MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT MINTARO.
On Thursday evening, June 20, an entertainment was given in Mr. Freeman’s large room, at the Devonshire Hotel, Mintaro, in aid of a local charitable purpose. The affair had been taken in hand by the right sort of people as promoters in the first instance, and having secured the services of some well-known amateurs, they of course gave the thing every publicity. Their efforts were well rewarded, a crowded house crowning their efforts. The first part of the entertainment was taken up by part songs, duets, solos, pianoforte solo, and a character song. Other character songs, and an hour or so devoted to negro ministrelsy, concluded the entertainment. The first part was opened by Messrs. Dyer, Vogt, and Kreuger singing the well-known glee “See our oars.” Their execution was very good indeed, each of whom were perfectly conversant with their parts, thus being able to bring out the finer music of the piece. Mr. Dyer, a tenor singer of some repute in Adelaide, followed with “There is a flower that bloometh,” which received a hearty encore, for which he substituted the song “Let me like a soldier fall.” Mr. Dyers voice is far beyond the run of amateur tenors, but we failed to find in it that sweetness we had been led to expect; the high notes seemed particularly harsh. The room, however, is not at all a good one for sound. Mrs. Sobels and Dr. Vogt next appeared in “Juanita,” to the entire satisfaction of the audience. The lady’s voice was particularly rich and full, and her style of singing surpassed that of many a so called artiste. “No one to love,” by Miss Kate Tobin, came next, which was pretty well received, Miss Madigan following with the once popular “Battle march of Delhi,” on the piano. For so young a player, she certainly excels at the instrument. The lively and martial airs in the piece also suited the audience. The greatest treat of the evening was Mrs. Sobel’s song “Yes, in my dreams,” for which that lady received a unanimous encore. The “ABC” duet, by Miss Cooney and Mr. Kreuger, was the next on the programme, the music of which is rather difficult, and the piece is hardly a taking one with the audience. Their voices hardly blended so nicely aa might have been wished, but the singing of the music was very correct. “Then you’ll remember me” was the next song, by Mr. Dyer, and his style of singing it was first class, giving us the impression stronger still that the room was totally unsuited for his voice. Mr. Heywood followed by singing “Bother the men” in character. His get-up was all that could be desired, and his sinking and acting was very good. The audience enjoyed the song very much, which brought the first part of the entertainment to a close.
In the interval Mr. Page sang a song, the words of which were composed by himself for the occasion, set to the tune of “Forty years ago.” His make-up was inimitable, and his singing very good indeed. In reply to his encore, he appeared in a change of dress. The Clare Christy Minstrels followed with their usual first part of an evening’s entertainment, consisting of opening chorus by the whole company, songs and jokes. The efforts of the darkies seemed to give general satisfaction to all, some of the jokes being very well received indeed. The list of songs was as follows:-“We meet again,” Mr. Waters; “I’ll throw myself away,” (tambourine), Mr. Wickens; “Beautiful Nell,” Mr. Walton; “Do you really think she did ?” (bones) Mr. Stacey; “Write me a letter from home,” Mr. Hosier; “Fanny Frail,” Mr. Wickens; “Little Bennie,” Mr. Kent; and the chorus the “Racoon hunt.” The darkies received a unanimous re-call at the end of their programme, to which they responded, substituting “Marching through Georgia” for their last song. We forgot to mention that during the interval a gentleman danced the Highland fling in costume, and his dancing was much admired. Mr. Page concluded the entertainment by singing “The girl with the blue dress on,” in his usual first-class style. The national anthem being sung, the meeting adjourned for dancing.
‘Mintaro is undoubtedly the place to enjoy a good dance, many of the residents there excelling in that accomplishment. At Piper’s Hotel a large party enjoyed themselves till a late hour, and at Freeman’s there was a similar gathering, but not so large.