ENTERTAINMENT AT KATIKATI

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9153, 7 September 1888, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENT AT KATIKATI

Our correspondent writes :The concert in connection with No. 2 school Katikati, took place on Friday evening, the 24th inst., in the Orange Hall, and was one of the most successful entertainments ever given in the settlement. The weather unfortunately was not propitious, for on that day and the following we had one of the worst westerly gales experienced in this breezy district. In spite of wind and cold, however, the hall was full, and had the evening been fine, standing room would not have been obtainable. The arch of the stage was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and the interior carpeted and draped all round with crimson curtains. The concert was opened by the Misses W. Anderson and G. Johnston, who played a pianoforte duet, " Lucrezia Borgia," with taste and precision. Immediately afterwards followed " Drummer Boy" (an action song), by about twenty-five of the school children. This was extremely pretty and it was interesting to see the tiniest children keeping such exact time with their Hags and drums. Miss Anderson then sang " The Bridge" with much feeling, and Mr. Mulrany followed with " Needles and Pins," a song of semi-comic character, which suited the singer's voice admirably, and occasioned loud applause. The children then came forward with " Never Say Die," a motto song, in which the solo was taken by Mesdames Grace Johnston and Alice Potier, all the voices taking up the chorus. As an encore they sang " A Better Day is Coming," the solo being taken by Mesdames E. Rea, J. Potier, and J. Locking ton. Mrs. Shaw then came forward with "The Carrier's Dove," which she gave with much expression, and Miss C. Anderson delighted the audience with the lovely song, "Apart." The concert was brought to a conclusion by the children singing " Love at Home," after which the curtain dropped for five minutes. When raised again the stage was in possession of two negro gentlemen and a lady, who carried banjos, and went through much amusing " business," interspersed with songs and breakdowns. Mr. Robinson's costume as a lady showed a most careful study of every item; Mr. Hopgood as a coloured "masher" was splendid ; whilst Mr. Dumbleton did the old man very cleverly. On retiring from the stage their place was taken by another negro gentleman, in whom, after much careful survey, we recognised our old friend Mr. C. Dunn. He ie well known as a stump orator of power, and on this occasion he did not lose his character. Some of his local hits were very clever, and kept the audience in roars of laughter. After an inter\al of fifteen minutes the curtain again rose, and a very amusing farce, entitled, " The Terrible Secret," was acted by several ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Mulgan, who took the part of Mr. Henpecker, was truly ridiculous, and caused great merriment by his acting and general appearance. Miss C. Anderson, as Mrs. Henpecker, acted well, and wore a most becoming costume. Mr. Dumbeton's get-up as a fashionable gentleman was very good, and Mrs. Mulgan, as Tilly, in pink print, with a dainty cap perched on top of a mass of fair curls, looked as if the hard life she complained of was agreeing with her remarkably well. At the conclusion of the farce, the hall was cleared for dancing, the first six dances being devoted to the children, whilst the elders kept it up bravely till nearly two o'clock. This entertainment is pronounced by all to be the best ever given here in connection with the school, and Mr. and Mrs. Mulgan deserve much praise for the time and attention they had evidently given to the preparation of the children and the carrying out of such a well managed, successful, and varied entertainment.