SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 969, 10 May 1872, Page 2

SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT.

The first of a series of entertainments, proposed to be given at short intervals during the ensuing winter evenings, came off successfuly on Tuesday evening last. The Masonic Hall was comfortably filled with an audience evidently bent on pleasure. Sober heads of families, seeking relaxation from business caces, were there; mothers and their weans, in every stage and variety of lusty babyhood ; young men and maidens, sweethearts and wives,' friends, countrymen, and lovers ' from far and near. Nor were their anticipations of a pleasant evenings amusement doomed to remain unrealised. The smiling approval and hearty plaudits, of such a host of friends in ' the house ' encouraged the amateurs, who had ventured to essay an appearance on the stage, to do their level best; and, although one or two inevitable little contre-temps occurred, trying perhaps to the equanimity of the performers • it added but to the hilarity of the audience, and in no wise detracted from the general success of the entertainment. On the motion of Mr John Munro, the Eev. A. C. Soutar officiated as chairman, and in a short, pithy, address explained the intentions, hopes, and prospects of the promoters of the movement. In the course of his remarks the rev. gentleman referred to the success of similar entertainments at Charleston, the good influence arising from such movements, under judicious control, and the moral, social, and intellectual advantages arising therefrom, more especially among the young men of a community wherein profitable occupation for leisure hours was so often wanting. Making honorable mention of Messrs Munro and Beid as the original promoters of social gatherings in Westport, and giving some friendly hints to the audience what to do and what to avoid, including in the latter category " smoking during the performance," he concluded by stating that the names of a permanent Committee of Management would be make known at the conclusion of the proceedings. Mr Munro then sang the first song on the programme, " Eocked in the Cradle of the Deep," rendered in good taste, to a skilfully played piano accompaniment by Mrs Brown. This was followed by a reading of Dickens's sketch "The Four Sisters," capitally given by Mr E. Whyte. The peculiar quadruple, domestic arrangements of the maiden ladies, all forlorn, the mysterious advent of Eobinson on matrimonial

thoughts intent, and the ultimate episode of the arrival of a more interesting little stranger, were all graphically delineated. Mr G. Weston then sang the song of "The Bridge," in good time and with expression, but withal somewhat nervously. Mr Mann followed with the song "Take back that heart," in which his fine bass voice was heard to advantage. Mr Alexander followed with a Scotch reading '" My first and last play." In this ho fairly roused the risible faculties of his audience to hearty peals of laughter, as he unfolded, in broad Scotch dialect, the adventures and misadventures of a novice in things theatrical. Then Mr Fagg gave in character a rollicking Irish ditty, which as a matter of course evoked much amusement. Mrs Brown and Mr Gr. Weston then sang the ever charming, ever new, duet " What are the wild waves saying," Mrs Brown playing the accompaniment, and the two voices blending harmoniously together. The " Skipper and his boy" was then sung by Mr Hamilton, who labored under the disadvantage of having pitched his voice too low to do full justice to the melody. After a short stage " wait," Mr Strachan appeared, and .delivered " The Air Drawn Dagger" soliloquy from Macbeth. In. his study of the text Mr Strachan was letter perfect, and his acting evidenced a considerable kuowledge of stage business. Following from " grave to gay," Mr Fisher made his appearance, and .«ang, with much humourous spirit, the song of " The Cork Leg," and on the audience permitting him to retire, Mr Lloyd came on to give a local comic song,or rather recitative, having for its theme the adventures of the " Woodpecker" and one Capt Turner, " who stood upon the bridge, and blew his whistle, as she skimmed o'er the billows of the sea." The skit was very well written, being full of points and local allusions, which might have been made more of had not Mr Lloyd's constitutional bashfulness eclipsed, for the time, his power of comic oratory. However, " all's well that ends well," success was deserved if not commanded, and no one present was inclined to be hypercritical. The National Anthem, by the whole strength of the house, concluded the entertainment. We must not omit to record, on behalf of the public and the performers, a cordial vote of thanks to Mrs Brown for her invaluable assistance aspianiste. Without her aid a qualified success alone would have been achieved. Fol- ' lowing her good example, doubtless many other ladies of Westport will lend a helping hand, and, by their musical abilities and presence, increase the attraction, and lend a charm to future social gatherings. It wants but their kindly assistance to render the movement a success in every sense of the word.