DUKE OF THEATRE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3643, 23 March 1869, Page 3

DUKE OF THEATRE.

Thixk was Mother rery good attendance at toe above place of entertainment last evening, when th» sensational drama of »• Tne Idiot Witness " wu re* ported. This wm followed by the .splendid comedy fof "Bamboozle," in which Mr. J. P. Hydei made his reappearance, taking the part of the militarj gentleman, and we meed scarcely cay wn Warmly received. The whole performance Concluded With tha amusing burlesque of t " Cinderella, " is which there were a number of excellent tongs introduced, among them' being one written by Mr. Frank Tower*, which tha? gentleman sang to the tune of "I'm a Yenng Man from the Country." W» gi? e one or two pt the rerses :— *' I read each day in, the newspaper* That there's been a great dispute, I Between the Native Ministers j And the Auckland Institute. It's all about a Maori King framed Potatatt, I think, And a meremere worth, they say, A deal of printers' ink. " Tke noble Maori has just found out That he wants it baok, d'ye see ; i And th« hon. geat would forward it | With the next load of sugar and tea. The hon. gent would find better work And more suited if he'd try ; When they adrertise for a washerwoman, He'd do well if he'd apply. " The election for Newton is orer, And [ hope they're got a right 'en ; And though Writ's ory wa« *No poll tax,' There wm a Wrigglar poll for Gretghton. He's going on toe free trade tack— Cheap gin, bad roads, and rain ; And bVs going to make me Minuter of War Instead of Colonel Haultain." Among other noticeable improvement! rsotntly added to increase the beauty and attr«oii?«ness of tbis theatre, we hare now to mention a beautiful new act drop painted by Mr. Torn Kemp, which was last nighc exhibited for the tint lime, and upom which the clever artist hsi been engaged for a considerable time past. The scene represents Trajan* Triumphal Arch, with a view of the city of AnoOUft in th« distance ; and, as a work of art, it is wicaoat doubt; one of the most creditable th*t hare ever been produced in this city. To the* left of the drop is seen the triumphal arch utandtng out in bold relief— an excellent representation of white marble, and with evident signs of 'dscay about it ; while above, and to the left again, is seen the bright umbrageous foliage, with which the bill, in overgrown. In front of tnt archway is the Well*troddeo ro»d, on which are seen lingering two or three peasants in their pioturebque dresses, and in easy lounging attitudes. Away to the ri^ht stretches a broad expanse of water, covered with vessels and boats of various descriptions i — all beariug a moit graphic likeness to reality ; while in the distance, and forming a background, there is a charmiog view of the city of Anoona, nesilad between two hill-», which seem to tower away to the very clouds, and which are oharmingiy painted in all their minor details. Here and there is cast the reflection of the golden olouds, rendered gorgeous by the setting sun, and the whole picture is toned down with a touch of mellowness that give* it an exceedingly pleaviog and natural appearance. The perspective, too, is in keeping with the other ! portions of the view, and the entire picture is a perfect chef d'osuvre. Mr. Kemp is certainly to bo complimented upon his correct taste for the manner in which be has turned tbis pieoe of workmanship out of hand, and, being the latt specimen of his skill for this theatre, he has evidently taken immense pains to leave a favourable name and reputation in this town ; and this object he could have obtained by no surer manner than by leaving behind him such a lait* ing memento of thosa talents for conveying nature to canvta which he undoubtedly possesses. Mr. Kemp has, we understand, been engaged by Mr. Bennett a* scenic artist for his company at the Grahatnitown Theatre, whioh it is said will open, on Saturday next.