CITY HALL CONCERTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 143, 18 June 1888, Page 5

CITY HALL CONCERTS.

An excellent house greeted Miss Smithson's inaugural performance on Saturday night at the above hall. The first part of the performance consisted of the "Blondiette Minstrels" as organised by Miss Smith, son in England. Alter an overture by the full band "Tambo" sang "Ting, Ting" with much effect. Two corner men—or rather ladies—completed the circle, an ' innovation to the minstrelsy business. Miss Levy sang " Homeward Bound" with much sweetness and pathos, after which Miss Hmithson gave a comic clipping of Charles Dickens's works, in which everyone was brought in, earning for herself a burst of prolonged applause. " Zachariah," by Miss Smithson, fairly convulsed the house, and tho double dance was much appreciated. Miss Smithson always executes her singing in a most ' finished style, and a good evidence of this was given in the above-named song. A comic medley, " You Dream of Me, Love," was well sung by Misa Reid, and the first part concluded with a song written especially for Miss Smithson and sung by her, entitled " Skating," which was greatly aj^preciated. The drosses worn were most characteristic and charming, and every local hit, " PaS>" an(l item was .entirely new. The second part commenced with Frederick Fredo on the slack wire, but an unfortunate accident to the wire brought a clever performance to an abrupt termination. W. Bonne Cceur's balancing feats on the chin were most marvellous, he sustaining very heavy weight.? with much ease. Miss Smithson then added an item to the programme in a song, apdgave three descriptive styles of dancing, from the most artistic operatic to the rowdy comic, which had to bo responded to by an encore. " Our National Defences," a beautiful ballet, arranged for twelve ladies by Miss Smithson, concluded a very clever performance. Next' Saturday night an entirely new programme will be given and as these concerts are now under the able management of Miss Smithson, we have no fear of the results.