NIGGER MINSTREL SHOW.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 306, 25 November 1937, Page 4

NIGGER MINSTREL SHOW.

Despite the heavy rain, there was a splendid attendance at the Majestic Theatre last night, and the promoters of the community sing and minstrel show are well satisfied with the results. Air Haycock opened the programme by conducting the singing of the wellknown song, “Here We Are Again,” and a great deal of merriment was caused by the entrance of the Nigger Minstrels. Air Bernard Petty, the conductor of the Alinstrels, showed himself to be most versatile, as did also Air lan AVilton, in guitar and mouth-organ duets. The Hills Brothers, Alessrs Ivan Reid, Bert Thurston, lan Simpson, Wilbur Petty, and young Trevor Thurston as the piccaninny, did good work, and the tapdance of Mr B. Cumings. as well as his piano-accordion solo, was enthusiastically encored. Mrs P. R. Simpson was the pianiste for the minstrels, and to this lady much of the success is due. AVinnie Huddleston made a charming little danseuse, and her encore number showed taste and excellent movement. Aliss Ivy Hughes’s solos were rendered in her usual finished style, and later, by special request, Miss Hughes rendered “I’ll Sing To You.” Mr Gnadinger’s two numbers were most pleasing. The community singing was an outstanding success, everyone entering most heartily into the spirit of the

songs chosen, and Alessrs Haycock and Currie kept the audience in a good humour. Air Currie proved to be an excellent comedian. Master Fleetwood’s cornet solos were undoubtedly the choice items of the evening. The clarity of tone and faultless execution of this boy’s playing were indeed a revelation. Air A. Feeney accompanied the community singing, and his performance at- the piano was a big factor in keeping the singing going.

Air AA r . H. Oliver, on behalf of the Feilding Labour Party, thanked all who assisted to make the evening such a success, especially the organisers, Air and Mrs E. Petty, for the large amount of work they had put in. Air Oliver read a- telegram from Mr C. L. Hunter, the Government member for Alanawatu, which was heartily applauded by the audience. Owing to indisposition, Mr Murphy and Mrs K. Cameron were not able to be present, but at a later date these artists hope to be able to entertain in Feilding. The programme concluded with all standing and singing the well-known hymn, ‘Abide AVith Ale,” and the National Anthem.