THE BLACK DIAMOND MINSTRELS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLVII, Issue 12270, 2 September 1904, Page 8

THE BLACK DIAMOND MINSTRELS.

A really splendid "house" greeted the Black Diamonds last evening, when, in aid of the Wanganui Volunteer Garrison's Drill Hall extension fund, they gave a capital entertainment in the Drill Hall. The [big building was simply packed, many people having to be content with standing room only, and very little of that. It is now some years since the Black Diamonds: last entertained their fellow citizens, and in the interval considerable change has taken place in the personnel of the company. Indeed there were only two of the original performers in last night's "burnt cork" circle, viz., the Luminous Larking and the Brilliant Brown. Still it may be said that while the personality has altered, the merit remains—the new brilliants are as polished and clear-cut as their predecessors. Ma* George Larking, as of old, ably filled the. role of interlocutor, and kept the progra;mme moving merrily. Not only did he'prove himself au fait as chairman, but he also contributed one of tthe best vocal items of the evening. The end men were Messrs George Brown, H. Wylie, M. Brunette, and P.. Bailey, who proved themselves rollicking fun-makers. Mr Bailey, in "Gco-goo Eyes," made one of the popular hits of the evening. Mi* Brown w&s also the recipient of an encore for his coon song, "Those Scandalous Eyes," while Mr C. 'Suisted was particularly successful, especially in the pretty ballad "Anona," which he gave a& liis contribution to the secondi half of the programme. Other appropriate songs were given »by Messrs Jenks, Brunette, Power. E. 'Reade, and Wylie. The choruses, were* excellently rendered, and were deservedly apprciated. Mi" C. Forrest gave a clev«eo* exhibition of card trickery, Mr Reade presented an amusing vocal speciality entitled "The "Waiter," while the Black Diamond orchestra, under Mr C. Forrest, contributed a couple of spirited and tuneful overtures. The first part of the programme •concluded with a laughable sketch, in whioli Messrs Geo. Larking, M. Brunette, P. Bailey, H. Wylie, and George Brown figured to ad-. vantage; while the entertainment was brought to a close with what was styled a "mighty drama" 'entitled "The Secret of a Kiss." Thisi was the weakest item of the programme, and its omission would have robbed the entertainment of none of its pleasure. The management are entitled to be compliment-edi both upon the general excellence of the programme as a whole and upon the artistic "get up".of the stage. During the interval the Volunteer art union was drawn, the numbers being picked from the respective boxes by two little girls from the autlience, under the supervision of representatives of the "Herald" and "Chronicle." The following are the winning numbers:—

We understand that the first prize, a handsome carved duchess pair valued at £35, was won by Mr Radd; and the third prize, a1 beautiful carved mirror panel valued at £15, by Miss Edwards, of Maria Place. The ■name of the winner of the second prize was not ascertainable last evening. The first prize ticket was sold 'by Volunteer Dennesen, of the Highland Rifles.

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