MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11059, 10 May 1899, Page 6

MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GAIETY COMPANY. Tiib attendance at tho City Hall, where the Gaiety Company continue to appear nightly, shows no sign of falling off, and it is cv.denu that tho management havo succocded in their effort to provide an enjoyable entertainment at popular prices. Last night was no exception to tho rule, and tho artists throughout wero accorded a hearty reception, tho inimitable Failing, in his witty sayings and doings, and with Miss Devoo in their mirth-provoking sketches, including " The Two HumptyDtimplies;" Hiss Chard, in her comic songs and dances; Mr. Walter Rivers, tho popular baritone; Zobctta, styled tho "Two-hoaded Four-legged Nondescript," being all deservedly encored for their excellent items. Tho Howard Sisters made their second appearance, and again these clover serio-comic artists dolighted tho onlookers with their singing of the duets, " In Town" and "Daisy Macintyre," quite a feature of the turn being tho terpsichorean display. Tho sisters aro cortainly a valuable acquisition to the entertainment, and will 110 doubt find much favour with amusement-seekers. An ontire chango of programme is announced for this e\ cuing. ERNEST TOY CONCERTS. Tho members of the Ernest Toy Concert Company will nrrivo this morning by tho s.s. Takapuna, and inako thoir first appearand before an Auckland audionco at tho Opera House this evoning. The programme appears in another column. It is a vory well-arranged and specially attractive ono, lreing made up of popular as well as classical items. The seasons ill Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin have been highly successful, and all the artists havo been moro than favourably roceivod by press and public. No doubt tho Opera House will bo crowded this evening. ATHE.N7EUM SOCIETY. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Athcn!eum Literary and Debating Society was held in the Social Hall of tho Y.M.C.A. Rooms last night. Tho chair was taken by the president (Mr. T. l. Wells). After the election of nine new members, a short paper on " Publie Indifference to Public Affairs" was read by Mr. C. Williamson. Threo short speeches followed—" Modern Malo Attire," by Mr. Flummor; "A Problem of tho Future," by Mr. Mahon: and " Australian Federation," by Mr. Robinson. A good doal of animated discussion followed on each of tho subjects, most of the members present taking j.nrt. The meeting on tho wholo was lively and inglniptivp. PITT-STREET WESLEY BAND OF HOPE. The monthly meeting of tho Pitt-street Weslevan Hand of Hope, held in the schoolroom last evening, attracted a large audience. The Rev. W. .1. Williams presided. An address on temperance topics, given by ih< Rev. W. Ready, was listened to with marked attention. Songs wcro rendered by Miss Frances Edwards. Miss E. Bonlton, Miss Raid and Messrs. W. Muskcr and D. Burton. Min Jessie Roesi-r and Messrs. F. Buddie and W. l(,ishleigh gave recitations, and instrumental felnctimis were contributed by tho Misses Miiiii Rain, Lilio Bain, Reid (2), and Peak (3). Some phonographic selections, with Dr. Mai'.land in charge of the machino, were much enjoyed.

ST. MARY'S PARISH SOCIAL, Tlio first of the winter socials in connection with St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnoll, was held lust evening in the Parish Hall, and proved .111 entire success. An excellent and varied programme was provided for the occasion, and during the course of the evening thoso present had the pleasure of listening to an address delivered by the Bishop of 'Wellington. The Rev. fi. MacMtirray presided. Several items consisted of artistically arranged tableaux, the general effect of which was considerably heightened by a judicious uso of limelight. The ladies of the guild were responsible for the tableaux, and are to bo complimented upon the success of their effort?. The following ladies anil gentlemen also took part, and materially increased tho pleasure of the evening by a capable rendering of their respective items:— solo, Mrs. Robin II,ly; reading, Mr. and Mrs. Morton: recitation, Mis? Fraser; song, Miss M. White song, Mr. Tpfill: violin solo, Miss F,. Gitfillan: reading. Mr. Morton; song. Miss Kempthortio. The singing of tho National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. MOUNT ALBERT LITERARY SOCIETY. The usual fortnightly meeting of tho Mount Albert Literary and Debating Society was held in the Wneleyan schoolroom on Monday evening. In the essence of tho president (Mr. W. Spragg) Mr. T. C. SchnacKeiiburg (vice-president) occupied tho chair. Tlio attendance was good. The evening was devoted to tho delivery of lecturettes by members of the society, Mr. Hihbs being especially conspicuous and successful in his lecture! to upon proverbs. During tho evening the following musical items wore rendered Pianoforte solo, Mr. H. Simmonds; eiiiig, Mrs. Oiuighey: song, Mr. S. T. Astley. OXEHPNOA LITERARY AND DERATING SOCIETY. Tho Onehnnga Literary and Debating Society held their fortnightly meeting in tho Wesleyan schoolroom on Monday ovening. Thero was a good .'it tendance, both of memIra and visitors. The Rev. S. Lawry presided. The Syllabus Committee submitted their report, but as the syllabus could not bo completed at once, tho matter was loft in tho hands of the commit teo to complete. The programme for the evening consisted of threa short essays on " The Desirability of Mental Culture, by Miss L. Austen; " Flowers," by Miss Wilding; and "Woman's True Sphere," by Mr. Norman Rishworth. These essays, which were interesting and instructs e, called forth a good deal of discussion, so much so that tho usual linn for the meeting had to bo extended. It was resolved to devoto the next meeting to impromptu speaking.