PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 265, 17 September 1864, Page 5

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland,- —to adopt the language of Adelplii TV right, ot facetious memory—is no longer "as she used to was,'' in the matter of publicamusements. I'rom a dearth she has fallen into a plethora of popular recreations. The dreariest, dullest, and most disconsolate town of the

Southern Colonics seim at last bent on becom

:ng one of the liveliest. Music Las long taken firm root. It is sedulously and skilfully cultivated. r lhe works of the most gifted professors are not beyond tLe aim of our aspiring amateurs. Instructors, of great taste and have been imported along with our martial protectors. These have not only given brilliancy to our fetes and social gathering*—delicate enjoyment by their open air concerts in our domain : but by their co-operation with our Choral and Harmonic Societies have contributed to impart a tone and character to " 1 üblic licliearsals," which have earned a reputation for the musical associations ot Auckland, of which much older colonies miulit well feel proud. But although Euterpe has been long and firmly established in an Auckland shrine, we regret to say that her not less charming and attractive sisters. Thalia and Melpomene, have hitherto been rcduecd to follow a very uncertain and vagrant course of life. Some years since, in our intant estate, they were granted a casual lodging in the Albert Barracks, the gallant Hutlanders doing their best to convert a straw cliamber into a Thespian temple. Here they remained for a round dozen of years, ministering not only to the entertainment of the townsfolk, but to evejy case of misery or distress which called for sympathetic aid.

Prom the Albert Barracks, they made an easy descent, to a larger fane in Victoria-street, erected by Mr. Foley, now of tlie CaJifornian Circus; and afterwards oecupicd by Messrs. Bellair and Hil], by whom the erratic sisters were brought foiward in a manner every way becoming their high desert. On the retirement of Messrs. Bellair and H ill, they were once again •'on the loose." until taking tinder the passing protection of certain Auckland amateurs. This, however, afforded but transient relief. Many of those ardent admirers have passed for ever away ; —others have gone where duty (ailed ; — and the Victoria itself, which had more than once soothed the distresses of sufferers by fire, has disappeared under that all devouring element. liow our Muses passed their time for tlie last five or six years, we cannot even surmise. It remained first for Messrs. Barry and Daniels— and next for Mr. George Taweett, to speed to their succour—the one party from Sydney, the other, we believe, from Melbourne. Both were bold undertakings, considerinf tlie means of presentation, that Auckland afforded ; two things, nevertheless, have been triumphant]}' demonstrated — that "where there's a will there's a way"—and that in the hands of ingenious contiivers the means ma}' be so well husbanded as " to go far with little."

Auckland owned but two practicable buildings —the Prunswick and the Odd l'ellows' Halls. These, bj' veiy artistical processes have been metamorphosed into a "Prince of Wales," and a " Theatre Poval and taking into account the man3 r dilliculties to be overcome in effecting such conversions —in the construction of fitting stages: in the arrangement of the several sections of audience departments ; in the providing of cloak and refreshment rooms ; the organisation of orchestras ; and last, not least, in creation of scenic, decorative, and all the complicated accessories to theatrical illusion, we think that to both of the rival purveyors the merit of having once more housed the dramatic Muses in a handsome style is justly due. Of the manner in which their rcspectivc representations have been placed before the public we have no immediate intention to enlarge. The " Prince of Wales" lias been longest before the public, and from the unvarying tenor of its success it must be clear that it commands the appreciation it deserves. The "Theatre Ifoyal" is the creation of but a few weeks. It is a marvellous little box, in all its appliances. And there are several in the company who have deservedly acquired much celebrity in the other colonies of Australasia. Has the time, at length, arrived in which Auckiand ought to possess an appropriate and permanent theatre, in which not merely dramatic, but musical, operatical, and other public performances may be given in a style and degree of excellence commensurate with the rapidly increasing demands of our growing population ? Have riot the scrupulous and the conscientious opposed, upon principle, to plays and players become awake to the truth that the teachings of the much and monstrously maligned stage', are the very best antidotes to the demoralising tendencies of the pot and the pot-house P Can-

not ascetics be "brought to perceive that the language of Shakspere, and the impassioned eloquence of the most gifted men of all ages are infinitely superior vehicles for inculcat ion of virtue and morality than the lessons to be learnt at billiard and card tables, until recently the sole sources of an Auckland's evening entertainment P We have never had any doubt on this head, and having none, wc shall rejoice to find that among the many public improvements in progress, or in perspective, the construction of a becoming theatre may be included in the list.

The " Albert,' " or Harmonic Society's Hall, about fo be erected, might be so designed as to meet flic several requirements of a jUusie Hall, Theatre, Opera House, Assembly and Concert Poom, with the requisite refreshment rooms ; so that whilst subscribers would thereby lie insured the best and largest interest on their capital, the public would have at their command a building adapted to the manifold requirements of art.

Eor example, whilst the great European artistes of the day—the late Catherine Hayes— Madame Bishop—Brooke — the Keans, — and other celebrities were payingprofcssional visits to Melbourne, Ballarat, Sandhurst, Sydney, Adelaide, llobart Town, and Launceston, none of them were tempted to extend their tours to Auckland. Wherefore? JS'ot because they entertained any question of the warmth or commcrrial value of their reception ; but simply because they were aware of the fact that in Auckland there was neither Theatre nor Hall from whence they could sound the " Assembly." At this very moment. Lyster's Operatic Company. with Madame Lucy Escott, Madame Posalie Durand. Mr. Henry AVhar(on, and others, who have been making a triumphant Australian tour, are performing at Otago. Will they visit Auckland ? It is doubtful. If they do not, it is because Auckland lacks the accommodation they stand in need of. This should, we think, induce the "Albert" Committee to consider well the character of the building they are about to construct, and to inquire whether a modification of the Theatre Pojal, Melbourne, — one of the most complete and elegant structures south of the Equator—would not be well worthy of imitation.

I lie Melbourne Theatre 1J oy :il is entered through n spacious quadrangle, called " The Vestibule," which forms an elegant reception hall and lounge, aiul which is llankcd on either side by refreshment rooms, 011 the base story for visitors to the pit, and on the first floor for those of the dress circle. In the event of a public ball or assembly, with the pit and stage united by platforms, the A'estilmle would furnish capital supper and refreshment rooms, a menus of extensive and appreciable accommodation not to lie overlooked in a young and rapidly progressive city. Auckland has arrived at a point when her means and places of public amusement will require to be carefully considered.