Fire Brigade Entertainment.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 143, 2 May 1894, Page 3

Fire Brigade Entertainment.

The minstrel entertainment inaugurated for the purpose of endeavouring to swell the fund being raised for the purchase of a manual engine for the town came ofT last evening with most satisfactory results. The hall was packed in every part, and not even standing room was left. An overture by the orchostra opened the performance, the second item being a chorus behind the scenes by the company. The lifting of tho curtain revealed the orthodox half-circle of darkies, Mr Phil Hackett occupying tho interlocutor’s chair, and Messrs J. Mills and J. Devonshire manipulating the bones and tnmbo respectively. “ Jingle Bells,” tho opening chorus, was tunefully given. Mr C. Morris, who was in fine voice, sang “ Tho cottage gate” excellently. Master Mills followed with a song, “ Angel's Whisper,” delivered sweetly, clearly, and correctly. The little fellow secured an encore, and repeated the last verse. Mr Blair was not so happy as usual in his contribution “ Old Log Cabin.” Mr J. Mills scored a success with his comic song “ Every Little Doggie,” and had to repeat the last verse. Mr Hawkins, who was handicapped by a severe cold, was heard to advantage in the old favorite “ The Fisherman and his child.” A thoroughly enjoyable number was “ The vacant chair,” excellently sung by Mr Hackutt. Mr Crosbie was entirely successful with his interpretation of “ Mother's last letter to me,” and in response to an encore repeated the last verse. The old, old comic, “ Razors in tho air," gave Mr Devonshire an opportunity of displaying his proficiency in the line, and tho chance was taken full advantage of. Tho finale, a singing competition between bones and tambo, created much amusement. Between the items jokes and local hints (low fast. Some of tiio latter were extremely good, and caused roars of laughter. Mr Mills opened the second part by singing “ The tramp of the Fire Brigade” in good style. Mr D. F. Skinner recited, “Jean Goclio’s yarn, ’ and infused into it much dramatic force and effect. To a vociferous encore the elocutionist responded with “ The Irish Picket,” equally well delivered. In “ The Village Blacksmith” Mr Morris was even more successful than in his previous contribution. A stump speech, on* the ways of women and woes of matrimony, by Mr Devonshire, was laugh provoking in tho- extreme. Mr Hackett sang, “ Whisper and I shall hear,” and as in liis former item gave a perfect vocal treat. Mr Mills danced an American breakdown, for which he was recalled. The entertainment concluded with a screaming farce “ The Missing Link,” in which the characters were taken b.v Messrs Pickering (Mr Thompson), Mills (Bro. Jones), and Clark (The Missing Link). During the evening Misses Falconer and Gowing and Mr Starkey (cornet) kindly officiated as accompanists. The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up till two o’clock.