HOME FOR THE AGED NEEDY.

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 55, 3 September 1894, Page 2

HOME FOR THE AGED NEEDY.

There was a large audience at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, at the concert given in aid of the Home for the Aged Needy. His Excellency the Governor was present. The programme was a very long one — too long. It opened with twelve items of popular minstrel songs, given from the orthodox semi-circlo of chairs by a party of sombrehned minstrels, directed by Mr A. G. Johnson. Some of these items were acceptably interpreted, and caused considerable amusement. The names of the performers were not given. A second part of nine concert items came next. Mr. M'Glashan's orchestra contributed a spirited performance of the " Caliph of Bagdad " overture, and an arrangement of Scotch airs. The finest item of the entertainment waa a recitation by Mr. A. S. Pater son, in broad Scotch, of " The Cookin Shine." It was admirably done, and fairly convulsed the house, who, but for the fact that prior to Mr. Paterson's appearance an apology had been mode for him on the ground of his having come from a sick bed, would have insisted on a repotition. An interesting item was the singiner by Mr. T. W. M'Kenzio of Thos. Campbell's verses, " Steer, Helmsman, Steer." Mr. M'Kenzie, who Bang in wonderfully good voice, explained that tho verses were written by Campbell on the departure of the Wellington pioneers for this then terra incognita. The appropriateness of this song being sung by one of the pioneers in aid of a Home for the Aged in which he takes so much interest, was manifest, and Mr. M'Konzie was warmly applauded and recalled, both for the excellence of his performance and its associations. Other acceptable items — vocal and instrumental— were contributed by Misso3 Coltman, Syer, and M'Keegan, the little Misses Lily and Florence Harris (pupils of Mrs. Davidson, who played very nicely), and Mr. J. Austin. Mr. Keavsley was accompanist. The proceedings concluded with a farce entitled " Blaok Justioe," whioh would have been as well omitted.