THE PAYNE FAMILY.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 179, 30 July 1889, Page 5

THE PAYNE FAMILY.

This talented family gave another of their drawing-room entertainments last night in the Choral Hall. The weather was not inviting, but nevertheless the building was well filled. The opening anthem was "He Shall Feed His Flock " (Woodbury). This was rendered with pleasing precision by the members of the Company, who also sang •« Bells," " Oh, Hush Thee, my Baby," "The Village Chorus," "The Three Chafers," and "The Bagpipes." The Payne Family sang " Oh, Sing Sweet Bird," and the humorous quartette " Sobbing." As we have already referred to the excellent manner in which concerted music is rendered by this Company, it is unnecessary to recapituate. Suffice ib to say that the majority of the items were encored. The vocal and instrumental quartette, " South Esk," was one of the best items on the programme. When the instrumentalists break oub into song and still! continue playing the effect is fine. Mr W. J. Payne sang "Steering Home" (Brahm) and Mr Payne took the solo in the beautiful song and chorus "The Fisherman and His Child." Miss Lizzie Payne was encored for the favourite song. " The Old Folks at Home," bub was more successful in bhe nexb song, " Wibhin a Mile of Edinbro' Toon." Miss Lizzie Payne also exhibited her powers as a violinist in a pleasing arrangement of " The Keel Row " (Farmer), which v/as played in good style. The three sisters, Lizzie, Nellie and Maud, also delightod the audience with a violin trio. Various national airs were given, and in response to an encore other well-known selections were played. Miss Nellie Payne sang "Sweet Violets," her sister Maud playing an obligato on tbe violin. The inevitable encore was demanded, and Miss Nellie captivated the audience with " No. Sir," which was sung with a coqnettishness that was very winning. me humorous duet, "A.B.C ' was giver, in> a laughable style by Miss Lizzie Payne and Mr gßalph Steele: The latter also sang "I'll Conquer or Die," and his humorous song, " Yawning," was so natural that the majority of those present entered into the St of the thing and followed suit. The trio from the Mikado, "Three _-.it_)e Maids From School are We," was sung in excellent stylo by the three Misses ! Payne, and was of course encored. The best items of the evening were undoubtedly Miss Maud Payne's solos on the violin, "Borne, Sweet Home" (Farmer) and "The Mocking Bird." The latter was given as an encore piece. The dexterous manipulation of the violin in harmonics to produce the imitation of the trilling of the bird was peculiarly effective and elicited prolonged applause. It is manifest that Miss Maud is a performer of no mean order. Throughout, the entertainment was thoroughly enI joyable.