ENTERTAINMENT AT MAURICEVILLE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1905, 3 February 1885, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT AT MAURICEVILLE.

A matinee for the Mauricoville school children took place at half-past two on Saturday, and was a source of great enjoyment to them. Long before the time appointed largo numbers assembled, and as they entered tho room they all felt a shock from a galvanio battery which Mr Martin had there in operation. A brilliant little electric light met the sight of the children, with which they were highly delighted,' and several selections wero given oii the Violin. A ventriloquial treat concluded the' afternoon's performance, somo of the children' returning afterwards to enquire "if deman vas still up de chimney." At 7.30, the advertised time for the starting of tho evening's amusement, riot a soul'was tobe'seen, but at 8 o'clock every available seat was 'occupied, and numbers', of persona were obliged to stand. Mr Johnston introduced Mr Martin- and his' assistant'performers, and briefly described tho nature of the entertainment, expressing his belief that it would be a good one and that everyone would be well pleased, as Mr Martin was an excellent ventriloquist and amateur, comedian. Mr Martin then appeared in succession asthe "Antiquated Sermonist," the "Local Whip," and " Pitz Jones the M.P.," which representations were well received. Mr Sheldon being unable to be present, Mr Martin gave a recitation from Shakespeare, being vigorously applauded and encored. "Mr Weston was in good form, his song " Jamsie, back your mother up" causing great fun, Mr Martin sang "DunnaYe Hear It" with great feeling, and apologising for the non-appearance of Mr Post, sang "Silver Bells" with effect. Mr Sullivan then appeared and sang a lively comic song, ending with a jig, He danced excellently, whilst the rare costume enhanced the effect. Mr Post, dressed as a poor old man, sang " Over the Hill to the Poor-house" with such a depth of feeling and beauty of _ voice, that its oonolusion was greoted with deafening applause and onoored, Then oamo tho siao-splitting Hkotchof the evening, " When I was a Maid," by Mr Martin,. which, : being ao comically put on and acted, caused immense merriment The audience woro then kept in laughter by Mr Weston, who saHfc "Robinson Crusoe" splendidly, which was followed by " You're growing more like your Dad" by Mr Martin in good style. Mr Weston again came forward and danced the sailor's hornpipe capitally, being fqlfayej}" 'fyf' a song from Master Millet who was accompanied on the flute by Mr Sullivan. The wandering minstrel (Mr Martin) caused fits of laughter from beginning to end, Peter Potts, the. "Peeler," then came in and delighted, the audience immensely with his peculiar mannerism and taking song. This concluded the first part, Mr Martin thanked the audience for their kind attention, and, measuring the merits of the entertainment by their approbation, felt sure that he, and the gentlemen who so kindly assisted, had scored, a decided success. He also thanked Mr Johnston (the presiding schoolmaster), and the the committee who had so generously granted-permission, for the.use of the school, upon which Mr Johnston moved a vote of thanks to Mr Martin for the able and mirth provoking entertainment given. A half-an-hour of ventriloquism astonished and delighted the audience, and concluded the first entertainment held in Mauriceville. A pleasant dance took place afterwards in Mr Hansen's, which was kept up till midnight.