ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11246, 15 December 1899, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

"A TRIP TO CHINATOWN." " A Trip to Chinatown" was again welcomed by an immense house last night, and as usual received a perfect ovation. All through the evening, indeed, tho audience exhibited the best disposition to be thoroughly pleased with the newcomers, and to givo them the fullest credit for their merits, which are very considerable ill a general way, and in many respects undoubtedly of a very novel and striking kind. Mr. Harry Conor comes to us with a splendid reputation, which is completely endorsed by the audiences that assemble at the Opera House nightly. Mr. Arthur facie is another favourite, and his number, "No Means Yes," is encored every evening, whilo Mr. Wallace Brownlow's magnificent voico is very favourably criticised on all sides. As a result, he receives a double encore for his two or three songs. Tha whole performance is one of the most enjoyable of tho kind that has ever visited our parts, and as the two last nights are announced, those who have not already witnessed this entertainment had better mako up their minds, as tho company cannot revive "A Trip to Chinatown," on account of the matured plans being already announced.

THE GAIETY COMPANY. At the City Hall last night one of the largest variety bills produced before an Auckland audienco was witnessed by a well-filled house. Tho occasion was the return of Mr. P. R. Dix's touring company, including the Leslie Brothers, Mr. D. H. Caston, and Messrs. Collins and Browne, which has been doing tho South during the past few weeks. When it joined forces with the company that has boon appearing at the hall a galaxy of talent appeared on the stage such as has seldom been witnessed in Auckland. The returned favourites were most cordially received, particularly the Leslie Brothers, who were accorded quite an ovation. Miss Katie Carter and the Jones Brothers scored distinctly in their piquant plantation specialties, introducing some capital part-singing for four voices. The Leslies' item in the second part of tho programme, "Harmony in tho Parlour," was, of course, exceedingly popular, tho audience seeming 60 delighted to get these favourites back that t-hev were loth to let them laave the stage. Miss Marion Blako rendered some taking songs, which caught 011 splendidly. Mr. D. H. Caston's items, "Furniture 011 Hire," and a Hungarian topboot dance found great favour with the audience. Tho Linaard Sisters, Miss Lottie Lome, Messrs. McKisson, Fred Leslie, jun., Collins and Browne, and Scott Leighton also contributed materially to the pleasure of the company's patrons, and each received encores.

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL TO Mil. G. FOWLDS, M.H.R. A complimentary social was tendered to Mr. Geo. Fowlds, M.H.R., last night, by his supporters in the recent political campaign, in order to congratulate him 011 his return as a member of tho House of Representatives. Mr. T. Webb, chairman of Mr. Fowlds' Central Committee, presided, and tho Lecture Hall in tho Y.M.C.A. Buildings was filled with enthusiastic friends of Mr. F&vlils. Tho chairman congratulated Mr. Fowlds on his return as ono of the Auckland members, noting that all tho work done 011 Mr. Fowlds' bohalf during tho campaign had been voluntary work, there having been no paid canvassers. Mr. Alf. Bartlett, secretory of tho Central Committee, Mr. Burton (Grafton Commit-too), Mr. Doran (Ponsonby Committee), Mr. Wigg (Newton Committee), Rev. W. Ready, Rev. A. H. Collins, Rev. Joseph Parker, Mr. G. Peacocke, and Mr. Wesley Spragg also spoke. All the speakers referred -to the purity of Mr. Fowlds' motives in seeking Parliamentary honours, and each expressed his belief that in the future Mr. Fowlds would be found sailing a perfectly straight course, and voting for what ho bolioved was in the interests of tho community. Mr. Fowlds, on rising to reply, was received with loud applause. He said his desire was that during his three years of office ho would be able to act so that if he did not meet with the approbation of tho multitude, lie would bo able to at least seoura the approbation of those who had laboured so hard to secure bis return. There wero some present who did not approvo of teachings which lie had strongly and forcibly promulgated, but they had supported him in the belief that tho wliole of his efforts would be on the side of righteousness, and ho hoped that in that- respect they would never ho disappointed. Tho work of reform was not always apparently successful at first, and he believed his mission for a good many years would be not so much to actually influence Parliamentary legislation as to carry on the work of a teacher. The position of politics in New Zealand at present was rather peculiar, and it was hard to forecast the future. The elections had almost completely obliterated tho Opposition party in Parliament, and that being so, he thought the present would bo a suitable time to largely do away with the system of party government. But however that might turn out, he would endeavour throughout his political career to adhere strictly to principle, and by that standard he desired to be judged. (Applause.) Closing his remarks, Mr. Fowlds hoped that he would see started in the different centres of New Zealand something on the lines of the Boston Twentieth Century Club—a club on a basis broad enough to includo reformers of every class, where all sections of reformers might meot together in council, and hear each individual scheme propounded, so that they would be ablo to pick what is best in each. During the evening songs were given by Mr. J. Reid, Mr. Doran, Mr. Tudehope, Miss Tilly, Mrs. King, and Mr. J. Mitchell.

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. Yesterday afternoon tho annual meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held in tho Central Mission Hall, Albertstreet. Mrs. Thome (acting-president), in Miss Brown's absenco in England, presided. There was a very good attendanco of members. Tho annual reports of secretaries and treasurer were received and adopted; also, report from Young People's Union. The election of officers then took place. Mrs. Thorne was elected president; Miss Caloy, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Plummer, recording secretary; Mrs. Dewar, treasurer; Mrs. Main, delegate to convention. Expressions of regret and sympathy were expressed that the indefatigable corresponding secretary, Mrs. Garland, was compelled, through severe illhealth, to resign her post. The election of superintendents was postponed till next meeting. Two new members joined the union. The convention will meet in Auckland on February 14, 1900. Friends who aro willing to entertain aro requested to signify their desire to Miss Caley, Burleigh-street. Tlio union is now in recess till tho fourth Wednesday in January.

AUCKLAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The adjourned annual meeting* of the Auckland Rifle Association was held at tho Drill Hall last evening, Mr. R. G. Cox in the chair. Officers wero elected for the ensuing year as under:—Patron, His Worshipthe Mayor (Mr. Goldio); president, Mr. W. Thome; vice-presidents, Messrs. Caldwell, J. J. Holland, T. Peacocke, R. H. Abbott, G. Fowlds, W. S. Wilson, H. C. Tewsley, Wesley Spragg, M. McCallum, H. Brett, G. W. S. Patterson, and Dr. Baldwin; committee, Captain Abbott, Lieutenants Johnson and Cox, P.O. G. Spinley, Corporal Phillips, Privates Stoplions and Tobin, Messrs. H. Doughty, E. Buchanan, and Chatfield; secretary and treasurer, Mr. 0. P. Taylor. Tho annual competition was fixed for January 27 and 28, and it was decided to request each company to enter at least three members, in order to ensure the success of the meeting. It was decided that the executive to settle disputes or protests that may arise should bo composed of three non-competitors, and it was arranged to hold the first meeting of the new committee for the purpose of framing the programme on Thursday evening next. A hearty vote of thanks to tho outgoing secretary, Mr. G. Dormer, for past services was carried with acclamation, and that gentleman notified that while business engagements prevented his continuing office, he would be always pleased to forward the interests of tho association as far as lay in his power.

CONCERT IN ST. GEORGE'S HALL. St. George's Hall, Grey Lynn, was very well filled last evening, when a grand draw-ing-room entertainment was given in aid of the funds of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church choir. A number of leading Auckland artists contributed items, and the concert was of a most enjoyable character, encore numbers being frequently demanded. Mr. A. L. Edwards, who was in capital voice, sang "Mary" and " Let Me Liko a Soldier Fall," in both of which items his pleasing tenor was heard to advantage, while he was also most successful in the duet " Excelsior," with Mr. Wilfred Manning. The latter gentleman was well received in "The Desert." The Huia Club, consisting of Messrs. A. Wyn-yai'd-Joss, Dacrc (2), Whitley, and Morley, played the quintetta "Prince Charming," doing the pretty waltz full justice, the limo being particularly good. Mr. A. WynyardJoss (mandolin) played his own composition, "Templemore March," which nrnvarl a. bright

and catchy little composition; also "Killarney," both of which found great favour. Other artists who assisted in bringing tho entertainment- to a successful issue were the Misses Farrell (2), Ferguson, Sommervillo, and Gordon, and Messrs. H. Davey, W. Steele, and D. A. Sommerville. Mr. Alt. Hartley made ail excellent accompanist.

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE. A very enjoyable entertainment by the pupils of St. Patrick's Convent schools was given at tho Catholic Institute, Wellingtonstreet, last evening, tho funds derived from which were devotee! to tho Diocesan Education Board. There was a very fair attendance present, and the various items wore enthusiastically received. The overture, " Martha," was well played by Mr. P. Hiscocks' boys' orchestra, and the pupils scored a distinct success in the solo and oliorus, "Funiculi Funieula," and the action song, "Dancing Lesson:" while tho children of St Joseph's school gave tho chorus. "Tambourine Song," capitally. Other contributors to the excellent programme who met with well-merited success were the Misse6 Graham, F. Quinn, Duffiu. Oorley, Iveyee, and Ricketts, and Messrs. St. L. Tonar and W. Skerrett. Miss Quinn accompanied the vocalists most successfully.

Y.M.C.A. CRICKET CLUB'S SOCIAL. A very enjoyable social was held last evening in connection with thoT.M.C.A. Cricket Club ill tho Y.M.C.A. Social Hall, Mr. F. M. Hay in the chair. There were about 40 members present. The chairman gave an address, exhorting all members to stick to their colours and support the club in a true and patriotic manner. Mr. Charles Kissling favoured the audience with well-sung items " Longshoreman Billy" and "The Admiral's Broom,' which was followed by an encore; and Mr. Kissling gave "Tho Deathless Annv. Mr. Offer followed with the song, ' Out on the Deep," which was very much appreciated. Mr. George Brown's recitation, How tho Crickets Came to Killalloo" caused a round of applause. Mr. Rewcastle sang the favourite song, "Sons of the Empire, and Mr. Bush gave a muscial item. Air. J. M. Hay favoured the audienoo with a recitation, entitled, "Napoleon." Mr. Geo. Warren and Mr. Ritclier played the accompaniments admirably.

MUSICAL EVENING. List evening Mr. W. H. Wobbe, Miss M. Spooner, and many of their pupils, gavo their 83rd musical evening at the School of Music, Grafton Road. A high-class, pleasing, and varied programme was excellently rendered, and included piano quartets by Mozart and Mendelssohn: duo for two nianos, bv Raff' organ and piano duos, by Mendelss6hn and wot! ' and piano solos by Chopin, «. S. Bennett, and Wachs. Visitors' items were contributed by Misses L. Barker and F. Maxwell. Mr. A. L. Edwards and Herr Zimmermann. At the conclusion of the programme Mr. Webbe presented a number of certificates gained by the pupils at- the last trinity College, London, theoretical examinations.