Extract from " Lyttelton Times."

Christchukch, New Zealand.

" With such an undoubtedly clever family as that now giving concerts m New Zealand m our midst, the questions naturally arise— Who are they? Where have they come from? With the view of obtaining interest ing information for our readers, a Times reporter yesterday waited upon llr. Payne, from whom he learned the following facts :— "Mr. Payne arrived with his parents m Ballarat m 1853, being then four years of age. As a boy Mr. Payne showed a talent for singing. During his early years, until hia voice broke, he took the alto part m the church singing, and was active m the study of music. At nineteen and a half years he married, at which time he was au fait with his trade, and had mastered the art of heraldry painting. Having pleased the Marquis of Normanby with the work done by him, he was engaged on a similar com mission for the King of Siam : the carriage, which was slightly smaller than that of the Marquis, being sent by Messrs. While of Swanston Street, Melbourne, to that mon arch. He was also employed by the same firm m some work done specially for H.K.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, at the time of the Prince's visit to Melbourne. Four children were the result of his marriage, and from an early age they all developed a taste for music. This was encouraged and assisted by the best available tuition, and has resulted m their coining before the public. Their first training iri vocalisation was given by rtignor and Signora Modini ; the piano by George Herbert. X.A.M.; and the violin by ilerr Uruun. Iti Ballarat there is a Welsh musical society—the EistediU'odd — which holds annual musical competitions, m which part singing is the chief feature. Thinking his family capable of competing Mr. Payne m 1884 consulted Mr. John Robson. the well-known conductor of tho Ballarat Liederlnfel (who will be remem bered m New Zealand), who, on hearing them, decided m their favour. Mr. Robson forthwith undertook the training of the I family, and with such success that they [ won the gold modal that year for the render ing of "The Hymn of the Fisherman's Children,' Being well satisfied with the result, their instruction was continued. In the following year (1885) they again proved victorious. In 1886, m spite of the opposing strength of a celebrated quartette of Welsh singers, they won the gold medal again. The judges were Herr Zerbini and Mr. Alfred Plumpton, who remarked that they regretted they could not give the family first and second prizes as well. Having so far succeeded, Mr. Payne determined to try a public life, and after giving concerts m all the neighbouring towns around Ballarat, they ventured further afield."—June 8, 1889.



PART FIRST. Part Song-"The Bells 1 . .. _ - Hart COMPANY. Song—"Anchored " .. .. - ..Watson MR. W. J. PAYNE. Violin Solo—"The Harp that once" .. _ „ Farmer MISS MAUD. Hand-Bki.ls—" Signal March " COMPANY. Quartette (Humorous)—"bobbins" .- - Caldicott COMPANY. Song (with Violin Obligaiol-"Sweet Violets ".. _ Potter MISS ALICE. „, „ | (it) " Annie Laurie " Musical Glassks J f()J .. Joc| . >o Maze | dean MR. RALPH STEELE. Qirm.TKTTK (Vocal and Instrumenla!» COMPANY. Solo (wiLL Vocal Accomp.)—" My Dream" .. ..Seward MISS LIZZIE & COMPANY. H.vn R- tal<a> "Armour Rearer" Hand B, i&\ <b) -The Life Boat" COMPANY. Tkio (Humorous)—" Three Little Maids " .. ..Sullivan MISSES LIZZIE, ALICE & MAUD. PART SECOND. Quaktktte (Instrumental)—" The Cuckoo Galop" Harrison COMPANY. Song inu Ohokl'3—"Seeing Xelly Home' .. ..Oilmore MR. RALPH STEELE & COMPANY. Trio (Hand Bells)—" Blue Bells of Scotland " COMPANY. Song—"Fair Fa'the Gloamin ".. .. „ ..Watson MISS MAUD. Trio (Humorous)—" Tickling".. .. .. ..Martini MISS ALICE, MR PAYNE. & MR R. STEELE. ViolinD^tJ^:^^;^^..} .. .. Volti MISSES LIZZIE & MAUD. Song (Humorous)—" Breach of Promise Case ".. ... Conroy MR. RALPH STEELE. Hand Bells—"Schottischc" COMPANY. Pakt Song (Humorous)— "Johnny Schmoker" .. „ Rix FAMILY PRICES: 2s and Is. Children Half-price Doors open at 7.15 p.m.; Commence at 8 ; Carriages at 10. "Music is the universal language of Mankind." — Longfellow.



WILL APPEAR IN THEIR BEAUTIFUL DUAWING-ROOM ENTERTAINMENTS. THE TALENTED AUSTRALIAN Payne Family OK MUSICIANS k BELLRINGERS, Natives of the Golden City <>f Ballarat, Victoria (the City of Statues). MR. PAYNE, Tenor. MISS LIZZIE PAYNE, Soprano, Violiniste & Pianiste. MISS MAUD PAYNE, Contralto, Violiniste & Pianiste. MISS ALICE SAUNDERS Soprano and Pianiste. MR. W. J. PAYNE, Baritone and Flautist. MR. RALPH STEELE, Banitone and Pianist. MRS. PAYNE, Treasurer. MR. FRED. DAWSON, Business Agent. MR. J. SMITH, Assistant Agent.



"<SDDFELXbW8 r HALL, ASHBURTON, TUESDAY, PEG. 15 RETURN VISIT OF THE POPULAR AND TALENTED MUSICAL ARTISTES, THE PAY!! FAHILY VOCALISTS, VIOLINISTES, PIANISTES & BELURINGERS, After a most successful Tour of the Australian Colonies, Tasmania, and New Zealand. All Australians should see and hear this Talented Family of their own land, and m order to bring it within the reach of every family, Mp. Payne has decided to admit CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE AT HALF-PRICE TO ALL PARTS.