THE BLAND HOLT SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10009, 21 December 1895, Page 4

THE BLAND HOLT SEASON.

Last night at the Opera House Mr. Bland Holt again produced " Tho Prodigal Daughter," and there could bo no possible doubt as to success. Down stairs the place was packed to the utmost, and the dress circle was well filled. Thelargcaudienco,too, crammed as they were, found themselves more comfortable than they had anticipated, for tho electric light, used on the stage, was also utilised for lighting purposes "in front." Tho advantage gained in coolness was greatly appreciated. And more than appreciated was the performance ; thoso present were demonstrative to an unusual degree. This was as much due to the excellence of the mounting as to tho intrinsic merits of tho piece. Wherever an an opportunity offered tor effect, there advantage was taken of that opportunity. Tho exterior of the Woodmore stables was one of the best seen in Auckland, and when that exterior scene suddenly changed to the interior, with tho horses in their boxes, there was applause such as has rarely been heard in the Opera House. Tho representation of the Grand National was not only good in its way, but it was as complete as it could be. Tho parts wero admirably tilled. The "Prodigal Daughter," which must prove a big attraction, will be produced again this evening.

The Continental Concert Company give their first concert on board the Eagle on Monday next. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music will be given, including items by Mr. Edwards' orchestra and the Waiiita Glee Club. Several novelties ateaho promised. The refreshments, as in all Continental open air concerts, will be quite a feature, It will. be seen elsewhere that Mr. R. Roberts, Christadclphian lecturer, from Birmingham, will lecture in Auckland shortly. The s.B. Waitoa, Stella, and Invincible will run excursions to Pine Island on Boxing Day. The annual festival of the Girls' Friendly Society will bo held in tho Rounds of Bishopscourr, Parnell, this afternoon. The ordinary general meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company will bo held at the office of the company on the Bth prox.. at 2 p.m. The transfer books will be closed from the 26th inst. to tho Bth prox. A notification appears elsewhere respecting the election of members of the Thames Drainage Board. The Auckland Scripture Gift Association are now making their annual appeal on behalf of the funds of tho Association, as will be seen elsewhere. It will be seen by advertisement elsewhere that the Mercer train will be postponed on Christmas Eve. Tho p.s. Toncariro will go this afternoou on the usual Newmarket Fishing Club excursion. The p.s. Eagle will run an excursion to Lake Takupuna to-morrow afternoon. A pleasure excursion will bo also run to Rakino Island to-morrow. The as. Vivid will run an excursion to Riverhead today and to-morrow. Just to hand, a large shipment of Boys'and Men's Strew Hats. Rushbrook and Co.