PATEA STAR MINSTRELS.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 37, 18 August 1875, Page 2

PATEA STAR MINSTRELS.

The second entertainment by the above company, in aid of the funds of the Patea Cricket Club, took place on Monday evening last before a large audience. The first item on the programme was an overture by the whole company, which was creditably rendered. “ Bonnie Blue Flag,” as an opening chorus, was no less successful. The corner men then commenced to let out their budget of jokes, which evidently appeared to fall rattier flat—perhaps owing to their not having been localised. “ The Yallow Girl that Winked at Me,” by Mr Garwood was well sung, evidencing that it was not the first time that this gentleman; had appeared in a similar entertainment. “ I’ll throw myself away,” by Mr Meredith,' was fairly rendered, and then followed Mr Hutton, with “ Nora O’Neal,” who had evidently improved since Ifis last appearance, and did fair justice to the song.' !! Babylon is Falling,” by Mr Baggett, came next, which at its termination was greeted with applause. Thig was followed with “ Will you come to: my Mountain Horne,” by Mr Taplin, which was sung very nicely indeed, and deservedly dieted the approbation of the audience. Mr Dasent’s “ Battle Cry of Freedom,” was snug with good tastcq but rather lo\v. “ Hold your Horses,” by Mr Garwood, was the next item, and was evidently-the gem of the first part of. the programing, his grotesque actions fairly ' convulsing the audience during the rendering of 1 is judicious selection, which elicited an encore. Mr Adams followed with “Gentle Jenny Gray,” and did fair justice to the song. “Put

me in my Little Bod,’’ by Mr Tcnnont was not quite so suitable for this gentleman’s voice as previous selections, and he was placed under great disadvantage owing to the indifferent time kept by the company in the chorus. “ Kingdom Coming,” by Mr Baggett, brought the Jirst part of the I. programme to a close. After a short interval, the second .part commenced with a trio (an operatic selection) on the violin, flute and piano, by the Messrs Connollys and Bramwell, and was very tastefully played, and evidently had been faithfully studied. Master Connolly appears to have effected a vast iinprovmont in hia playing since the last entertainment Which isno doubt the result of having gained confidence. This was followed by a negro farce, entitled “ Somebodys Coat,” in which Messrs Baggett, Dascnt, Meredith, and Garwood took part, but the piece had evidently been hurriedly placed on the stage, as a little more attention to its rehearsal would not have been out of place. The “Nervous Cures,” sustained by Dr Walker and Mr Meredith, were unquestionably the gem of the evening. The make up was splendid, and their appearance bail the effect of producing irresistible roars of laughter, the singing and dancing earning a well-deserved ■encore , which they generously responded to'. The pianoforte solo—“ Bine Bells of Scotland”—was exquisitely played by Mi Bramwell, and elicited the approbation of the audience by a round of applause. Mr J. Ross 1 hen gave a step dance, but ow ing to his .not having practiced to the music was hot quite at homo. Mr R, C. Tennent thanked the audience for their attendance ■on behalf of the Patea Cricket Club, and the negro farce of the “ Black Ole Bull,” in which Messrs Baggett, Garwood, Connolly, jnn., and Ivess appeared, brought the entertainment to a close. Wo regret to learn that this was the last occasion which the public will have of hearing Mr BrainweU’s abilities on the pianoforte, as that gentleman leaves the district at an early date. , Ho kindly placed Ids services at the disposal of the dub, having frequently travelled a distance of six miles in order to be present at rehearsals. We cannot conclude without recognising the valuable services rendered by the Messrs Connolly.