MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11056, 6 May 1899, Page 3

MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GAIETY COMPANY. LAST evening, notwithstanding the inclemency of tlio weather, there was a large audience present at the City Hall, when the Gaiety Company gave another of their very enjoyable entertainments. The programme was received with great- satisfaction, and everybody seemed highly delighted. To-night thero will be an entire change of programme, when tho first appearance will he made of " Zobetta," the two-headed and four-legged nondescript. The Lucifers will made their last appearance. Mr. Failing and Miss Devoe will give the "Two Humpty Dumptys," a sketch which created such an excellent impression in Melbourno and Sydney. On Monday several new artists will appear. ERNEST TOY CONCERTS. As already announced, the Ernest Toy Concert Company will inaugurate their Auckland season 011 Wednesday evening next at tho Opera House. This combination of musical artists is now at Wellington, where the press has been most eulogistic in commenting upon the artistic qualifications of the company. Mr. Ernest Toy, L.R.A.M., A.L.C.M., a young violinist of great repute, is at the head of the company. Ho was born at Ballarat, Victoria, and at tho early age of 10 was sent to London and enrolled as a student at the Royal Academy of Music. He displayed such exceptional talent that he was permitted to enter into competition for a gold medal, offered for tho most competent student of the violin at the -Musical Eistedfod, Newcastle, which prize he obtained out of a great number of competitors. He also won Uio first two prizes at Carnarvon, Wales; is a gold medallist of the London Society of Arts, which is their highest award. He also has the distinction of being the youngest artist who has ever been created a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, London. At the completion of his musical studies lie toured England and the Continent. Mr. Toy is accompanied by another gifted musician, Miss Reneo Lees, who is only 15 years of ago. She is described as one of the most accomplished pianists Australia has ever produced. At tho age of five this young lady appeared before the public of Melbourne and Sydney. When Mark Hambourg visited the colonies ho was so struck with the wonderful abilities of Miss Lees that ho induced Professor Lc-s----chelizki. tho great Padorewslti's teacher, to enrol her amongst his students, and she is to avail herself of this rare distinction at tho teimination of the New Zealand season. The other members of the company are also of high artistic repute. Miss Maud Dalrymple, tho contralto, is said to possess a beautiful voice of rich tone. Miss Alice Simmons is a soprano of the highest qualifications and well and favourably known on the Australian concert platform. For tho Auckland season tho management will engage the best available local talent, and this venture will therefore he ail event in musical circles. The box plan will bo opened on Monday morning at Messrs. Wildinan and Lyell'B. CONCERT BY NEWMARKET CONVENT SCHOOL PUPILS. The wet weather did not prevent a crowded audience assembling at St. Bonaventura's Hall, Parnell, last night, when tho scholars of the Convent School, Newmarket, gave a musical and dramatic entertainment. The pupils sang two choruses, " Flowers in May" and "Where are tho Friends of My Youth," in capital time and tune. An action song. " Writing Lesson," and " Birdie's Ball," a song and dance, were given by the infants, and the girls went through dumbbell exercises and " scarf" drill very creditably. Solos by Miss Porter, Miss 11. McGinness, Miss E. Green, Miss H. Porter, Miss M. Pliilpot, were much appreciated, as wero also recitation by Miss V. Edwards, duet by the Misses Green, trio by Misses White and McCarthy and Master Tait, violin solo by Master Mulgan, duet by Masters Deery and Keenan, .and song and chorus by Master Keenan and pupils, Misses Deery, Porter, Hayes, and Masters Tait, Deery, and Keenan acted the drama, " Where Ignoranco is Bliss," and Misses Green, Porter, Melican, Irvine, White, Parker (2), Edgcrley, Kenealy, and Mooney took the parts in " My Aunt's Heiress," both of which went off excellently. Tho overtures were played by Misses White and Irvine and Misses Wishart and Morrison. I The proficiency of the pupils speaks highly for the care and attention the Sisters in charge of the Convent School must havo bestowed upon their training.

SOCIAL EVENING. The first of a series of six social evenings was held last evening in the Sacred Heart Schoolroom, and, despite the bad weather, was very successful. There wero about 40 couples present, and an enjoyable dance was held, the music being supplied by Mr. E. Lanigan's Hand. Messrs. Hicksou, Flynn, and Carrigan acted as M.C.'s. ST. DAVID'S RECREATION CLUB. The annual business meeting of St. David's Recreation Club was held on Tuesday evening last. The report and balance-sheet showed a very satisfactory state of affairs, and the coming season promises to be successful. The following office-bearers were elected : — Hon. president, Rev. 11. Scott West; president, Mr. V. Lambert ; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Burns, Holland. Lambourne. J. W. Stewart, l'aterson. Anderson, Knight, Millar, J. Van Breda, T. L. Murray. C. La Roche, A. Wilson, W. Hutchinson, Maunsell, Green. Gilbert, Ferguson, Dr. Grant, Dr. Dawson, and Dr. Maclaurin ; secretary and treasurer. Mr. T. McNab: committee. Messrs. Wing, Sandors, Wilson, Brash, and Aiton. TENNYSON. The second meeting of the second session of tho Ardmore Mutual Improvement Society was held on May 3, Mr. H. Burnsidc in the (hair, The subject was "Tennyson, His Life and Works." An interesting critique on Tennyson, written soon after his death, was read by Miss F. Mullins. Miss Millio Creighton gave a paper (original) 011 his life and works, with especial reference to "In Memorinm," and quotations from it. Miss Bumside read, "The Victim Mr. H. Burnside, "The Last Fight of tho Revenge :" Mrs. Pike, " The Children's Hospital Miss Tregear, a paper (original) 011 Tennyson's works, bearing mostly 011 " The Idylls" and " The Holy Grail," with extracts, " The Dedication to tho Queen," "The Passing of Arthur," etc. To lighten the more serious parts, Mr. 11. Bwnsido read "The Goose," and Miss Tregear "The Northern Farmer," in dialed. Pour of Tennyson's most lovely songs were suns—"Too Late," Miss M. Creighton; "Ring Out, Wild Bells," Miss M. iilcCullougli ; " Crossing The Bar," Miss B. Creighton ; and " Break, Break," Miss I'. Stokes. A vote of thanks to the chairman and " God Save the Queen" terminated a pleasant meeting.

KNOX CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING. The first annual business meeting of the congregation was held on Monday evening, when there was a good attendance. The pastor, the Rev. H. Kelly, was in the chair, and opened the meeting with devotional exercises. The session report, read by Mr. A. Grant, set forth that the services began 12 months ago havo been attended with a success not only realising, but surpassing, their highest expectations. In numbers, in spiritual nower, and in all that ensures true prosperity, the congregation lias made steady and most gratifying progress. The stall' consists of minister, 9 elders, 12 managers, 17 Sabbath-school teachers, and' 36 members of the choir. The Communion roll contains the names of 107 persons. Each elder has a district allotted to him. The minister conducts two well-attended Bible classes. In the weekly prayer meeting the minister links tho Sunday-school and congregation together by giving an exposition of the lesson for the following Sunday. The session urged the congregation to subscribe to the Christian Outlook. In ' view of the ritualistic controversy, a series of Sabbath evening lectures on tho " Reformation" is proposed. Thanks are recorded to the choir, and especially to the organist (Mr. J. P. Bennett), to those ministers and laymen who, prior to the settlement of tbo minister, so willingly supplied the pulpit; to the Sabbathschool superintendent (Mr. Mueller) and teachers, and also to Mr. Hemery, jun„ for his warm interest in the young men.' Wo close our report by exhorting members and adherents to be loyal to the Church, loyal to one another, and above all this by being loyal to the Saviour. The board of managers (Mr. Gilmer, secretary) reported that tho ordinary revenue amounted to £459 13s, and the expenditure to £433 18s, leaving a credit balance of £5 15s. Tho result is gratifying in the highest degreo. Members and adherents are urged to universally adopt the envelope system. A special effort is to bo made at the opening services to reduce the debt on the building fund by a substantial amount. The managers are also pleased to know that the ladies of the congregation are energetically preparing for a bazaar, to he held in the month of March. The managers thank Mr. Keir, of Rcmuera. for his generous gift of a section of land; the ladies for their many services: His Excellency and Countess Hanfurly for their presence at the laying of the foundation stone, and to Captain Oakes and No, 2 Company Native Rifles for acting as a guard of honour. Thanks are also recorded to Mr. Thomas for his gift of the foundation stone, suitably inscribed; to the Kauri Timber Company for use of platform, to Tanfield, Potter, and Co., to Messrs. Buddie, Button, and Co., to Stewart Dawson and Co., to Mr. W. S. Evans (piano importer) for use of organ, and to other friends for services rendered. The retiring members of the board were re-elected, with the addition of Messrs. James Paterson and Murray Bell. The Building Committee (Mr. M. A. Clark, oonvoner) reported that the total cost of foe building and organ may bo estimated at about £2300. Tho first contract should bo finished by the middle of July, and the whole completed early in August. The building will seat 450 in the ground floor, and 75 in the gallery.. Aisles may be added if necessary, and additional seating accommodation provided for 200. The committee have borrowed the amount at 4J per cent., and hope to reduce the amount materially in 12 months. The Sunday-school report showed 149 on tho roll. The entertainment had been most successful. ■ Tho balance-sheet showed a small credit balance. Owing to the rapid growth of tho school more teachers are urgently required. After the reports had been dealt with, a resolution ' wag carried to adopt the new Church Hymnal. At a meeting of the managers. held after the congregation dispersed, it was' agreed to purchase a water motor for the now organ. The proceedings throughout were enthusiastic, ami wcro brought to a close by the- chairman pronouncing the ■ Benediction.■