ENTERTAINMENT IN AID OF THE SWITZERS HOSPITAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1243, 25 September 1875, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENT IN AID OF THE SWITZERS HOSPITAL.

On Thursday evening 11th instant, an entertainment in aid of the hospital came off. Mr Rossister, a gentleman from Dunedin on a visit to Switzers, kindlyvolunteered his services, aud it is mainly owing to his readiness to help, that {the success of the entertainment is due. By eight o'clock all the seats in the large room at the Crown Hotel were occupied and shortly after the hour named the curtain rose to part first, "A Christy Minstrel Entertainment." It would be invidious to particularise any one song ; but it may be said that on the whole each was very fairly given. The chorusses were a little shaky, bnt any short comings were fully made up for by the irresistible comicalities of Messrs Bones and Tambourine. After an interval of ten minutes a miacellaneons concert, began. " Sweet Spirit hear my Prayer," (Mr G. Moffat) waa very tastefully given and well deserved the encore that followed. " The Chinaman," sung by a gentleman (Mr Lachman) from Dunedin, was a great success and in answer to the recall was followed by "It is nice to be a parent." Mr Bossiter then appeared as the Bold Fisherman dreseed in the indispensable white ducks, blue jacket, and sou'wester and " Tink a toodle turn," was the highly interesting song he sung. In answer to an uproarious encore he reappeared aa "The gallant Captain de Wellington Boots." "My Nannie's awa* (Mrs G. Vial) came next and was nicely sung and, of course, encored. It would be tedious to follow out the whole programme, so we will mention only two other songs, " The yellow Rose of Texas, and "Please give me a penny." The former was sung by the Misses Allen. The children sang with great heartiness and spirit and well deserved the encore which was answered by repeating the last verse. The latter song was given by Miss E. Morris, with great taste and feeling. The curtain rose for, the last time on what was well .designated the "screaming" farce of "The Ball is going on." In this Mr Rossiter took the arduous part of the NiggerJPete and was ably supported by Messrs Carnie,

Allan, Story, and Chittery, Miss J. Allen and last, though by no means least, The Baby. This was a large doll manufactured for the occasion. The natural way in which it squeaked, and the placid unmoved expression of its face, even while it was being violently maltreated by Pete because " it wouldn't take pap " had to be seen, to be appreciated. If the hearty laughter and frequent rounds of applause that shook the house may be taken as criteria, the entertainment was one of the most successful ever given in the district. The net proceeds amounted £20. A Bali followed and was continued with great spirit till day light.