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Oxford Observer, Volume I, Issue VI, 21 September 1889, Page 3

■ =f lifi; , The ' Otago Daily Times ' reports w ■'- that Mr Stratford, _R.M., m dismjsslng~a cliarge'or as'saulf against Francis .._.,., , v . Golding, head master of Enfield school,'"' saict the duty of the parents m jthe correction of their children was cast-^ v' s JF uponf^s teachers, and he felt that jthe,^", ! ; f : • i iuipipa^ce an|Jarrikmism- of the boys'* *" v " now-l^aays 'required a cheek, and] m the present case he could not see that p/flJe'^^'^spW'ftj^iCy'^y^'to blame.'^-.' P l \H$ jyais3r|sife£ ipfbjf ehc^uraged m the ;;';<; '-' 'action'" he had taken. !N"tf*cornpl ihiif. '.''.'" , ;* had been. made to the_ proper autlori-.'v-. -^ r^tie^,ia^i|^,^|nside|ec : | I tßie master had ."" been'ijactly 'treated Z' ""The case would be di.srnissed ;v . Defendant .was allowed £1 0. |f e^pls^s|^ fFr'bm the evidence it| ap^'-f; '; ■' ■'• '■'-'* peVred'-lhal J Mi- Golding had used th 6.:"'•■',. :"'•■' , i ..- tawse to punish a boy named Geprge.^,.-..-^ „. T Qoj?«aack. for;., not.. ■?. knowing liis.-^- „--:

V church. The piece, however, was excellently ■staged, and seemed to give great satisfaction. At the fall oE the curtain, the orchestra played a selection of admirable music, and presently, -with a truly malo-dra matic passage for violins (old style), introduced the audience to the next item, a thrilling recitation known as "Romance and Reality." Miss Carrie Fischer, apostrophising the "Beautiful Snow" from the warm depths of furs, px*esented not only a charming picture, but also a striking illustration of her own versatility. Prom the light comedy of the previous piece, the house found it. elf. plunged into pathos — almost into tragedy ; tand. few could have listened unmoved to the lovely lines which Miss Fischer rendered with real sympathy and grace. But, if Miss Fischer declaiming* tragic verse was a change from Miss Fischer m genteel comedy, what shall wd say of the shock of contrast brought before the audience when Mr Ingleson appeared? Imagine the modern wandenng minslrel of Maecabe,: •shivering, shoeless, lean, and red-nosed, his acting heartily m keeping with his immense "make-up," and you have Mr Ingleson when he apostrophised the "Beautiful Snow.' "Ugh!" said Mr Ingleson, and we almost shivered m sympathy. In fact, the whole of this little piece — alike the grave and the gay — was given with consumate skill. It was succeeded by another musical iuterlude, after which the Rev. Mr Wyatt, of Cust, came forward and adressed a few observations to the house. At the request of the Manager, he thanked the audience for their attendance, regretting, however, that the hall was not quite crowded, for the sake of the unfortu mto neighbor whom the performers were endeavoring to assist. He mentioned also that Miss Carrie Fischer bad, on hearing of the circumstances, generously postponed her own "benefit," which was to have been held m Oxford at that date. The announcement was received with applause, m the midst of which, unwonted manifestations the rev. gentleman rietired, and was seen no more. The curtain then rose upon the concluding farce, "My Turn Next." The following was the caste: — Taraxicum Twitters, Mr Ingleson; Tim Bolus, Mr P. Smith; Tom Trap, Mr iLarbidge* Farina* Wheatear, Mr Laming j Lydia, Miss Parish; Cicely, Mrs Dee; Peggy, Miss Fischer. Tliis was probably ono of the best performances of its kind ever given by the Company m Oxford; it was played witli a finish and precision scarcely to be excelled m a wholly professional company. It is obvious that the assistance of such artists as Miss Fischer and Mr Ingleson was an important factor m the success of the piece; but it is also true that everyone performed his or her part excellently. Speaking of the ladies first, . we noted that Miss Parish played the part of thp much-married widow with great discrimination, avoiding two dangerous extremes, for she was neither stagey nor tame, while every word was articulately spoken. Mrs Dee, a lady who only recently came to Oxford, made, we understand, her debut m the part of Cicely; and if coolness before the footlights, a charming stage presence, and naturalness of mannsr, are elements m artistic success, Mrs Dee bids fair to become an acquisition to the ranks of the Club. As to Miss Carrie Fischer, to praise her acting m a "comic chambermaid" part would be "to paint the lily, or to guild the rose;" and we must content ourselves with admiring the varied dramatic talent which this young lady can display. If such criticism has any value, we are happy to assure Miss Fischer that irom grimy face to arms a-kimbo she was Peggy to perfection. Mr Harbidge, as Tom Trap, was very ;good because he was very .natural. Mr Laming unfortunately had •only a little to do, but it will be understood f by Oxford residents that he did that little well. The highest compliment that we can offer to Mr P. Smith is to say that, as the ridiculous Tim Bolus, he- played up thoroughly to Mr Ingelson's Taraxicum Twitters. This latter gentleman must allow us to tell him that some of the credit of his great successes is due to his progenitors, for he has an actor's face. With his marked and mobile features, Mr Ingleson could probably f make-up" for any part . and if, as an all round actor he is as good • as we know him to be ih low comedy he must be " bad to beat." His Mr Twitters was inimitable ; the mincing gait, fussy fears, and conjugal warmth of the author's conception were rendered to the very life. ' From first to last "My Turn Next" kept the house m a roar, and the curtain finally fell to loud and prolonged applause. « isj understood that about £10 will be available for Mr Boseiter's fit; and the

heartiest recognition is due alike to the Dramatic Company and to the members of the excellent Orchestral Society for their thoughtful kindness m giving this entertainment. We wi h we could think that the publio adequately appreciated these efforts, and the cause for which they were put forth ; but, if we may judge from the attendance, there are still many Oxford residents who hesitate to take an opportunity when it is offered to them oi contributing their mite of assistance to an unfortunate neigbour. We have been asked to state that the balance-sheet of the above will be published next week.