THE BLACK FAMILY.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4594, 4 May 1904, Page 2

THE BLACK FAMILY.

The Black Family, of Dunedin, who come with excellent credentials, opened in the Opera House last evening for a brief seaoon. They gave a highly enjoyable entertainment— refined and refreshing. The family were heard, as it might be, in their own drawingroom, engaging in musical recreation and exemplifying in a striking manner the possibilities of music rightly cultivated in the home circle. The prima donna is Miss Nellie Black, who, besides possessing a rich sweet voice of good range (invariably winning encores for her vocal contributions), is also an accomplished instrumentalist, playing the piano, mandolin, and the violin, the latter- exceptionally well. This graceful and versatile lady also displayed some histrionic ability in several little sketches with her father. Mr Black, senr , is, of course, a musician — that is, he can take his turn at the double- bass or clarionet in the orchestral selections, and can sing a humorous song effectively, but beyond that he is a good general director and supervisor. Mr Bertie Black plays the comet and 'cello, and a number of queer instruments in a ' turn ' entitled ' Odds and Ends,' and can , also dance a sailor's hornpipe very well. Miss Elsie assists with the violin and flute in the orchestral pieces, also plays a flute solo, and dances a I Spanish Tarantelle.' Mrs Black, at the pianofortej renders valuable assistance. Undoubtedly the gem of the Company was Miss Nellie Black. Her^inging"bf Molloy's somewhat sombre song * Down the Long Avenue,' at once shewed the young lady to be in the front rank of contralto singers. The particular charm about her singing is her ideal enunciation. In response to the demands for more, Miss Black gave ' The Zuyder Zee,' and * What will you lend on my Dolly.' The ' technique of the great artist isj superb. She possesses a resonant ! and sweet voice, her style is cultured and her intonation and articulation are faultless, while she displays an exceptionally fine musical temperament. Another entertainment is to be given tonight, and we would recommend all lovers of music not to miss this opportunity of hearing something good. The family appear at Te Puke on Friday and Saturday evenings.

At Hawera recently the first case under the Juvenile Bmoking Suppression Act, was heard, and a Chinaman was fined 10s and 1 6s costs for selling cigarettes to a boy under 15 years of age. The Magistrate said the defendant was liable to a fine of £10. Long live the Ring ! But who can tell The certainty of life, The man who feels to-day so well, May die if sickness rife. Coughs and colds are prevalent ills Which we must all endure, Enough we can save the doctors bills Wi * 2^^ GREAT PEPPER MINT CURE.