CONCERT AND MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9553, 28 July 1909, Page 5

CONCERT AND MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT.

One of the most successful entertainments ever held under the auspices ot St. Matthew's Club was given in St. Matthew's Schoolroom, las; evening. The building was taxed to its utmost capacity, and in fact the attendance was so large that quite a number were unable to gßin admittance. The programme opened with a song entitled "Longshoreman," by Mr G. Branson, whose fine bass voice did the item full justice. Miss Holloway sang very sweetly "Hush, Litt'e One," which was followed by "My Old Shako," rendered by Mr F. Hunn. Mr F. H. Ulcoate, who has an even tenor voice of excellent quality and range, delighted the audience with his "I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby," and in response to an imperative encore sang to advantage "Because." One of the best items on the programme was that of "Excelsior," rendered by Messis W. Jago and G. Branson, the voices blending particularly well in. the duet. Miss Vera Edward's sweet soprano voice was hear:! to fi.ie ad vantage in the pie:e entitled "1 Had My Love," and Mr W. IgguJden ! gave a splendid rendering of "Down in the Deep," the song being very suitable to his fine bass voice. The concluding item on the first half of the entertainment was "Swallows" by Miss Elkin«, and she had to respond to an encoie. j The second half of the programme j took the form of a nigger minstrel enter'ainment, by the membe s of the Club. The talent displayed by the company was of a high order of merit, and Mr G. Branson, who trained and supervised the members in their various numbers, is to be congratulated on the spleudid result of his efforts. At times the proceedings waxed very merry. Smart dialogue, interspersed with songs and choruses kept the proceedings going vary biiskly, and there was no monotony. Most of the niggers sang, and the harmonised choruses were very effective. The corner men were Messrs H. Hall and W. Parker (tambos), and Messrs F. Todd" and D. Walsh ;bor.eo, and Mr W. Kemp made a most able interculator. Tie-portion of the programme where the "husband" is led off the stage by his "irate wife," who arrives mysteriously on the scene, proved very amusing. The following rendered songs in the troupe:—"Bull Frog," Mr Victor Sutlon; "Oysters and Clams." Mr W. Parker; "I'll be Your Rainbow." Mr J. Berry; "German Band" Mr F. Todd; "Go Go," Mr D. La Roche; "Cake Walk Craze," Mr D. Walsh; "Honey, Say That You'll be Mine," Mr C. McEwen: "Home, Sweet Home," Mr Harry Hall; "I'm Waiting for Your Josie," Mr W. Purcell; duet, "Alice Where Art Thou," Messrs H. Hall and W. Parker. Misss Jones and Hampton played the accompaniments during the evening most efficiently, and great praise is due to Mr W. Kemp for his untiring efforts as Secretary to make the entertainment the success it was.