ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ASYLUM.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3953, 23 April 1870, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ASYLUM.

O^'o of the moat successful entertainment:* that have taken place at the above institution uama off on Thursday evening last. It consisted of lecitations, song 3, piano selections, and dancing. The time of commencing (half-past six o'clock) was much earlier than on previous occasions, as it was found the patients frequently became tiled before the enterfc iinment was half over. Thanks to the new arrangement, however, they were enabled to takepjrt in the pioceedmcjs until the last ; and which they ccitainly did with pleasure to themselves as well as satisfaction to the Inspector, H. H. Tiuton, Esq., and to Dr. Aickin, the Resident Surgeon. There was a very large and respectable attendance of the principal residents of the vicinity, Mount Albert, the Wliau, and several visitors from town. The evening's j amusement commenced with a song and chorus, by the company, ' ' Work, boys, woik," which was heartily joined in by some of the patients. Mrs. Poppelton then sang " Not for Flo," which was given in her usual lively and animated style. Mr. Barraclough followed with "Mother, dear,"' which he &ang with great taste, Mrs. Sansom also sang a sweet little Iri&h song, ' ' Erin, my country," rather timidly, that lady being called unexpectedly to take part at a moment's notice ; nevertheless, she was loudly applauded Mr. Barraclough followed with a very lively recitation, which greatly amused the audience. The duet, "What are the wild waves saying ?"' was sung by Mrs. Poppelton and Miss Palmer very sweetly. Mr. Sansom sang "The Musical Wife" m capital style, which was much appreciated. Miss Palmer sang " I'll .speak my mind if I die for it," accompanying herself on the piano, and her performance received merited applause. Mr. Dampier, one of the patients of the institution, thenrecited a very lengthy piece entitled " The Bashful Man," which certainly was the best part of the evening's entertainment, showing a wonderfully retentive memory on the part of the reciter, aud created a deal of amusement both amongst the patients and visitors. An intermission took place for refreshments, and which « ere bountifully provided by Dr. and Mi s. Aickin. The following was the programme for the second part : — Duet bj Mrs. Poppelton and Mr. Barraclough, " Folly and Fashion ;" recitation, Mr. Barraclough, description of Yankee lawyeis' eloquence; "Queen of the Sea," Mrs. Poppleton. The National Anthem — solo and chorus — sung by the company, brought thp first pait of the evening's entertainment to a satisfactory close. The seats were then cleared away, and dancing, which was kept up with spirit till 12 o'clock, commenced, some of the patients heartily joining it. The authorities of the -Asylum wish to convey their thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who came forward to assist in the enteitainment. Dr. Aickin announced that some ladies and gentlemen from town had volunteered their assistance, but they did not arrive, thereby causing a greater tax on local talent, which, fortunately, was not deficient, as everybody seemed to do the best they could for the object in view. We believe it is the intention of the Resident Surgeon to have another entertainment next month.