J BATTERY ENTERTAINMENT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1133, 28 September 1880, Page 2

J BATTERY ENTERTAINMENT.

The amateurs, who have banded themselves together under the title of the "J Battery Variety Troupe," gave another of their pleasing entertainments at McFarlane's Hall, yesterday evening. These entertainments, which were initiated with a view of assisting the funds of the corps to meet the many heavy expenses incidental to its organization, .haver 'been most .deservedly popular. They have afforded the public the means of passing several pleasant evenings, and have grown in favor to such an extent that it is to be hoped those who have so kindly taken part in them will afford us many more opportunities of enjoying the exhibition of their varied skill. Under the efficient management of Mr. G. C. Huddleston, who has been indefatigable in his exertions, each entertainment has been eagerly looked forward to. As a substantial proof of their popularity it may be mentioned that the monetary receipts have incretised on each occasion, last night's takings totalling up to £26. It is probably not difficult to account for this increasing success, when it is remembered that among those who cater for the public amusement are amateur actors, vocalists, and musicians who would be appreciated in any part of the colony, and that the audiences are for the most part composed of people who can appreciate anything deserving commendation. Not a small portion of the programme is contributed by the members of the fine band belonging to the Battery. Their pla3'ing evidences a large amount of painstaking practice, and their performances are invariably appreciated. The band opened last night's programme with the " Solferino March," and the second part with " La Coiombs Valse." It was evident during the rendition of the latter that numbers of the listeners would have preferred that the seats should have been cleared away that they might dedicate themselves to the goduess Terpsichore to its well marked strains. The instrumental trio " Hark to the Bugles Sound," by Messrs Cox, Whitby, and Brown, and the duett " The Last Rose of Summer," by Messrs Cox and Hall, were very well received. Mr. Bush sang a 'pleasing ballart, but did nod seem to be in as good voice as usual. One of the attractions of the evening was the first appearance in public in Gisborne of Mr. W. Clarke. This gentleman, acknowledged to be an amateur pianist of the first class, rendered a series of selections from the opeva of "Martha," which were frequently applauded. A rare musical treat was also afforded in the duet performed by Mr. Clark j (piano) and Mr. H. Humphries violi niello). Madame Stewart was deserve lly well received, 3inging with deep paili <s " The Bridge," and responding to an enthusiastic encore by rendering a brilliant little morceau — ' ' The Magic of Music. " Our old friend Mr. Ratcliffe, whose appearance on the boards is invariably the signal for a burst of applause, gave one of his genteel comic songs, " Piccadilly," responding to a demand for his reappearance by " Strolling on the Sands." Mr. Austin rendered " The Tempest of the Heart " with good effect, and on being recalled, sang "My own, my guiding star." The effect of this gentleman's singing was considerably marred by the noise created by some few unappreciative persons occupying the " gods." We have had occasion before to complain of the rowdy element which will sometimes disturb the harmony of our public gatherings, and would again recommend that it be put down with a strong hand. The pleasure of the majority should not be disturbed by the stupid action of a few larrikins. We trnst that the Captain commanding the Battery will take the necessary steps to prevent such outbursts on future occasions. Mr. Sceats sang two comic songs, which found admirers in some quarters. The entertainment was brought to a close by the nmusing farce entitled "Ici on Parle Francais." Of the characters in this amusing sketch it is scarcely more than necessary to remark that our amateurs maintained their well established reputation. Mr. J. Bourke was, as usual, the main stay of the piece, and was well supported by the ladies and gentlemen taking part in the piece. Mr. W. F. Crawford looked the character of Major Rattan to the life, and threatened destruction to all the stage accessaries in the mild ebullition of his tempei*. As Victor Dnbois it was difficult to discover the identity of Mr. G. C. Huddleston, the make up being so good and the gesticulation decidedly continental. Madame Stewart enacted the part of Mrs. Sprig»ins"to perfection being ably assisted by Miss Stewart as Mrs. Rattan, Miss Browne as Angelina, and Miss Brunskill as Anna Maria, the latter doing great credit to the part of the overworked little maid of all work. It is pleasing to note that a most delicate and unexpected compliment, and one that will not easily pass from the memories of the recipients, was paid to two ladies who have gratuitously assisted at these and other entertainments. After the curtain had dropped on last night's entertainment, Mr. Huddleston, on behalf of J Battery, presented Miss J. R. Browne and Miss Bru.iskill each with a handsome gold cross set with jewels as a slight souvenir of the appreciation ,in which their ] services were held. If we might be permitted to make a suggestion, it would be that the programme should not be quite so long in future, as, owing to the -number of encores, the time is extended beyond the limits preferred by prudent heads of families.