NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue II, 14 July 1894, Page 43

NAPIER.

Dear Bee, July 6. The long-talked of CHRISTY MINSTREL PERFORMANCE came off last Wednesday, and never has there been such a novel aid successful performance here before. Now-:i-days to be up to date everything has to be staged well and something novel introduced into programmes to make them attractive, or else the re suit will be empty benches instead of the welcome placard ‘Standing room only,’ which latter gladdens every manager’s heart, and especially must have gladdened the energetic secretary of the Athemeum, Mr Dinwiddie, as the funds were to go to that popular institution. Well, MrC. Kennedy as the host of the bungalow, and Messrs Swan, Sayers, Sturrock, Dean, Martin. Hughes, Raynor, Percy, Pope, Davidson, and Nicholls, as the dusky brethren, deserve the greatest credit for the way one and all worked. The stage looked awfully pretty, departing from the ordinary chair business, and taking the form of the garden of a squatter’s bungalow, small tables dotted about and chairs, while immense palm trees formed the background with innumerable Chinese lanterns converting the scene into a veritable fairy bower. The curtain rose to an empty stage as regarded the performers, but the scene itself was warmly applauded. The host of the bungalow then strolled on from the house, cigar in hand, and called to his dusky brethren to come and finish their sing song in the garden, as it was such a glorious night. At this the orchestra struck up a pretty chorus, and all the niggers artistically arrayed in white duck evening dress costume of the Indians, with brilliant red sashes and palm fans, red socks, black shoes, and black bow ties appeared on the stage. Mr Sayers (bones) and Mr Swan (tambourine), were resplendent in black trousers with gold bands down the side, red coats, and pale blue sashes and immense lace jabots. Scott Gatty’s Plantation songs were a great attraction. ‘Climb Up, Sonny,’by Mr Sayers, and ‘ De Ole Banjo.’ by Mr Pope, who was in good voice, were, perhaps, the two prettiest; but ‘ Who’s Dat a-Callin’ ’ was, perhaps, the gem of the programme, exquisitely sung by Mr Deane. The second part of the programme was a varied one, containing songs in character by Mes-rs Davidson and Sayers: a temperance speech by Mr Swan, who created roars of laughter when he appearea up the trap door and commenced to take off his gloves, which were about a dozen yards long; Mr Fred Raynor, late artist, I believe, of the Sydney Hui let in, was intensely funny in his song, which consisted of skits on certain Napier residents with banjo accompaniment. His sketch from the Caledonian Ball was duly appreciated. The tableau, ‘The Ascension of Little Eva,’brought the affair to a close. Little Eva was represented by the übiquitous Mr Sayers, who posed

gracefully on a step ladder clad in white garments and carrying a lighted lantern, and pathetically looking upwards ! Full limelight effects accompanied this tableau while the invisible chorus sang Scott Gatty’s ‘Good Night.’ Amongst those present IN THE CIRCLE I observed Mrs Spencer H. Gollan, black silk with cardinal opera clotk, handsome diamond ornaments ; Mrs J. W. Carlile, old rose silk; Mrs A. Gore, black velvet; Miss King (Auckland), black with yellow satin sleeves; Mrs George Marshall, black and pale blue; Miss Hobbs, black skirt, old rose blouse; Miss Wise (Dunedin), pale blue; Miss Glendenning, cardinal; Mrs Logan, black and white ; Miss G. Cot Leri 11, pretty pink silk blouse, black skirt; Miss Maggie Anderson, cream silk with yellow Liberty sash; Mrs Davidson, black ; Mrs Milne Thompson, black and blue; Mrs de Lisle, black; Miss While, dark costume; Miss Carter, pink silk ; Mrs Dixon, black; Miss Lascelles, black skirt, pink blouse ; Miss Spencer, cream ; Miss Ada Ormond, black, with handsome opera cloak ; Miss Minna Chapman, pale pink blouse and black skirt; Miss Miller, pretty black evening dress; her sister, in pink; Mrs John Close, black silk ; Mrs Tunes, pretty white evening dress; the Misses Sutton, in dark dresses; Mrs William Anderson also wore a dark costume ; Mrs Suder, black ; etc. FASHIONABLE THEATRICALS took place at Frimley, Hastings, last Tuesday. The piece selected was ‘Tom Cobb,’ and the following ladies and gentlemen assisted : —Miss Elsie Williams, Miss Gertrude Russell, and Miss McGowan, and Messrs Philson, Joe Williams, Besley, Heathcote, and Williams. The costumes of the ladie.-> were appropriate and much admired, and one and all acquitted themselves well. The stage was lit well considering it was held in a private house, but the folding doors being opened, there was any amount of room. Light refreshments were served, and dancing indulged in afterwards. A great number were present, including the Misses Russell, Williams, Nelson. Seale, Lowry, Johnstone, Spencer, Inglis, Baker, Beamish. Gleewn, etc.. Mesdames Philson, Williams, Nelson, Montgomery, Barker, King, Gordon, Carly on, etc. COMING AND GOING. Miss Hunter, from Poranghau. is on a visit to Mrs W. Frazer, of the Bank of New South Wales. Miss Herrick, who has just returned from England, is staying with Miss Ormond, Miss Maitland from Dunedin is visiting General and the Misses Fulton. Mrs Barker, from Wairarapa, is staying at Hastings. Mr and Mrs George Morris have returned from Dunedin. Miss Carrie Sutton has gone to stay with her sister, Mrs A. V. Macdonald, in Auckland, for some time. Mrs Fred Parker, who was unfortunate enough to be burnt out at the Bank of New South Wales, in Gisborne, is visiting Mrs W. Parker till the new premises of the Bank are completed in Gisborne. Mrs Paiker looks well in a stylish gown or red hopsack with black hat.

Miss Fraser (Dunedin) is on a visit to Mrs Walter Tabuteau. Lady Whitmore and Mrs Dixon are at the ‘Blues’ for the winter.

Mrs and the Misses King (Auckland) are at the Masonic for a a few weeks.

Gladys.