AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8883, 20 May 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMUSEMENTS.

Ax entertainment was given in the St. Sepulchre's school-room, Symonds-street, on the 29th April, by tho pupils and teachers of tho Mount Eden school in aid of their prize fund. There was a large audience, who were kept amused and entertained by songs, recitations, tableaux, and instrumental music. The programme was a lengthy one comprising no less than 23 events, but was evidently appreciated by those present. A very successful entertainment was given on April 28 at the Avondale Asylum to the patients of that institution by Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and other friends. The programme comprised songs, recitations, and selections for the pianoforte, violin, flute, and bagpipes, as well as Highland dances. At intervals there was dancing, in which the patients joined.

The 1.0. G.T. Lodge No. 43, of Taurancra, celebrated their IStli anniversary in the Public Hall, Brother Chas. Jordan, 8.A., presiding. About 100 were present. A plain and fancy dress ball was held in the Foresters' Hall on the 22nd April, in celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the Ancient Order of Foresters.

The Auckland Choral Society gave on Aoril 20 its second concert of the season, when a large gathering assembled to hear Mendelssohn's sublime oratorio "St. Paul." The solo parts were sustained by Miss Harper, soprano ; Mrs. Burgess, contralto ; Mr. Ferriday, tenor ; and Mr. Percy Dufuur, bass. Of performing members there were : 41 sopranos, 150 contraltos, 10 tenors, 'J!) basses, and 34 of an orchestra. As usual, the orchestra was led by Herr Tutschka, who ably filled that important post. Ilerr Carl Schmitb conducted the concert with skill and judgment.

The complimentary benefit tendered to Mr. Tom Mackinini, in the City Hall on May 2, was largely patronised tho hall being well filled in every part. The entertainment was of the usual variety order, opening with the nigger minstrel chair business, song and dance specialities following, and a screaming farce concluding the performance. During the evening Mr. Charles Voss, the ventriloquist, presented Mr. Mackinini with a silver watch, on behalf of Mr. Kohn, of Queen-street.

The social entertainment given on April 29 to the crew of H.M.s. Ringarooma by the authorities of Holy Trinity Church, Devonporb, proved a great success. The gathering was held in the schoolroom, which was well filled. An excellent programme was gone through. Tho first of the "Ponaonby at Homes" of the season took place on May 13, in the Ponson% Hall. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a good attendance, there being nearly 40 couples present. The floor was in excellent order, and the dance music was supplied by Adams's string band. Mr. J. H. Upton proved an efficient M.C. Tho committee of management is as follows: — Messrs. Buchanan, Cotter, Cruickshank, Devore, Kirker, Masefield, Upton, Mesdames Buchanan, Cotter, Cruickshank, Devore, Kirker, Masefield, Upton, Mr. T. C. Bealo being hon. sec. The monthly meetings of the Mount Eden Band of Hope was held on Tuesday, May 10, the schoolroom being crowded. The programme submitted was provided solely by the ladies. Mrs. Freeman very ably presided, and Mrs. E. C. Carr gave a short and pithy address, which was well received. The items were rendered in an acceptable manner. An entertainment was given on May 10 in tho Auckland College and Grammar School buildings of a dramatic and musical character by tho pupils of the school. A large number of invitations were issued, and the division of the school used was crowded to excess. An excellent and varied programme was clliciently rendered. On May 4 an interesting lecture, entitled, "The Exiles of Erin," was given by Mr. Buick, M.H.R., at St. James's Hall, before a numerous audience. Mr. J. A. Tole presided.

A programme of sports and races was carried out at Potter's grounds, Epsom, on April 23, by the Auckland Polo Club. There was only a small attendance of the public. Pony racing on the flat and over hurdles, a polo ball race, a cigar and umbrella race, and other events of a like character, interesting for the sake of mere amusement rather than contests of skill, rnado up the programme. Mr. R. Garrett was judge and clerk of the scales, and Mr. George Cutts starter. The South Auckland Racing Club's Autumn Meeting, held on the Claudelands course, Hamilton, on April 23, was the largest and most successful ever held since the establishment of the Club. A well-deserved meed of credit is due to the stewards for their arrangements for the successful compiling of the programme, and to the zeal and attention of the indefatigable secretary, Mr. G K. Carter. Mr. G. F. McCullagh, as starter, gave every satisfaction, and got all his fields well away.