ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. It. is questionable whether any other picture in the history ot the Him industry has achieved so much publicity as “Dawn.” which is to be screened for the first time in Wellington at tlie Opera House this afternoon and .again in the evening. "Dawn” tells the story of- the tragic fate of Edith Cavel), one of the truly heroic figures .of the late war.. It seemed a dangerous subject to tackle, when all the. world was trying to forget the pain of war, and only remember the romance, adventure and glory of it. "Seeing the film,” states a critic, “one realises the dynamic force of this great drama, the subtle beauty in the life of so self-sacrificing a woman. Herbert Wilcox, the director, has handled it in masterly style, adhering strictly to fact without giving offence. There is no reproach to Germany for the execution of the brave British nurse, whose only fault was that she kept too soft-a heart for wartime. Rather, the stand is taken that the fault for this outrage against humanity must go to war itself, militarism, and the cold, machinelike workings of wartime discipline. As a bit of propaganda it is a sane, cool, unprejudiced plea for humanitarianism. As a picture it is splendid—one of the best British films ever to reach this city. Sybil Thorndyke in the role of the nurse is superb. She resists like a soldier the temptation to wallow a bit in emotional action. She is splendidly contained in the most eloquent moments. The balance of the cast is excellent, and interest is added by the fact that several of the characters play themselves. Direction, photography and acting rank first-rate. ‘Dawn’ is a picture that you really should sec. It is a production that comes once in a lifetime and is remembered for years.” This great picture will be preceded by Booth Tarkington's sparkling story, “Geraldine.” which is the story of' the transformation of Marion Nixon "from Frump, to Flapper.” Box plans are at “The Bristol,” “The Berkeley,” and the Grand Opera House. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A scries of front-page newspaper stories goes to the making of the very dramatic talking film story, “Thunderbolt,” which was presented to a good audience at Paramount Theatre last night. It deals with the underworld of New York, Harlem, and is a Sternberg production, in which the starring artist is George Bancroft, one of the favourites of the screen both before and since the talkies came in. It tells of an adventuress who made good use of an angellc-looking face to pose as a model of innocence. The measure of her success is shown in the manner in which men become her dupes. The next character introduced is a hard-hitting man, able to take lite as he finds it, and this part is given the lead to that of the adventuress. It is a drama built upon real life, for nearly all the principal characters portrayed have figured . prominently in the front-page news of America's leading dailies in the last three years. In his second talking picture, George Bancroft has made a distinct hit, and he is well supported by Richard Arlen and Fay Wray.’ Thunderbolt is caught by the police and sentenced to death for his crimes, and Moran, who has been trapped by Thunderbolt’s accomplices, is also under death sentence for a crime he did hot commit. Both love the same girl. 'There arc some pathetic scenes, and while the lovers come together, Thunderbolt goes to his fate gamely. A news talkie and a couple, of choice baritone songs by Rcinald Werrenrath, are interesting items, and there is a dialogue come-dy-drama, “If Men Played Cards as Women Do,” another side of the picture which makes men appear as scandalmongers, gossips, and fashion fads. A Paramount novelty cartoon, “Good-bye, My Lady Love,” is another entertaining sound novelty, which goes to complete a very enjoyable programme. The box plans are available at the Bristol and at the theatre. THE KING'S THEATRE.

"Tho Brass Bowl,” or "Masquerade.” the screen title of Louis Joseph Vance's novel,, after it successful season at the Majestic. Theatre, was shown for the first time at the King's Theatre last evening, when it won the admiration of a large audience. The .mystery of “Masquerade” is based upon the extraordinary resemblance between Daniel Maitland, a wealthy clubman and thief. Romance begins when Maitland meets a beautiful girl, who. he subsequently discovers, after being robbed of his car, is a thief also. A search for her. ends at. his .country home, and, to make matters’easier, he, too, pretends to be a burglar and sets about raiding his own safe. It is then' that he meets the man who might well be taken for his twin brother. Mysteries become deeper and deeper, and it is only at the happy end that the tangle is explained satisfactorily. Alan Birmingham has a .difficult dual role as Maitland and the crook, and he plays ‘ cleverly; The - girl is Leila Hyams. who gives great fascination to the character she portrays. Farrell MacDonald as the detective who is always left behind is exceptionally good, while Clyde Cook, with his humorous antics, keeps the audience rippling with merriment. "Masquerade” is an all-talking film, and one of the best "talkies” of Its kind. Every member of the cast has a pleasing speaking voice, and can be heard without the least difficulty. The short subject matter includes a Fox Movietone News reel, which contains some extremely interesting views and information. Clark and McCullough, wellknown comedy artists in “Music Fiends.” and colourful scenes from Anatole Friedland’s “Ritz Review.” HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Something out of the, ordinary in the way ot Comedy is to be seen at His Majesty’s Theatre, where the Nat Phillips "Whirligigs” Revue Company again entertained a capacity house last night. The show is a very line combination, while all the artists have the added merit of individual talent. Irene Shamrock, who is a newcomer to New Zealand audiences, made another big hit in “Nobody Knows,” and had the house in roars of laughter with “All that Sort of Thing.” The Radio Six Ballet was led by that fine dancer Miss Stella Lamond in “Rythm King.” Several soprano songs are given by Miss Bessei Blake, who lias a very fine voice. Miss Sylvia Gardner, who is the solo dancer of tho “Whirligigs,” gives several popular dance numbers. It is in the second half that all the fun occurs, and in the comedy burlesque revue “Mixed Methods," the audience is kept in constant laughter. “Mixed Methods,” in a complicated way, ■ tells the story of an Irishman’s wedding and is one long laugh. “Whirligigs” will be repeated to-night. KINEMA JOHNSONVILLE. The talented Norma Shearer assumes her first "crook” role in “A Lady of Chance.” which screens at the Kinema Johnsonville to-night. She plays the part of-a girl who fleeces wealthy and lonely young and old men out of their money just at a time when they arc getting most serious in their attention to her. John Mack Browu is seen opposite Miss Shearer, with Lowell Sherman, Gwen Lee, Eugenic Besserer, and Buddy Messinger heading the supporting cast. The second attraction, “A Race for Life.” featuring Rin-Tin-Tin, the screen's wonder dog. is the thrilling tale of a beast’s faithfulness to a man who was kind. An interesting gazette and scenie, and an amusing comedy, completes an already fine programme. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Captain Lash,” starring Victor MeLaglen, Clyde Cook, and Jane Winton, is the popular feature at the Artcraft Theatre. McLaglen, in the title role of fifth engineer on an ocean liner, lias for a constant pal Cocky, a small-sized sailor, played by. Clyde Cook. The most important incidents of "Captain Lash” take place aboard an ocean liner travelling from Sydney to Singapore. Lash saves- Clare Windsor, a beautiful adventuress, from serious injury by scalding steam, and he becomes infatuated with her. Knowing this, she tricks him into taking oft the ship a valuable package of jewels which - she lias stolen. Her effort to get the jewels back when the ship lands at Singapore creates many lively scenes. I’ETONE THEATRES. At the Empire. Grand, and Palace Theatres, I’etonc. Greta Garbo is shown at her best in "Wild Orchids," an excellent drama. Her acting is truly magnificent, and she is supported by an outstanding cast. There is also a powerful supporting picture, featuring George Bancroft, in "The Docks of New York.” SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. The- latest Tom Mix attraction; "King Cowboy,” will be screened for the first time in Wellington at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, this afternoon. Tills is a thrilling out-door picture with plenty of action and comedy. The final chapter of "The Mystery Rider” and two really funny comedies will also be screened. At the evening sessions in addition to “King Cowboy” .Sammy Cohen, the well-known comedian, will be scon in “Plastered In Paris.” This picture is full of laughs and is considered to be even funnier than “Why Sailors Go Wrong” or . “The Gay Retreat.” Seats may be reserved by telephone or at the theatre. ANOTHER CHAMBER CONCERT. Surely a very pleasing reaction has set in of late, judging by the recent attendances at various concerts given by Wellington musicians. The 'Wellington Chamber. Music Players therefore take pleasure in announcing their fourth concert ot this season. The excellent playing at tho throe preceding chamber evenings will bo sufficient guarantee that the items will he welt rendered, and with .Mr. John Bishop at the piano, a really delightful evening can be looked forward to. Full details will be advertised next Saturday.

DE LUXE THEATRE. A very human, if a trifle obvious, story of a great love is revealed in the parttalkie picture, “Father and Son,’ screened at the De Luxe Theatre last evening. Its winning features arc the delicate Greuze-like beauty of Dorothy Revier, the winsomeness of Mickey Mcßan as the son, and the upstanding performance of JacK Holt as the father. Frank lucid (the father) is. a wealthy widower with a ten-year-old son. Whilst on a business visit to Paris he falls a willing victim to the wiles of the notorious Countess Montelli, who double-crosses her male companion (Michael Brent) in crime in order to become Field’s wife. On returning to America, Mickey is broken-hearted to linclthat, the mother of his dreams has been replaced by another, and a strong ant tpatliy develops between the boy and ins stepmother, which culminates when she accuses the lad of half-burning a letter from Paris addressed to Field. It is one from Brent, telling Field who his wife really is. Field believes his wife, and thrashes the boys (a false note), and the youngster clears out, but only to friends next door. Then matters move quickly. Brent arrives on the scene, just as the Countess has had a row with the boy, who is making a phonographic record. The boy clears out, and Brent outers. There is a stormv scene, in which the woman draws a six-shooter to frighten her would-be betrayer off the premises, but in the struggle it is the woman who is shot dead. Brent makes his escape unseen, but the noise of the shot brings Field and his son on the scene, and it is Mickey who finds the revolver. Field at once thinks that the boy has fired the fatal shot, and at once takes steps to protect him, by placing the revolver in the dead woman s hand. This movement is witnessed by the butler, and when third-degreed it all. comes out. and Field is held for the murder. but at the trial the boy cries out that he shot his stepmother and his father is innocent. To prove that he was in the room the boy mentions the record he had made that morning, and on the investigation changing venue to the Field home the record is reproduced. It has not only recorded the boy’s song, but the subsequent scene with Brent, the struggle, and the shot. This lets the father and son out, and Brent (the crook) goes to his fate. The programme also includes a Fox Movietone News, a Pathe Fashions Gazette, the Harmony Club (community songs), and “Memories,” a vocal revival of old-time songs. THE CAPITOL. MIRAMAR. “The Cohens and Kellys in Paris” is the chief attraction at the Capitol to-night. The comedians George Sidney and J. Farrell McDonald are seen as the hilarious business partners who take a trip to Paris. The second feature is “Across the Atlantic.” This theatre Is now installing a talkie plant, and an announcement of the change over will be made at an early date.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Interesting, baffling, and logieal, the screen version of the Owen Davis stage mystery success, “The Donovan Affair,” a Columbia all-talking production, commenced screening at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. It offers excellent entertainment, mystery, thrills, and comedy, being balanced to perfection. .Tack Holt is starred and proves to be the possessor of an expressive voice. The story of the double crime in this thrilling production involves the escapades of Jack Donovan, a gambler, who is too friendy with the wife of a certain Captain Rankin, who owns a beautiful estate known as Craigmoor. The latter invites Donovan as one of the guests at his birthday dinner party. During the dinner Donovan exhibits a cat’seye ring which lie claims will shine in the dark. The lights are turned off to prove his contention, and when they go on again lie is found with a knife in his back—dead. Inspector Killian, played admirably by Jack Holt, is called in on the case, and while Porter, another gambler is reciting the incidents of the crime to Killian in tho darkness, - he too is slain. All sorts of clues are followed up, which finally lead to the apprehension of the murderer—a character whoin nobody would suspect. Miss Revier is charming as the heroine and John Roche as Jack Donovan is excellent. Fred Kelsey as a befuddled detective is a wonderful part for .Tack Holt. Hark Mann has a semi-humorous role as Dr. Lindsey, and Agnes Ayres is the beautiful, but faithless wife of Captain Rankin. Others in the cast are Whellor Oakman, Virginia Brown Faine, Alphonse Ethier, William Collier, Ethel Wales, and John Wallace. The supporting sound subjects are. also exceptionally good. The Fox News is full of interesting events. Bruce Bairnsfather, the creator of the immortal “Old Bill,” describes how' “Bill” first saw light, and sketches him as he first was and in his present prosperous after-the-war days. “Screen Snapshots” have reappeared as talkies, and arc more interesting than ever. Beriamino Gigli, the famous tenor, and Marian Tolly, equally well known on the operatic stage, are hoard in an extract from the opera, “Lucia di Lammermoor,” and the manner in which their voices come through is really remarkable, and goes a long way to prove what a great future lies before the talking picture. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Two small armies of Chinese bandits and soldiery were recruited and trained for the battle scenes in. “China Bound,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy co-starring Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, which will be playing at the Kilbirnie Theatre to-night. Charles (Chuck) Reisner, famous comedy director, stages a battle for mythical Chee-fu, resulting in a victory for the bandits, and many comedy situations. Josephine Dunn and Polly Moran have the leading feminine roles in this new DaneArthur feature. Others in the cast, are Carl Stockdale and Harry Woods. “How to Handle Women,” the second feature, ; starring Glenn Tryon and Marlon Nixon, is an action filled comedy-drama. Reserve at theatre. ’Phone 14—202.

“THE DESERT SONG” OVERLAND TOUR. “Tlie Desert Song,” successor to "Rose' Marie,” whieii captivated all hearts some time ago, will commence an overland tour ot the North Island on Friday next. The tour is announced in our advertising column's “The Desert Song” is a musical play of spectacular' magnificence, and singular charm and beauty, which borders at limes on grand opera. The play, 'too, is rich in dramatic interest. The scenes are set. in Morocco and peopled with members of the Foreign Legion and Arabs. The male ensemble and chorus held the Australian houses spellbound, according to newspaper reports. Pierre Mcrebeau, a voung French officer, who has been knocked out of the army by a blow on the head from his colonel, revenges himself bv living a double life as a half-wit in the house of liis father, who. is- Governor of the province, and as “The Red Shadow, Ihe intrepid leader ot the Riff tribe. Marcot the girl he loves, who is halt engaged to a French officer, but wholly desirous ot finding a eave man. is captured by the Riffs, when she promptly falls in love with “The Red Shadow.” but not with life in the desert. Hereafter nil is romance and mystery, set, of course, to entrancing music. Lance Fairfax, who looks every inch a hero, is said to handle his dual personality with rare skill. He sings in a glorious baritone which blends to his every mood. “Tlie Red Shadow”’ Mystic! Romantic! Margot Bonvalet. beautiful, enamoured of the desert, desirable... Clementina, languorous, Spanish and spiced with the devil. Susan, sprightly, English, eccentric Benjamin Kidd, talkative, informative. Resplendent officers, wives even more resplendent, beautiful slave girls and Spanish loveliness in abundance. A Moorish courtyard dripping with flowers, a harem, a real horse on tho"stage. Such are some of tho features of “The Desert Son".” An enchanting loro story holds the ”plav together, and the song numbers arc haunting, and atmospheric The ballets and choruses are superb. Minnie Everett is responsible, for the dances, ballots, and ensembles. Box plan arrangements are announced in the local papers. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. In “Napoleon.” the picture showing tonight at t.hc Regal Theatre, the moviegoers of Karori have n celebrated love affair presented with a more thrilling sense ot intimacy and heart-throbs than they have ■ ever understood it before. Mdlie. Gina Manes makes a beautiful Josephine. In the second picture William Boyd is featured in “The Cop.” BROOKLYN PICTURES. Zane Grey’s story, “The Vanishing Pioneer,” is featured at the Brooklyn Cinema to-night. Jack Holt in the part of John Ballard, a pioneer rancher, is supported bv a powerful cast, including William Powell and Sally Blane. The second picture features Richard Dix and Nancy Carroll in a hilarious comedy, “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Last night there was screened at the Queen’s Theatre “Tlie Bondsman,” adapted from Sir Hall Caine’s famous novel, witli Norman Kerry in the leading roV- Leaving the Isle of Man to take up a post with the Sicilian Government Michael tells Greeba, his sweetheart, to await his return. After three years Michael, ns the result of ll’ revolt, becomes President of Sicily. Greeba leaves to marry him and Jason, Michael’s brother, follows with murder in his heart. He attempts to assassinate his brother but fails and is condemned to tlie sulphur mines. Tho old Governor returns again to power and Michael is condemned to tlie mines. Here tlie brothers meet again, but it is not until Michael has been blinded. Jason acts as Michael's protector and when he hears that the Governor has decided .on Michael’s execution, he escapes mid brings news to the priest, protecting Michael and provides a way of flight for Michael and Greeba who are reconciled. He then accepts death cheerfully as his brother’s bondsman. Severn! good short subjects are a feature of an excellent programme. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow. (Sunday) evening and the programme has been arranged as foj-lows:—Choral-Preludes (Op. 122, No. 3-5) bv Brahms; Suite Ancienne by Holloway; Serenade (No. «), by Gouvy-Page; Priere in C Sharp Minor (Op. 20), by Cesar Franck; Reverie, by Debussy; Priere in C Sharp Minor (Op. 20), by Cesar Franck; Reverie, liy Debussy; Prelude Cantolene, Scherzando do Concert, Op. 29, by Picrnc. KOSY THEATRE, UPPER HUTT. . The picture “You Know What Sailors Are,” to be screened to-night at Mae’s Kosy Theatre, is considered to be one of the funniest sea stories yet brought to the screen. It is a story that contains two parts comedy, two parts thrill, with a breezy romance and atmosphere of the sea. Chili Bouchier, as the Spanish skipper’s daughter, runs riot with all the sailors’ hearts, and has an excellent hero in Cyril McLaglen, who plays the part of a Spanish mate. The supporting picture is “The Tiger Lady.” EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. An excellent programme will be screened at the Empire Theatre this week-end. The first picture is “Heart Trouble,” featuring Harry Langdon. It is the story of a Dutch family residing in a foreign country at war with their Homeland. Their unenviable position and the trouble that falls to their lot -would be pathetic were they not made ludicrous by the quaint and steady vein of humour. Doris Dawson is the principal in the supporting cast. Polly Moran and Harry Gribbon are starred in “Honeymoon,” the second attraction. The dog “Flash” is also in the cast. An excellent Hal Roach comedy com- : pietes the programme.

REGENT THEATRE. No pains liavp been spared by Hie Regent Theatre management to see that only those ■pictures are presented for public entertainment that are as near to perfection in all essential matters as present day invention allows. In "The Studio llurder Jfystery,” which will commence screening to-dav, they are said to have secured a .picture/whleli is- remarkably clear in the dialogue and thrilling in-story. Krom first to' last-the excitement is maintained, the situations developing to keep the audience, in a state of suspense. Suspicion falls on one and then another until nearly every member of a powerful east has the possibilities of guilt. It is a story into which the audience are compelled to enter and become something akin to a jury, and even assume some of the powers of judge, advocate, or detective, even though there bo nothing of the courtroom ■ about the story. The mental processes of the principals are said to lie wonderfully portrayed, in view of the clearness of the speaking and the directness of tlio dialogue. Who killed Richard Hardell? Was it lovely Helen MacDonald, whose heart he had broken? Was it her impetuous brother, who threatened to kill him? Or his wife? She was heard to say, “I’ll kill vou if you don’t slop.” Or the watchman? He resented Hardell’s attention to his daughter, and was the last man to see him alive. Or .Rupert Borka? Jealous of Hardell’s aft'cetion for his wife? These are soind of the questions asked in "The Studio Murder Mystery,” which comes to the Regent Theatre to-day. It is a baffling, thrilling mystery! Taking one behind the scenes of a big motion picture studio. Never before have mystery stories been so popular, and “The Studio Murder .Mystery,” Paramount’s production of the thrilling and baffling story of a slayer hunt in tho intriguing setting of a motion, picture studio, should do much to sustain and increase the interest. The Paramount picture has been acclaimed by the Press of all towns in which it has been screened as one of the greatest murder mysteries and the most thrilling. Krom the first breath-taking scenes in the dark, shadowy studio, on through the gripping drama that threatens the lives of six of Hollywood’s most interesting personages, “The Studio Murder Mystery” holds the. interest at a high tension that is only relieved when the final surprise climax reveals the solution of the clever plot. Many mystery stories have gripped the public imagination, but none have done it so completely and so thoroughly as “The Studio Murder Mystery.” “And yet, the plot and setting of the story give plenty of opportunity for observing the marvellous processes used in the production of motion pictures. The sequences, taken on actual stages, are revealing and intensely interesting to all who ‘‘have* observed the results of the new era in motion pictures from the outside. This 'ls inside stuff wortli seeing.” The cast is 'superb. Neil Hamilton is said to ho i)etter than ever in tliis picture. Fredric March, Warner Oland, Florence Eldridge, and Doris Hill.are stated to give unsurpassable performances. “The Studio Murder Mystery” has everything—thrills, drama, humour, pathos, love, and,- most of all, real entertainment. But the excellence of the entertainment does not stop with tho main picture. The supports, all sound and talking films, cover a wide range. Tho gazettes rove tho world, and the other short studies may teach or amuse, irrom all of them entertainment of a high excellence is to be obtained. HIAWATHA SEASON. Taken from Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha,” this early opera of Coleridge Taylor, commenced while lie was still a student at the Royal College of Music, London, is divided into three parts, the Wedding Feast (1898), Deatli of Minnehaha (181)9), and Hiawatha’s Departure (1900). To understand the full significance of the story, it is necessary to realise that a revelation had been made to the Indians by the Great-Spirit, Getehe Manito. He would send from the land of light a great prophet and teacher who,' living- as a man among them, suffering with them the hal’dships and sorrows of mankind, would teach them the glory of peace, and lead them to higher tilings and a new life. So, in time tile young “Hiawatha” became a leader among them —a great prophet and teacher. He preached peace, and by his Influence brought' into amicable relationship five of tlie most powerful, tribes. • These finally allied themselves with .the British settlers. • helped them to fight the French, so that may be said to have played an Important part in tile building of the Empire and the winning of Canada. Tho first presentation of the stage-setting of “Hiawatha” in the Southern Hemisphere will be given on Thursday next, November 7, by the Royal Wellington Choral Union, at the Town Hall, under the baton of Mr. John Bishop, with Mr. Harlson Cook as producer, and -100 performers. There will bd a matinee on Saturday, November 9, at 2.30, the box plim for which will open at the Bristol-on Thursday next. A full rehearsal will be held to-night at 7.30. " NEW QUALITY THEATRE.. A Jewish girl arid an Irish eop! An Irish lassie, anil a young Jewish doctor! Cupid cruelly dealing, mixing hearts that yearned for a love of one of their own race. Such is the mocking situation created In the film showing at the ' New Quality Theatre to-night. The second picture features Patsy Ruth Miller in “South Sea Love.” ■ . KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Johnny Hines in "Chinatown Charlie” provides more thrills than a trip through Chinatown, more mystery titan a bowl of chop suey. Whether escaping across a chain of human bodies or outwitting the eerie Orientals of New York’s Chinatown, Johnny furnishes enough laughs to keep one’s ribs rattling every minute. The supporting picture- is Hoot Gibson in “Burning the Wind.” ' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Laura la Plante is being featured tonight at Our Theatre, in “Silk Stockings,” a delightful comedy showing that all the world loves a lover except his wife when he comes home with silk stockings in his pocket. The supporting picture is Glenn. Tryon in “It Can Be Done,” a hilarious comedy of a bluffer who convinced his boss, his girl, and even himself. DIRT-TRACK RACING. There were a good many onlookers at the Kilbirnie Stadium on Tuesday evening to witness the first training operations of the season on the new track which lias recently been laid down there. A good number of last season’s competitors were present, and most of the riders who tried out the new track, were mounted on new machines. Several specially imported dirttrack models were given a trial. Although no fast-times were registered last evening, owing to the track not yet having settled sufficiently;; it is expected that when the opening night of the season arrives the track will be’all that is required for the putting up. of’ fresh records. The controlling company .have made arrangements to hold a series of elimination contests at an afternoon meeting, to take place to-day. The star item on the afternoon’s programme will be a match between Wallv Kilniinster ami lion McKenzie, who both performed brilliantly on the track last season. This contest should be one well worth witnessing. AMATEUR OPERATICS. Tlie Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society (Inc.) lias vacancies for performing members of cither sox. according to an advertisement in this issue.