THE TIVOLI COMPANY.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 31, 7 February 1899, Page 6

THE TIVOLI COMPANY.

The Tivoli Speciality Company will open its season in the Opera House to-morrow evening. The company is reported to be a strong one,\vhich has done brisk business in the South Island, and as it has brought the prices of admission within the reach of the multitude, it will no doubt secure large audiences of the lovers of the speciality class of entertainment.

It has been definitely arranged (says the New Zealand Herald) that Captain Russell, the Leader of the Opposition, will address a public meeting in Auckland, either in the last week of February or the first week of March. The shortening of the time taken by the San Francisco mail between the colony and London will probably begin next month with the trip of the Mariposa, which will not leave Auckland until Monday, 20th prox. , instead of the previous Saturday, as per time-table. The change will reduce the time of the journey from Auckland to London to 30 days. A compassionate allowance equal 'o a year and a-half's salary has been granted to the widow of the late Mr, W. Smith, who was senior telegraphist at Timaru. Instructions have been given to Captain Post, of the Government steamer Tutanekai, that if on his arrival at the Bluff there is no sign of the missing ketch Gratitude, he shall proceed to the Macquarie Islands in quest of her. Captain Post will thoroughly search the islands with a view to clearing up the mystery attaching to the overdue vessel. The Tutanekai will leave Wellington to-morrow morning. The publicity given in last night's Post to the rumours concerning alleged desertions from the ship Ochtertyre (which sailed for London on Saturday), has had the desired effect. As was anticipated, the man who swam ashore has made his whereabouts known. At least, so it would appear if the following postcard, addressed to the editof of this journal, and received this morning, is genuine : — "Dear Sir— To an answer to the, paragraph of this evening's Post, of the 6th inst., the disappearance of a seaman of the Ochtertyre who swam ashore on the night of 3rd February, wish to inform you that I am safe and Avell. I remain, yours truly, George Horrest" (or Honest). On the face of it the communication seems genuine, and we learn on enquiry at the ustoms shipping office that the signature corresponds with that of one ot tn& ordinary seamen shipped on the Ochtertyre The only doubt is as to what the name exactly is, Horrest, Hornest, Forrest (in which name the warrant was taken out), or Hornet (as the signature was read at the Customs) ; but it is pretty certain that jfc is the same man, and that he safely reached shore. He was on board when Mr. Hunter (of the Customs office) mustered the crew on Thursday last, when the only man who did not answer to his name was a seaman who had shipped with " Horrest ( '{)" and it is thought that his mate's having kept away from the ship may have been the cause of " Horrest's" desire to avoid the voyage and make for the shore. From different sources we have heard indefinite charges made against the ship's captain, that the food on board was poor and meagrely doled out, so that it is but fair to state that the men (some of them belonging to the vessel's original crew) did not make any complaint to the Customs officials, though they had ample opportimity of doing so. The captain also stated that he did not put the men on any specified allowance. Both Customs and police are practically satisfied that there is no cause for fear as to the safety of the man Avho swam for the shore. The Post Office authorities are advised that the R.M.S. Arcadia, with mails /rom Melbourne of the 4th January, arrived in London on the 4th inst., one day early. The Greenwood Family will appear at tho Opera House next Monday night, producing the sparkling musical burlesque of "Romeo and Juliet Up-to-date, or a Cup of Cold Poison." This piece was originally produced by the Greenwoods in Auckland some two years ago, and fiom the accounts which have reached us appears to have been very favourably received. During the evening Misses Mnribcl and Agatha Greenwood will sing operatic and other selections, and together with their sisters (Misses Nora and ftofoertta Greenwood) will introduce numerous choruses, duets, etc. The company supporting the Greenwoods is, we are informed, a good one, and the dressing is described as especially gorgeous, each costume being built from French models. Christian Endeavourers are notified that the " rally" which Avas to have been held this evening is postponed on account of the inclement weather. To-day's weather has overturned the arrangements made for the picnic in connection with the Webb - street Primitive Methodist Sunday School. The date to AvMch it is postponed will be announced later on!