DRYDEN'S EMPIRE COMPANY.

Evening Post, Volume LXII, Issue 85, 7 October 1901, Page 5

DRYDEN'S EMPIRE COMPANY.

The programme put forward by the Empire Company attracted a large number of people to the Exchange Hall on Saturday night, and appeared to satisfy everybody, judging from the demeanour of those present. The company was strengthened by the appearance of little Amy Russell, a promising child, whose coon songs met with great success. The most popular item on the programme was that given by Miss Beryle Gilman, who has made herself a great favourite at the Hall, being equally at home in ballad and in serio-comic singing. Mr. Harry Baxter is as much appreciated as ever, and had to supply several encore numbers. Mr. Percy Leon was also recalled more than once. Misses Myra Thompson, Lillian Tree, Lillian Loftus, Amy Vaughan, and Messrs. Leslie Forrest and Tom Mooney had hearty receptions in their several "turns."

Mr. S. A. Palmer, of Vitadatio fame, will give his promised lecture at the Federal Theatre to-night. The lot of the patients at the Wellington Hospital was brightened yesterday afternoon by a visit of the Central Mission Band, which played for an hour. A collection taken up among the visitors resulted in £3 Is lOd being subscribed for the hospital funds. In addition to the view of the pictures, visitors to the Art Gallery on Saturday evening were entertained with a programme of music. The items included the songs "Where'er You Go" and "Last Night," by Miss Long, and "Doreen" and '"A May Morning," by Mr. Ballance; a violin solo by Miss Hennah; and the quartet "Good Night" by Misses Gill (2), Messrs. Gill and Allen. The exhibition is to remain open during the current week. St. Mark's choir will perform Sullivan's "By Sea and Shore" in the schoolroom on Mondaj, 21st inst. This cantata, which was written for the opening of the great exhibition of 1864, is in Sullivan's, best vein, and is highly dramatic in character. The cantata will be followed by a humorous sketch by some of our best-known amateurs. The Premier is to open the annual sale of work promoted by the Salvation Army as a means of rising a substantial contribution towards the Self-Denial Fund. The sale will be held in the Vivian-street Citadel, and opens on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Maughan Barnett will play at his organ recital in St. John's . to-morrow evening, compositions by Guilmant, Wes,ley, Widor, Lemare, and also Wely's "Storm" Fantaisie.The Loyal Newtown Lodge of Oddfellows held its fourth annual "social" at the Victoria Hall, Adelaide-road, on Friday. The ball was specially decorated and about 60 couples took part in the dancing, the music being supplied by Minifies Band. At the Missions to Seamen on Friday Mr. Moore gave his weekly chat on " Health Tips," whicb included hints as to food, bandaging of wounds and cautions against patent "nostrums." Mesdames Greenwood, Webb, and Tolan and Misses Greenwood provided the musical programme. The fifteenth annual ball of the Wellington Guards was held in the Druid's Hall on Friday. About 70 couples were present, including a number of the ofneers of the garrison. The ball-room presented a gay appearance with the bright ' uniforms of the Guards and the manycoloured dresses of the ladies. Sergeant Leslie, Lance-Corporal Clark, and Private Hardy acted as M.C.'s, and Sergeant James was Secretary. Minifies Band supplied the dance music. St. Augustine's Churchroom, Pet-one, was crowded to excess on Friday evening, when Mr. J. H. Sherwingave an organ and pianola recital. Vocal jtems were contributed by Mrs. E. Adams, Messrs. R. C. Kirk, and Medhurst,' Mr. Cambden playing a violin solo with organ accompaniment. St. Augustine's Literary Society, Petone, will be entertained to-night by Mr. T. W. Rowe at a lecture on "Mars," illustrated by magic lantern views. The members of the Wellington Football Club gave a farewell supper at the Trocadero on Saturday night to Mr. R. E. Wood, the well-known interprovincial player, who has been transferred to Christchurch. Mr. J. E. . Smith, VicePresident, expressed the regret of the club at losing such a brilSant player and good comrade, and on behalf of his clubmates presented the departing guest with a ring as a mark of esteem. j Those who were fortunate enough to hear Mr. Rees's skilful handling of his subject in the three lectures he gave in this city about twelve months ago will doubtless take the opportunity of boing present at the two further lectures, which are advertised for this evening and tomorrow respectively. Mr. Rees has made a special study of his subject, "Prophecy Fulfilled and Unfulfilled," and a treat is promised to those who hear his exposition, i