THE GOURLAY FAMILY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1075, 17 August 1869, Page 2

THE GOURLAY FAMILY.

This celebrated family, on their way to Auckland by the Lord "Ashley, were, through the enterprise of Mr. Swan, induced to remain in Napier, pending the arrival of the next boat from the south. Though Mr Swan's action a great treat was. secured for the people of Napier. Our town is dull enough at best of times, but, lately, through depressed times and other causes, we have had a perfect dearth of amusement — no professional company having visited Napier since the departure of the Carandinis. Accordingly, although only two or three hours notice could be given, and that merely by placard, the first appearance of the troupe ! on Saturday was to a very fair audience indeed, the Hall being considerably more than half full. The entertainment is of what is called a drawing room character. Mr. and Mrs. McGregor (Mr. and Mrs. Gourlay) are on a wedding tour in the Highlands. The husband has to leave for a short time on business, but, for the amusement of his wife, arranges with the landlord that certain village celebrities shall be introduced to her in the meantime. Those celebrities are personated by Mr. Gourlay in a most admirable manner- — his get-up and delineation of Scottish character being as near perfection as is possible. Mrs Gourlay fills up the time required in making the necessary transformations, (by no means a long time) in selections from her repertoire of charming songs. She has a voice of great power and sweetness, and she was warmly encored in almost every instance. "Master Johnny" displayed a large share of humour in his personation of the waiter, and, later in the evening, sang a number of comic and other songs with a naivete which surprised as much as it delighted the audience. Mr. Gourlay also gave, in character, a few specimens of old Scotch songs, such as "Kate Dalrymple," which fairly set the Hall in a roar. His "Newhaven Fishwife" was inimitable, . as was. the duett " Who'll buy my called herrin,' 1 . and other i pieces. A second entertainment was given last | evening. The Hall was crowded, the fame of Saturday night's performance having attracted a very large audience indeed. The programme was changed, but was equally effective and attractive with that of Saturday. It consisted of three parts — a laughable farce called the Sights of Woman, sustained by Mr. and Mra. Gourlay and Master Johnny; a musical melange, in which Mrs. Gourlay, Master Johnny, and Miss Minnie took part— the latter, a most interesting and talented child of eight years, making an exceedingly successful first appearance. It was difficult to decide which to admire most of the two young people, and, in every case, their songs were encored. The duett of Hunting tower was particularly admired, but indeed everything done by either was warmly applauded, as it deserved to be. The. entertainment wound up with another farce or rather comedietta called "My Little Wife," the chief parts of which were filled by Master Johnny and Miss Minnie, which was very laughable. Every one was astonished at their talent and versatility, and delighted with the entertainment as a -whole. | It will be seen that this clever company will remain a few days longer, and will perform twice more in Napier— on Wednesday and Saturday next ; also once at Waipawa. "Mrs. M'Gregpr's levee" will be repeated on Wednesday, and we have little doubt that another crowded house will reward the wonderful powers of pleasing possessed by these our visitors.