AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1372, 3 July 1874, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

CALIFORNIA MINSTRELS.

The alarm of fire last night had a damaging effect upon the various city amusements. The fire-bell has a kind of magical influence over the people, and sets every pair of legs in motion, even wooden legs cannot be still. The minstrels' entertainment was delayed half-an-hour beyond the advertised time, as some of the minstrels rushed down Queenstreet to the Waitemata Hotel to secure their luggage, which they thought might fall a prey to the fire. About nine o'clock the house began to fill, and a very cood audience was at length gathered. The first part of the programme was admirably performed, and the several sentimental ballads sung with great taste. Mr E. Amery gave "Let all Obey," and Mr Rockefeller "Mamma, where has Baby gone?" in a most acceptable manner. The latter gentleman possesses a splendid alto voice. "The Bells" were lively and varied. The "Watermelon Man" was a lively nigger performance, and though the piece itself contained no merit beyond its utter absurdity, Mr Kelly, as the hero.created a large amount of diversion. One of the most attractive performances of the evening was Mr Rockefeller on the banjo. THE CIRCUS. The Siamese and Asiatic Circus Company of performers made their bow to an Auckland public in their large marquee erected on the new Market reserve. The success usually attendant upon an opening performance was marred in consequence of the excitement caused by the fire in Queen-street, which drew crowds from the entertainment. The attendance, however, was very fair, and the performance was enthusiastically received. The first part of the programme consisted of feats of contortion by a Japanese group of juveniles, and were much applauded. It is next to impossible to convey any idea of the positions they assume in their acts, and which undoubtedly must be seen to be realised. The opening scene was succeeded by the " grand entree," in which an effective display is made by a highly-trained stud of horses'. The various evolutions were gone through with great precision. The introduction of two Lilliputian ponies afforded considerable amusement, and developed the highest training and obedience under the hands of Mr Burton. One of the ponies evinced considerable sagacity, and caused much laughter by jumping over the ring instead of a three-barred gate. An exhibition on the balancing pole was a marvellous illustration of the laws of gravitation, and was succeeded by a performance on the tight wire and feats of juggling. Altogether the entertainment provided by the troupe bids fair to command public patronage. A grand mid-day performance will be given for the convenience of schools and families at halftwo to-morrow. FOLEY TROUPE. This excellent troupe was equally successful last evening with their character songs and general scenes. The brother and sister were much greeted in their humorous representations. Mr Le Page on the trapeze^ and Mr Herbert in his vocal capacity, also received a gratifying share of commendation, while the "boneless boy" excited the wonder of the audience. MRS MITCHELL'S CONCERT. The consternation caused by the fire last night was felt at the North Shore, and consequently Mrs Mitchell's excellent concert was not so liberally patronised as it certainly would have been had the fire not have broken out at the time when people are generally preparing to pass the evening at' some place of amusement. The programme was a good one, and exceedingly taking in its general character,-and the ballads and comic pieces were well rendered. The singing of Miss Gertrude James was much admired. This lady has a very sweet voice. We are glad to learn that Mr D. Burn has offered'the ball gratuitously to Mrs Mitchell, who has promised to repeat her beautiful entertainment to-morrow evening. PONSONBY MUSICAL SOCIETY. The ladies and gentlemen forming the Ponsonby Musical Society will give a grand secular concert this evening, which will be generally attractive. The programme is in two parts, containing selections from the music of Auber, Balfe, Verdi, Weber, and others of the world's composers. Several glees will be sung in th* course of|the oven-

ing, Balfe's celebrated song of " Margaretta" and X eller's " Exile ;" also, Glover's beautiful duet. "Why do I watch the lone, lone, deep." We believe therefore that this will be one of the bestconcerts yet given.