THE PAYNE FAMILY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 6113, 15 December 1898, Page 3

THE PAYNE FAMILY.

— * A WELCOME TO MiSTEBTOJf. Tint very clever musical combination -the Payne Family—alwajs certain of a good reception in Masterton, was heartily welcomed last night, when a season of two nights was opened in the Town Hall In some respects tlto entertainment is even better than it used to be, and the largo audienco expressed the most lively appreciation, and almost every item on tho programme was re-donianded. The Jlcllriiiging numbers were wonderfully good," Swcot Chiming Bells" and " Say Au fievoir" quite charmed the audience, Mandolin and banjo selections by the Misses Belle Payne, Florence Payne and Master Harry were as good as anything in the programme. A song and chorus, " The Table is Laid for Three," gave Mr W. J, Payne an opportunity to exhibit his One vocal powers, and the perfectly trained chorus added to the excellence of the item.

Miss Belle Payne gavo an example of her talent as a violinist, treating her audienco lo" II Trovatore," Miss Maud Daly aud Miss Majorie Forbes were very successful in their ballad singing, and were encored at each appearance. Mr T, H, Saunders supplies the broadly comic element-so much in demand in modern entertainments aud was accorded such a reception that it left no doubt whatever in one's mind as to his abilities, Master Harry proved himselt an excellent female impersonator and danced a pretty skirt dance most gracefully, In part-song singing the Company made a great hit, "Sobbing" and "Johnny Schmoker" fairly bringing down tho house. Mr W. J. Payne's manipulation of the sleigh bells was really wonderful, and lie was good enough to giye an extra number as an encore.

Altogether, the Payne Family's entertainment is one worth going to. It is so bright and varied, and yet free from anything which might be construed into the objectionable, that it merits and commends the support of every class, We cannot conclude without remarking on the splendidly easy manner in which the programmeruns; evidently Mr W.J Payne is an organiser and master of ceremonies who knows his business, aud provides for all emergencies. To-night an entirely new programme will be presented and as this is the last appcaranco of tho Paynes in Masterton on tho present tour, we have no doubt a big house will greet these clever musicians this evening.