ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LORNESTREET HALL.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 3010, 10 December 1879, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LORNESTREET HALL.

The announcement that Dean's talented company of Minstrels would appear last evening at Lome-street Hall and give one of their! pleasing and complotq entertainments haa the good effect of filling the hall with a large and respectable audience. The special objects of this carnival were to interest the public in favour of the men aud their families who Buttered io consequence of the explosiou some weeks ago on board the Naval Brigade pinnace, and to recognise a bravo act by George Moore, who leaped overboard and saved a life. The Volunteers, Brigades, and thoir respective officers gave their patronage to tho laudable undertaking, and Horaco Deun and his musical associates deserve well of tho public for their disinterested labours, for these men not only give their evenings to study and practice, but are at considerable expense in providing suitable costume for tho stage. An excellent orchestra, composed of wellknown muscians, played the accompaniments and intervening choruses in an effective manner. Tho chair, on which Horace was seated, was well supported by representative men, and at tho comers appeared D. Bertie as Bones, and F. Rico, as Tambo. Tho Minstrels opened with an overturo and chorus (original). A series of songs followed, commencing with " What Should Make Thoo Sad," by Mr G. Francis, who caused somo surprise Dy leaiyng back in his scat to hidehisblusheß.andhisreading from .a copy of the song. This was quite a new idea in connection with minstrelsy, and not to bo tolerated. Dan Bertio sang his lively song " Hannah How's Your Ma,' which was worthily received. Tho " Flowers of May," by Mr Kelly,a pretty song, full of poetic expression, was poured forth-in too dreamy a strain; life was wanting in order to due offect. Mr Jennings sang tho sweet winning soug " Call Me Your Darling Again." Tho ballad was imng in an appropriate manner, which was generously recognised by tho audience Fred Rico was immense, and emiuently successful with the lively comic, "Blow The Candlo Out," which contains a lesson and a warning. The song was loudly applauded. The witticisms and conundrums of tho corner men were now and really good. "Stars of tho Midnight,!' well rendered by Mr Dean, closed this portion with the exception, of "Scenes at the Circus," a Chiarinian burlesque full of rollicking fun. Tho second, part included selections by the orchestra and several good songs. Mr Jennings' song '' Ah, never deeni"j was given with true expression and. in good taste. The ''Lity'of the Valley," by Messrs Bertio and Rice, was most influential on the auditory, who demauded a second edition of the same. These popular minstrels responded with a modern version of "Father, Come Home." Mr Horaco Doan then canie forward and sang " Why Rouse the British Lion ?" and :in response to an cncore.saug "You'll All be Wanted." Those songs were received in the most flattering manner, and justly encore^. Mr J. Reid gave equal satisfaction with the lino song of the " Blaoksmith," and in obedience to ageuoral wish gave the "OM Sexton" in that line and1 striking style which makes Mr Reid's songs always acceptable to welldisciplined ears. At this stago of tho proceedings Captain^Lcßoy, of tho Navals, Lieutenant Chapman, ■ and other officers made their appearance on the stage, with Seaman George Moore,for the purposo of presenting the medal to him in recognition of his bravery on the night of the unfortunate explosion. Captain Leßoy mado a feeling speeoh on the oocasion, and explained the sad history of the accident in every particular, showing how George Moore risked his life,to savo the life of a comrade. The medal was then placed upon tho breast of the recipient by Captain Loßoy, who said:—"ln the name of the Brigade I have'much pleasure in presenting to you this medal, in recognition^ of your gallantry and bravery." Its inscription is: "Presented by the Auckland Naval Brigade for gallant conduct in rescuing a comrade." The obverso side bears the motto of the Company. Those present cheered loudly, and tho band played. " Tho Red, White, and Blue." The farce ot " Slocum's Dog " concluded the entertainment, being capitally played by Messrs. Dean, Rice, and Bertie. The refreshments were provided by Mrs Waterman. The i whole concluded with dancing, Mr. W. Smith acting as M.C.