MR ARTHUR CLAMPETT.

Evening Star, Issue 8530, 1 June 1891, Page 4

MR ARTHUR CLAMPETT.

The above-named gentleman, who rendered himself Bomewhat notorious in Christohurch about a year ago, appeared in the City Ball on Saturday night, and, wtfhthe assistance of Mr George Dickie and Mr Fred Woods, gave a musical and variety entertainment. There was a good attendance, especially downstairs. The first part of the entertainment consisted of songs, six in number, by Mr Clampett himself, and a recitation by Mr Woods. The vocalist, whose efforts were heartily and very deservedly appreciated, sang 'The death of Nelson,' «The village blacksmith,' • The lost chord,' «The heart bowed down,' • Let me like a soldier fall,'and* In happy moments.' Mr Ciampett s bass voice is an exceptionally strong one, but he has good control over it, and he | succeeded very well, indeed, in pleasing his I audience. Between the first three songs mentioned and the remaining trio Mr Woods gave a serio-comic recitation,' The seven ages,' but his efforts did not meet with unanimous approval, and amid a chorus of shouts and jeers he left the stage before concluding his task. A storm of laughter and ironical cheers followed, and he again made his appearance and recited the remaining verse. Mr Diokie's ventriloquial entertainment was the opening item in the second part, but as we have previously referred in terms of praise to this oleyer performer's efforts in this line nothing further need be said than that he was even more successful than on any former occasion. Mr Clampett next appeared, and made a few sensible remarks upon physical training. He spoke of the benefits to be derived from such culture, if those those who undertook it only bent their energies on the exercises and refrained from taking intoxicating liquors. The address was followed by an exercise to music with the clubs, and then came a sword exercise, both of vhich Mr Clampett went through in a most creditable manner. Mr Woods again appeared on the stage, but had not gone far in his recitation when some articles bearing a close resemblance to turnips and junks of bread were hurled at his head, fortunately, however, without hitting him. He was naturally nettled at this objectionable way which some of the audience took to show their disfavor, but, after making what is vulgarly called a "Chinese face' at his tormentors, he proceeded with his task, only giving a suspicious glance now and again at the quarter from which the missiles had issued. Another turnip, however, soon made its way towards him from the recesses of the pit, but he saw it coming and "ducked" it. This was getting too hot altogether, and it was little wonder to see Mr Woods march off the boards. In a few moments, howevei, he reappeared, and, after appealing to the sympathies of the audience, he continued his recitation, con oluding with a patter dance, at the finish of which he retired amid a round of applause, which was not altogether undeserved. This closed the entertainment.