BLACK STAR MINSTRELS' CONCERT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 26, 27 March 1891, Page 20

BLACK STAR MINSTRELS' CONCERT.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Temuka, March 22, 1891. The concert by the above minstrels on St. Patrick's night was a great success. The attendance was large. The proceeds on this occasion, as they usually are, were devoted to a benefit. Mr. R. McLeod opened the programme with an overture, which he played in excellent style. The company followed with an opening chorus, which elicited a round of well-merited applause, Mr. H. T. Clinch, who bears a wide reputation as a comic einger, sang tbe ballad " Only to See Thee Again," the chorus being taken by the company, as was the case with other songs. It is needless to say Mr. Clinch sustained his good name. Mr. S. Kroon (who acted " tambo "to perfection) sang " Have you Seen Her"; Mr. F. Colville " Don't Forget the Fireside"; Mr. J. Elder (the efficient " bones ") " The Chinese Parasol"; Mr.) G. Collins, " Poor Little '.Johnry"; Mr. S. Kroon " Hear it"; Mr. J. Collins, 41 Mother is the Best Friend of All"; Mr. J. Elder, " All Alive and Kicking"; allot which were well rendered and loudly applauded. The patriotic Bong " America's Emblem," by Mr. E. Whitehead, with chorus by the company and coloured effects, brought the first part of the programme to a close. The second part opened with an amusing sketch by the Brothers Colhns entitled " Bruised and Cured," which was well appreciated, the audience beint? kept in roars of laughter. The acting was extremely good. Mr. S. Kroon next sang (in character) " An Awful Scrub," into the spirit of which he eu'ered in a first-class manner, and had to respond. Mr. D. Chalmers received a recall for bis exposition of ft sailor's hornpipe, which he danced in a graceful manner. Mr. A.. Clinch delivered a stump speech on one of the leading topica of the day, " Woman's Rights,"' and seeme \ to know a trifle too mnch about them. Mr. W. Angland, our popular dancer, so delighted the audience with his Irish jig that nothing could proceed until he reappeared and danced a reel. Mr. H. T. Clinch sang tbe motto song, " Your pocket book is your friend," in a style wh'ch would be difficult to surpass, and was followed by Mr. Whitebead singing " A soldier on a battle-field," which he rendered in a masterly manner. A comic ske'ch, by Messrs. Clinch and Elder, brought the second part to a close. After a brief interval, the extremely amusing farce, entitled " That boy Pete," was enacted. In this Messrs. A. (Jolville A. Clinch, F. Colville, N. Collins, and H. Colville, and Misses Melville, St. John, and Harcourt took part, and their endeavours to plea9e seemed to be appreciated. Mr. A. Clinch acted as Mr. Johnson. Mr. B. McLeod added much to the success of the entertainment by his accompanying the singers on the piano. The entertainment throughout was well appreciated, and there is no denying the company possess a good deal of talent. This was their first appearance of large proportions, and with attentive training something good can be expected. There is one thing which reflects infinite credit on these young men, and that is, whenever they play it is always for some benefit, and this alone should win patronage for them. The expenses are always very limited, so as the proceeds will be larger for the object for which the concert ia given. It is seldom such patriotic young men can be found, and they are deserving of praise as benefactors. Barely their self-sacrifice will win the admiration, as well as practical approval, of all.