COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8986, 17 September 1892, Page 5

COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"THE GONDOLIERS."

It is seldom indeed thab the Opera House is graced with an assembly as large and as brilliant as that which last night witnessed the second performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, "The Gondoliers." The audience was even larger than that which greeted the initial performance of the pioce. The interest of those present was completely caught up by the brightness of the opening scene, and as the plot developed, and Gilbert's wonderful genius for amusing paradox, and Sullivan's charming music gradually unfolded themselves, tire pleasure and enthusiasm of the audience increased. Everyone seemed brimming over with a delight which seemed to be quite contagious. As on the previous evening, nearly all the principal characters were called upon to repeat their songs, and several were the recipients of floral tributes. Mr. George Lauri gained fresh honours as the Duke, whilst Mr. Howard Vernon, the Grand Inquisitor, created intense amusement whenever he appeared upon the stage. The attractive duet, "There Was a Time," was rendered : by Mr. Rosevear and Miss Florence Young with exquisite taste, and a persistent encore had to be responded to. Both Miss Flora Graupner and Miss Violet Varley once more proved themselves irresistibly attractive for the sweetness of their songs and the charm of their manner; whilst the two gondoliers, Mr. Henry Bracy and Mr. Sydney Deane entered into their parts with a spirit which could not fail to ensure success. Mr. Rosevear, both as the poor attendant and the high and mighty monarch, gave complete satisfaction. The scenery was really splendid, and the dresses were brilliant and striking. At times, indeed, when the whole strength of the company was before the footlights the combined effect of the scenery and the costumes was fairly dazzling. The performance will be repeated this evening.

A runaway horse attached to a dray, belonging to a Chinese market gardener, crashed into a tramcar en the St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, the other day, tearing a large hole in the side of she car. A lady passenger was struck on the head by a piece of wood, which inflicted a terrible wound. The injured lady was conveyed to the Homoeopathic Hospital, but expired before medical aid could be secured.

A young woman named Jessie Johnson had her leg cub off by an engine on the Newcastle Coal Company's railway line near Lower Church-street crossing recently. The woman was driving some geese over the line when she met with the accident. She was taken to the hospital, where the limb was found to be hanging only by a piece of skin. She subsequently died. The Palmerßton Standard says, "A resident of this town bought a piece of meat the other day, and on taking it home discovered a tumour on it. He wisely refrained from eating it, and has it for inspection at his house. He considers a qualified inspector should from time to time examine the meat sold by butchers." The usual ecclesiastical services wiU be found in the eighth page. The anniversary services in connection with St. Johns Sunday-school, ■ Ponsonby, will be held on Sunday next, when the Rev. J. Berry will preach in'the morning, the Rev. S. J. Serpell in the afternoon, and the Rev. C. H. Laws in the evening. The scholars are to sing special hymns. The annual soiree will be held on the following Tuesday, when ministers and friends will deliver addresses. Anniversary services will also be held at the Grafton Road Wesleyan Churoh to-morrow, when the Rev. W. Morley will preach in the morning. Rev. C. H. Laws in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Berry in the evening; public soiree on Tuesday. The anniversary services of the Tabernacle will be held to-morrow, when the Rev. J. Blaikie, the new pastor, will preach morning and evening. Public soiree on Tuesday, and recognition meeting afterwards. The anniversary services of the Mount Eden Congregational Church will be held on Sunday, the2sth of September. The Gospel choir will be at the City Hall at three p.m. to-morrow. "Theosophy" will be the übject of Rev. C. Carter's address at the Young Men's Christian"Association Rooms, to-morrow afternoon, at three o'clock.