WINTER ENTERTAINMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1381, 31 July 1872, Page 2

WINTER ENTERTAINMENTS.

The committee of the Popular Amusement Association, than whom none ever worked more zealously for the public good, brought their winter labours to a cloae last night by an entertainment greatly superior to any preceding one of the season, and certainly never surpassed, in Christcnurch for the genuine amusement afforded. Special care had been taken to make up a programme worthy the wind-up of what has been one of the most successful seasons in Christchurch, and not only were prizes ofEered for a competition in dialogue recitations — the first of its kind in the city — but an exceptionally strong array of amateur talent was brought to bear in the miscellaneous pieces, even Ly ttelton being laid under contribution, and to good purpose, for the occasion. The result was that notwithstanding an increase in the price of admission, such a number of persons assembled as to crowd the commodious hall in a moat uncomfortable manner. Not only ev«7

seat, but every inch of standing Bpace was occupied, the aisle, down the centre of the hall being closely packed with persons who had to stand throughout the whole of the lengthy performance. No less than £20 15s was taken at the doors, and this, at the charge. of 6d per | head, represents 830 persons, or about 130 in exce3s of what the hall is calculated to hold with any degree of comfort. The Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch presided, and in opening the proceedings said he felt very proud that he had been asked to take the chair that evening. After what had taken place with reference to comic songs at one of the previous entertainments, he regarded the fact of his having been asked to preside at the concluding entertainment of the season as a proof that the committee were really anxious to keep "up the high character which the entertainments had always held. (Cheers.) Now that this kind of winter evenings' amusement was so well established in Christchurch, and had attained to such a degree of popularity, it would be impertinent on his part to dwell at length on their advantages. That had often been done by those better able to do justice to the subject than himself, and, moreover,Jthe period at which they had arrived suggested a different topic —a review of the campaign just about to be closed. This entertainment was the seventh of the series during the present season, and every one of them had been a success. (Cheers.) He thought the working committee were entitled to some credit for this. (Cheers.) 'JLhere were very few but those who took part in the work who understood the immense amount of trouble incurred by the committee — (cheers) — and for some reason or other the^ trouble had been exceptionally great during the present season. By great exertions success had, however, been secured, and he was sure the reflection that they had provided entertainment for so many hundreds of persons, and had helped them to pass away the dreariest part of the winter in a pleasant and enjoyable manner would be deemed by the committee an ample recompense for all their labours. (Cheers.) Without further delay, he would call upon the band to open the entertainment with an overture. The programme was then carried out as follows: — "La Gazza Laddra," Messrs Biinz (first violin), Button (second violin), Coombes (cornet), Rowley (flute), and Thompson (bass); song, "My pretty Jane," Mr Carder ; recitation, "Hamlet's soliloquy and directions to the players," Mr Morton Tavares, who at the commencement of the entertainment very kindly volunteered his services ; duet, " The two dreams," the Misses Ness ; reading, " Josh Billings' lecture on oats," Mr Yule j song. " The scout," Mr Plimmer ; song," Should he upbraid," Mrs Digby; instrumental duet, Messrs Bunz (violin), Parker (piano) j reading, "Relics of General Chasse," Mr Ollivier; comic song, "The aristocrat," Mr J. Sheath; instrumental, "The Amelie waltz," . by the band ; dialogue recitations for a prize of £3, 35 ; song, " Thy voice," Miss Ness ; song, "The anchor's ) weighed," Mr Carder; Bong, "The Ruby," Mrs Digby ; reading — Josh Billing's lecture — " Why men marry," Mr Yule ; song, " The Pirate," Mr Plimmer ; song, " The way of the world," Mr J. Sheath. All the vocalists — except one — were in capital voice, and a more successfully rendered selection of vocal music has never been heard at these entertainments. To Mr Carder and Mr Plimmer, for coming from Lyttelton, special acknowledgments are due. The readings were also remarkably good ; those given by Mr Yule, who had also come from Lyttelton, exciting the risibility of the audience to an unusual exlent, the reader, being many times compelled, by the heartiness of the laughter, to make a pause.' The recitations for the prize of £3 3s call for more extended notice. The first pair who ascended the platform were Messrs Ness and Noble, who recited the quarrel scone between Brutus and Cassius, from " Julius Caesar." Mr Ness, who sustained the character of Brutus,|appeared to much more advantage than we have previously seen him in recitations. The part suited him. and had he been a little more natural in articulation, he would have been as near perfect as could be expected from an amateur. Mr Noble's elocution was very creditable fora first appearance, but he was deficient in power and action. The second couple to recite were Messrs J. Barrett and A. H. Ingleson, who contributed a scene from " The Wife," between the Duke (sustained by Mr Ingleson), and St Pierre (sustained by Mr Barrett). The former was fairly creditable, but required a clearer articulation and less constraint in gesture to be really effective. Mr Barrett's impersonation, if we except a deficiency in power was, o» the contrary, very good ; throughout. The last of the competitors were Masters W. R. Hawkins, twelve years, and R. C. Hawkins, t»n years, who reoited " Lochiel's Warning." The former sustained the part of the Wizard and acquitted himself remarkably well. Had he used » trifle less action it would have been better, but for his age it would be difficult indeed to find one who would get through such a piece with more credit. His brother, as Lochiel, also showed to very great advantage. His diminutive size was in itself sufficient to excite the sympathy of the audience, but his articulation, emphasis, and action were far greater claims to applause. Unquestionably both boys deserve great commendation for the manner in which they recited their piece. The Rev. C. Fraser, Messrs J. Ollivier and D. Craig acted as judges, and the former gave in the award directly after the conclusion of the recitations. He said the judges had no hesitation whatever in giving the prize to Messrs Barrett and Ingleson.' (Cheers.) Mr Barretfc'"was" almost faultless and was well supported by Mr Ingleson. Mr Ness, who recited with Mr Noble, had als» rendered his part admirably, and was supported .quietly but very discreetly by Mr Noble, who showed, ft just appreciation of the. author.. On the unanimous recommendation of the judges, the committee had decided to -give a special second prize to the two boys. (Loud cheers) ■

They had done very well indeed, and if there was any truth in the line forming part of their recitation, " coming events cast their shadows before," young Canterbury will certainly not be behind-hand in the matter of elocution. (Cheers). On conclusion of the last item on the programme His Worship the Mayor stepped forward, and said he had takeu upon himself to request the chairman to permit him to propose certain votes of thanks. He thought they would all agree with him that a very cordial expression of thanks should be made to those ladies and gentlemen who, at much trouble and inconvenience, had assisted at the various entertainments during the season. (Cheers.) This being the last entertainment of the season, he thought they could not part without giving such an expression of their indebtedness to those who had not only contributed to their amusement, but also to their improvement. (Cheers.) He hoped, also, that although, as Mayor, lie was a member of the committee ex afficio, he would not be out of place in proposing a similar vote to the gentlemen forming that body, for their indefatigable labours during the season. (Cheors). The committee had conferred a great benefit upon the public, and with the vote of thanks, he would more particularly couple the names of Mr Gordon and Mr W. R.Mitchell. (Cheers). The Dean put the motion, and it was carried by general acclamation. The National Anthem then terminated the pi*oceeding».