be organised ; and where so many persons are to be found with a good ear for music, and with good voices, we are surprised that some one does not initiate such a society, for the practice of glees, duets, oratorios, &c.

We were exceedingly pleased to see such a fine turn out of people. Never in the history of the Tuapeka Hospital has their mite towards its support been more required, and their presence in such large numbers on Monday will go far to encourage the Committee to prosecute their duties with increased assiduity. Mr. H. Bastings, as President of the Hospital Committee, thanked the audience for their presence, and intimated that the Waitahuna Dramatic Club had kindly volunteered to give an entertainment in Tuapeka for the benefit of the Hospital, in a few weeks time.