The Australian and New Zealand Press THE PAYNE FAMILY.

It speaks volumes for the popularity of the Payne Family that, pitted iigninstsuch a powerful counter attraction as "Princess Ida," they ■were obliged to turn money away from the dress circle door at a quarter to eight last evening;. The body of the hall was densely packed. Every item on the programme was artistically rendered, and met wilh unbounded approbation. An entertainment at once soamusing. so thoroughly wholesome and good, rarely visits Auckland. Musically considered, the programme submitted by the talented company is m its own way unique. The stately and .stiff classical school is eschewed as being heavy and unsuitable, and the "popular," with its swing and rhythm, its melody and tunefulness, substituted. This merely means that the audience are interested and delighted for two hours instead of looking bored to death as the majority do at a classical concert.. The programme opened with Hart's part song "The Hells."' The imitation of a peal of deep-toned bells is startlingly realistic. It is hard at times to believe that it is all produced by the human voice. The effect of the familiar booming sound dying away m the distance is really wonderful. "The Signal March " was the first bell-ringing item. It was most vigorously applauded, and an an encore the company gave; "Nellie Gray" and "Carnival of Venice.' Miss Lizzie's song with vocal accompaniment was highly appreciated, after which the company gave another faultless exhibition of their skill with the hand bells. "Three Little Maids from School," as sung by the three sisters, would have delighted the heart of Sir Arthur Sullivan.— Auckland Slar, N.Z.

The large audience which assembled al the City Hall last night to welcome the I'ayne Family of vocalists,instrumentalists, and bell-ringers on their return to Auckland, and the enthusiastic reception accorded to thorn, was surely proof that on (heir previous visit they had established themselves as public favourites. The dress circle was crowded, standing room only being available for many, and the pit, stalls, and orchestra stalls were well patronised. The audience had no reason to be otherwise than pleased, for a charming programme was prepared tor them, and every item was ap plauded, the greater number being encored, so that there was almost a double programme to go through. The opening part- song, "The Hells." was rendered as only this company can render it, and it was a splendid introduction. The beautiful and exact reproduction of the bell chimes was marvellous m its accuracy, and the air itself, one of Hart's most prominent compositions, was an exquisite harmony which was vociferously applauded. The varied accomplishments of the individual members of the company are extraordinary. Their manipulation of the handbells is perfect, m the production of harmony and accuracy of tempo, as was amply manifested m the various selections which were introduced last night, and Mr. Steele's beuitiful performance on the musical glasses was quite a treat, the silvery tones exquisitely modulated b ing listened to with rapt attention. As violinistcs Misses Lizzie and Maud Payne displayed great culture, perfect confidence and great delicacy, as well as a thorough, knowledge of technique, and nothing could be more perfect m harmony than the violin duct " Within a Mile o' EdinboroTown " and "Annie Laurie" played by those ladies, and when Miss Maud as an encore to a tine contralto ballad substituted the violin solo, "'The Mocking Bird," she electrified the audience by the elegance and culture with which she reproduced the bird notosof this difficult composition. The solo "'Paras Harp," played as a fantasia by the same lady, was also a tine piece of executive ability, eclipsed however by "We Won't (Jo Home Till Morning," m which towards the end she introduced the hiccoughs and broken voice of the man who stayed lust ;il the banquet, eliciting roars of laughter. —JSc ir '//.aland Jlcrahl, Auckland, X.Z.

The members of thin family of musicians made their bow to a New Zealand audience yesterday evening. Their reputation \%as .sufficient to secure for them a well-iilled house, and the manner m which they individually and collectively acquitted themselves, proved how thoroughly, how ably, and how honestly that reputation had been earned. The family possesses musical talent of a high order, and although several of them are yet comparatively

young m years, they have all apparently enjoyed the advantage of judiciou« training, and have been careful to enhance the value of their natural gifts by careful and well-directed study. The apprecia tion with which every item was received last night was an emphatic (indorsation of the opinion gene rally expressed by the Australian press and public, and may be accepted by the company as indicative of the recognition their merits will receive through out the length and breadth of our land. Miss Lizzie, the eldest of the daughters, possesses a soprano voice of extensive range, sings with feeling and ex pression, and throws into everything she does a spirited sympathy that carries her audience com pletely with her. She plays the violin and piano brilliantly. Miss Maud is an adept- Her singing was greatly admired, but when she played the "Mocking Hird" on the violin—a really clever and wonderful performance — the audience became almost wildly enthusiastic m their demonstrations of approval. No lover of music, and no admirer of talent should miss the opportunity of hearing the Paynes.— Southland Thnm, Jnveivargill, New Zea land.

All the members of the Family are well trained. In part. songs and choruses they are exceptionally strong, and their voices blend charmingly. In the slave melody, "Steal away t > Jesus," iliey excelled its original singers, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and m "The Bells" their imitation of the clanging of the bells was exceedingly well done. As an example of the tricks of vocalism the " IHbroeh " part song was capital, the reproduction of bagpipe music being remarkably good.- -if'rKini/fon Ti'men, N.Z.

Decidedly I he most delightful portion of the enter tainment is the part-singing of the Family, their voices blending most harmoniously. " The Hells "at once establish them as warm favourites. The imita t ions of the cadences, whether of the joy bells or of the passing (tenth knell, were exceedingly well done and elicited an imperative encore. — ll'cUiiuj (<>n .Post, N.Z.

Tin; Payne Kainily. whose appearance m the city has bccn'preUy well heralded, gave their first enter nuntiUMit 'last, iiight at the Oddfellows' Hall, (.'hrisl. church. Hefore the time announced for the com mencement the hall whs crowded, so much so that at ten minutes tfl eight o'clock the doors had to be i'losjm. and not only was the hall filled but the stage bcJiinrt She wings also. The company .ire exceed ingly modest m their pretensions, far more so, it may be noted, than their talents deserve. The part. songs wen; excellent, the voices being 1 well balanced, tbe light and the shade of the compositions were well brought out. This was. perhaps, most clearly illustrated m t!ie opening number, lOdgar Allan Poe'is i)ocm of 'The Hells." In this the metallic tones of the bells and the various phases of intona tions were most admiraiily reproduced. Of the part. songs, " Ye Hanks and Braes" and " She Old Year i« Dying" were specimens of what may be called lhe true art, of part singing, the beauties of the compositions being most markedly brought out. The humor.us portion of the programme was ad mirably done, all entering most thoroughly into the spirit of the pieces. Of these. "Sobbing,' "Sneez ing," and "Pro Phundo Basso," may be selected for especial praise; vhilst the imitation of the bag pipes m the Scottish song, "Pibroch o' Donil I)hu," was rendered with s-ich fidelity »■■> to stir the audience to enthusiasm. — Daily I'rcsa, Christ church, S.A.

Tliis exceptionally tiilontod family made their lirst Duneiiin appearance last, night, and morn than,instilled (lie eulogistic reports that preceded I hem. It seemed lo be intuitively known that the Paynes were really clever, for the sealing accommodation of the building was taxed to the utmost before eight o'clock. and a number of people had to be content with standing room only. Their part singing (unaccompanied! is extra ordinarily good, and calls for warmest praise. "The Bells" was the best vocal item. The per formers gave a most clever imitation of the harsh metallic clang and the softer vibration of the bells.

and the modulations and (he whole management of the voices was consummately clever. The anthem, " He shall feed His flock," was magnificently ren dered. Of the other part songs, the best was the slave melody. "Steal away to Jesus," and the humorous compositions, which comprised very funny sneezing and sobbing songs. Miss Lizzie has afresh and strong soprano voice, and Miss Nellie's is managed with great skill. The " Three little maids from school" trio, from " The Mikado," has never been sung so well m Duncdtn as it was by Misses Lizzie. Nellie, and Maud Payne last night. Miss Lizzie's violin solo," The Last Rose of Summer," was treated with a lightness that was rather astonishing. As a violinist Miss Maud has ability as an executant, wonderful for one so young. Wherever drollery was required, the facial ex pressions of Messrs. Steele and \V. J. Payne stood m good stead. The entertainment on the whole was one of peculiar attractiveness.— Otago Daily TitncK, Dunedin, S.A.

Mr. Payne is careful to disclaim any title to professionalism, and claims only to be the head of a lio nely musical household. He aims at giving entertainments that, with innocent mirth and capital music, shall contain nothing that can make man or woman the worse for hearing it.— Wesleyan Methodist, S.A.

The thorough enjoyment on the part of the Payne Family's skilful but unpretentious entertainments ; the applause, the smiles, the odd tears shed by un accustomed eyes, and the frantic re-demand for almost every number were sufficient proofs, even to the cynic, that though people} affect an admiration for lofty music they do not understand, yet when they are treated (o music they do comprehend, all the affectation and flummery vanish for the moment, and they become natural and therefore happy. When we saw a truculent M.H.It. laughing till his fat sides must have ached, and noted the tear, evoked by memory, steal down the nose of a severe sawmillcr of our acquaintance, as the Paynes sang, with exquisite expression, "No one like linitlipr," we gathered an opinion that even an M.ti.K. may be almost a human being, and that the severity of a successful saw-miller might only be the mask that hid a kind heart and un undimnied affection for the best; friend on earth a man can have his mother. Pure m tone, honest, unaffectedly bright and gay. rendering sweet and often fine music with all the unpretentiousuess of amateurs m the charmed circle of their own home, tuneful as larkH, comely m appearance, and modest as daisies, the Payne Family area credit to golden Hallaiiit and themselves, and their performance is one from which everyone who attends will depart happier and wiser.— Catholic Tinu:>s, Wellington, N.Z.

Once again this talented family of musicians has returned'to Bendigo fora .short season of two nights. Their reputation was quite sufficient to draw a crowded audience at the Masonic Hall last, night, which fact speak volumes of their ability and popularity. The programme submitted was an exceedingly line and varied one, and each number was enthusiastically received. Their part singing is especially good, and they achieved a decided success ml heir opening number. "The-Bells." which was given splendidly, the. various tones of the bells being reproduced most admirably. A solo, "My Dream " (with vocal accompaniment), by Miss Lizzie, was so sweetly and artistically given that an encore was unanimously demanded. Miss Maud, who is a clever violinist." received from theaudienee genuine marks of approval for the ability she displayed m her selection, "The Ash Grove" (Volti), whilst Mr. Steele deserves special mention for his unique performance on the musical glasses of the well-known airs. " The Harp that Once " and '" Tim hast Hose of Summer.'' Unquestionably this clover family stand unrivalled, as bell-ringers. They can produce music m any key (being possessed of 74 bells) anil a tone and finish simply remarkable as evinced m their selections last night, viz., "Signal March," "Home Flowers," "I Dreamt I Dwelt,'