THE ETHIOPIAN ENTERTAINERS.

West Coast Times, Issue 12002, 30 August 1901, Page 3

THE ETHIOPIAN ENTERTAINERS.

The Greymouth Ethiopian entertainers gave a performance in the Princess Theatre last evening maid of the funds of the flokitika Aquatic and Cycling Club. The company were unfortunate in the weatber, persistent rain falling right up to the hour of the performance and it says much for their courage (particularly the ladies) and their determination not to disappoint that they ventured out at all in such weather. In consequence of the inclement night the attendance was only fairandnot nearly as large as it otherwise would have been. Prior fco the opening of the programme Mr Moss apologised for the absence of some of their members through influenza and asked the indulgence of the audience for any shortcomings that might appear in consequence. No apology was however needed as the entertainers are exceptionally strong in musical talent and gave a refined high class variety programme in a manner that proved them to be an exceedingly well trained band of amat. curs. The rise of the curtain disclosed the usual circle of ladies and gentlemen with the end men in black. Messrs Moss and Guthrie were the comer men and they with Mr Spindeler as interlocutor kept the audience in roars of laughter with jokes which were mostly new and crisply given. The old favourite "Come where may love lies Dreaming" was the opening chorus, the solo part being taken by Mr Harley. Mr, Guthrie followed with (% Put on the Golden Sword" in which he was most successful. The pretty coon song "Susie-ue" by Mr Mitchell was the next item and it took with the audience immensely. Mr Spindeler received a rousing encore for " I'se goiug back to Dixie " and had to repeat the last verse, and Mr Stark had the same experience with " Honey, say dat you'll be mine- Miss Holder -sang " Genevieve " very sweetly and was also obliged to repeat the laafc verse before the audience would be satisßed. Mr Moss made a decided hit in " Dar'll be a hot time in de ole town to-night," an encore being inevitable, and the fh\3t part finished with a very amusing " nnale." After the interval a concert part waa given in which every item was up to a high standard. The Company's orchestra which is an excellent one, opened with "The Caliph" overture and received a flattering reception. Miss Chapman gave Arditi's well known v Dream of Home," and as an encore "Island of Dreams." Mr Sweetraaa followed with " Sons of Z6alandia," and fairly brought down the house. Miss Holder sang with gieat expression " MerriJy I Koain," being obliged to respond to an enthusiastic encore and Miss Pike who next gave " Oh for a day of Spring " was also obliged to answer to aredemand. Mr C-.uthrie sang "Queen of the Earth " with great success and Miss Yarrall gave Molloy's " Carnival " and as an encore " Oh Ma Babby," both songs suiting her admirably. Mr Spindeler in " The Lads in Navy Blue " did full justice to this patriotic Song and was encsred. Mis 3 followed with " All in the Hush of Twilight," with violin obligate The- song suited her sympathetic voice to perfection, aud she gave in response to m emphatic encore " The Link Diviae " which ' was also highly appreciated. Last, but by no means least, Mr Stark sang " The Admiral's Broom " most tastefully and with much vigour, and this was the closing item of the programme. The performance as a whole was an immense success and it is a long time since Hokitika concert goers spent a more peasant 'evening. Miss Holder played the major portion of the accompaniments and assisted the singers ir,. no small degree. Mention should also be made of Miss Moss, a wee girl, who showed great talent in some of the accoaipanr Bjents which she played. During the interval Mr Evans thanked the performers and the audience on behalf of che Acquatic Club, and made the satisfactory announcment that despite adverse circumstances the finances were gocd. The entertainers returned to Greymouth by special train last night, and they may be assured of a warm welcome whenever they may visit Hokitika again.