ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9269, 3 August 1893, Page 5

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

C OUR LAY AND WALTON'S COMEDY

COMPANY. The comedy of " Milky White " and the farce of "Living Models" were performed for the last time at the Opera House last evening. Notwithstanding the wretched weather, there was a fair house. The company kept the fun going fast and furious, and the visitors returned to their homes in excellent humour.

Notwithstanding frequent changes, the repertoire of this clever company is not by any means exhausted, as this evening is announced another change of bill, in the shape of a ridiculously funny comedy, entitled " Kindred Souls," which is full of embarrassing situations, and somewhat similar in style to "The Private Secretary" and "Confusion." The playing-oflf of the various individuals against one another in the seeking of "a kindred soul," which is in another sense described as a mutual feeling of spiritualistic ideas, causes incessant laughter throughout its performance. It is certainly an amusing one. lb is a three-act farrago, abounding in all sorts of funnyisms, which cannot fail to affect the risibilities of even the most taciturn. Sullice it to say that in this comedy the characters allotted are admirably adapted to their peculiar talents, affording them every opportunity of generating the drollest kind of fun, including the latest London successes. The tableaux are admirably worked up, and the clever dialogue scintillates with wit. Mr. John Gourlay is at his best- as Frank Featherly, a character which he has made his own throughout America, the United Kingdom, and the Australasian colonies. As Major Fonternoy Flutterwig, Mr. Walton's cleverness as an artist of true comedy will be in his element. The cast is complete, end there should be another triumph added this evening to their long list of successes. During the evening the following programme of vocal music will be given:—Song, "Mine, You Know;" song, "The Waiter and Mrs, elan's Baby;" song, " Tip Your Hat to Nellie;" trio, "To Behold this Wonder;" song, "The Cows are in the Corn ;" onion duet; song, "All that (.Hitters ;" song, " You Can't Do It;" chorus, "See how her Face she Covers;" trio, "Throe Little Boys from School;" song, •' Poor Married Man ;" finale, " United all at Last."

At a meeting of the executive committee at the Rothamsted Jubilee Fund, Sir John lagans reported that the subscription? received and promised to dato amounted to upwards of £500. Donations were not to exceed the sum of two guinea?. It was reported also that the arrangements lor the quarrying and transportation of the proposed granite memorial were progressing satisfactorily. The exact form of incription to be placed upon the memorial was agreed to. It was also decided that the memorial should be erected opposite the laboratory at Rothamsted, where it'would be easily accessible to visitors. It was decided that the formal dedication of the memorial should take place about the end of July. Authority was given to enter into negotiations with an artist of repute for the portrait of Sir John Lawes, to the painting of which it was resolved at the last meeting to devote tho major portion of the fund. A letter was read from the Director of the German Agricultural Society, stating that the society had printed and circulated a statement respecting the fund and a recommendation of its objects amongst the 9000 members of the society. It was arranged, therefore, that the subscription list should still be kept open.