HARD TIMES SOCIAL.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9835, 18 September 1897, Page 9

HARD TIMES SOCIAL.

The members of the New Brighton Hard Times Club and the ladiea and gentlemen assisting them last niglifc at the Theafre Koyal, in connection with the charitable benefit, deserve the utmost credit for having introduced to us quite a novel and unconventional style of entertainment. One has got so thoroughly and heartily satiated with the routine concert that any divergence from that well-beaten track is a relief.

Last night's programme opened with a reception in a drawing room of a number of guests by his Worship the Mayor of New Brighton as host, a part in which from his many and successful appearances in he is thoroughly at home. What crime he had committed that he should at odd intervals be made the recipient of a number of conundrums well into the sere and yellow leaf of age one does not know, Imt the stoical resignation with which bo received them merits great admiration. The drawing set, filled with ladies and gentlemen in evening dress and a number of bright little children, members of Miss Freda Mareden's orchestra, made a pretty scene. The children, played excellently, and several ladies and gentlemen gave musical items very well, notably Miss Samuels, Miss L. Thompson, Messrs Millar, Rayner, Lightband, and C. Read. One of tho most enjoyable features of the evening was the playing ot the Guitar and Banjo Band which, under the leadership of Mr Post, gave some excellent music, " The Patrol March " being especially good. Mr Ryan also told some of his Italian historiettee successfully. A few brief introductory remarks from the Mayor of New Brichton, eulogising the services of several, particularly Miss Freda Marsden and the other performers, preceded the second part of the entertainment, the "Hard Up" social by denizens of Poverty Flat. This was capitally done, all those taking part being attired in the approved fashion of sundowners and dead beats. Some of the costumes were very good indeed. The man from Blister Creek made a good President, and the fun was fast and furious. All kinds of .items were given, ranging from the sentimeutal, like " Queen of the Earth," to a comic duet by a well known sketcher and an equally well known humorous singer. The latter was exceedingly funny, and some of the local hits scored tremendously. All the parts wore well filled and the items were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. In response to an appeal by the gentleman from the creek with a peculiar name what is known as "a tarpaulin muster" was made in aid of the charities, resulting in £2 5a 6d being collected. Weary Willie, Deadbeat Raggles, and others of the bluey camping fraternity, contributed, vocally and otherwise, to the general harmony, and the arrival of the delicacies of the season, saveloys and baked potatoes, was the signal for the termination, by singing "Home, boys Home," of an exceedingly enjoyable entertainment. The National Anthem was sung, and then the various sundowners left for their respective camping grounds.