ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11368, 10 May 1900, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE POLLARD SEASON.

The revival of the popular comio opera " Paul Jones" by the Pollard Company last night was witnessed by a largo number of the public at the Opera House. Sinco the piece was last represented by Mr. Pollard's clever combination, Miss Maud Beatty, who made such a dashing Paul, has left the stage, and the part has been assigned to Miss Jennie Opie. Her fine contralto voice was heard to advantage in tho many taking solos which go with the part of the daring pirate, and her stage presence suited the charaoter admirably, her make-up in the second and third acts being especially good. The audience was lavish in its applause of Miss Opie's numbers, for several of which t'he was recalled. Miss Lily Stephens, as Yvonne, aoted_ with engaging naivete, and sang the music piloted to her charmingly. She was particularly successful in her duets with Miss Opie, and shared the honours of tho evening with her handsome suitor. Miss May Beatty was cast for tho part of Chopinette, tho irascible lady of tho inn who spent her spare time chasing her worse half round tho promises with a broom, and played with her usual success. The solo, " Look at My Sabot" was ancored. Mr. Alf. Stephens and Master 0. Albert, in their well-known characters of Bouillibaisse and his off-shoot Potit Pierre- respectively, were most amusing. The business of both these artistes was decidedly clever. Double encores followed most of their ridiculously funny duets. Mr. E. Nable interpreted the oart of tho stern guardian (Bicoquet) admirably, and Mr. Chas. Carter as Rufino sang wuh considerable success. "Tho Carnival," and interpolated item, was deservedly encored. Mr. W. S. Percy took his old part of Don Trocadoro, which suits-his particular style of agile humour to a nicety, and gives him full scope to securo that applause which always greets him. Other parts were capably filled bv Miss Nellie Wilson (Malagnona), Mr. G. Young (Kit Kestrel), Mr. Vaughan (Captain Octrai). The scenery, staging, and dressing were all up to Mr. Tom Pollard's high standard. Tho choruses and dances wero well managed and always effecI tive. Those in tho last act were particularly appreciated. Mr. Arthur King and his ablo orchestra, with Mr. Chas. Bunz as leader, performed with their accustomed skill. " Paul Jones" will be repeated this evening. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Again a very large audience was attracted to the City Hall last evening, the programme presented hem" most cordially received. "A. Day in Morocco," the new first-part, was greatly admired. Mis Ida Roslyn, and the Warsaw Brothers again met with a hearty reception. Mr. Frank Yorko, Mis? May Marlow, Mr. Walter Rivers, Miss Bodin and Mr. Collins wero all most successful. Tho samo nrogramme mil be given this evening. To-morrow evening Mr. Dix gives a complimentary performance to assist tho fund for sending Mr. E. Reynolds to Paris. • CENTRAL MISSION.

The third anniversary of tho Central Mission was brought to a successful closo last evening by a tea in the Albert-street Hall. Tho members of the mission spared no pains in making the hall attractive by decorations of all descriptions. Four long tables (presided over by lady workers of the mission), groaned with luxuries of every kind, which wero done ample justice to by fully 30C visitors. Tea over, tho tables were c'ened, and tho seating accommodation arranged for the after-meeting, which filled too hall to its utmost capacity. Tho Rev. Win, Gittos opened the mooting with prayer, Mr. W _ H. Smith, tho superintendent of tho rrWcn, following with a short address, touching upon the mission's work and its third anniversary. Mr. J. J. Mackay, secretary, then read his report of the work accomplished by the mission, showing clearly that good work is being done He mentioned that 169 persons during the past year had entered tho inquiryroom, many of whom were now leading honost Christian lives. Over 100,000 cards of invitations to the Sunday eveninr meetings woro distributed during the past year. The_ Christian Endeavour branch of the mission is still employing throe native evangelists in China. Mr. Thos. Miller (tho treasurer) then submitted his report, stating that at no time during the past has the mission ever been short of funds when needed, and from tho balance-sheet it will be seen that financially, as well as spiritually,' the mission is prospering. Incomo from all sources was £323 19s 6d; balance in hand, £2 8s sd. The superintendent, on behalf of the mission, and more especially tho orchestra, now performed a. very pleasing' ceremony, in presenting Mr. Forbes with a purst; of sovereigns. Mr. Forbes Forbes lias for some months taken in hand the orchestra, and under his able tuition it is now very efficient. Mr. Forbes very feelingly responded, thanking the mission for their kind, though quite unexpected, gift. During tho evening short addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. Laycoek, Sister Howard, who (owing to Sister Francis' indisposition) gavo an interesting account of their visitations in the city, hospital, and gaol. Mr. Shalders spoke a few words, congratulating the members of tho mission on their devotion and success. The Rev. Mr. Walker gavo an interesting account of his visitations since he became missionor. Sister Kenneth, from tho Helping Hand Mission, gave greetings, and the Rev. Mr. dittos wound up by wishing Cod speed to the mission. At intervals the orchestra rendered somo very fine selections, while Mrs. Wood sang a solo very acceptably.

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE

MISSION.

Tho usual fortnightly meeting of tho Women's Christian Temperance Union was held yesterday afternoon, in tho Central Mission Hall. It wns decided to chango the day of meeting to Thursday. It was also decided to hold a social with tho ladies of Ponsonby, who are interested in tho work, with a view to forming a branch union in Ponsonby. Some correspondence was read and dealt with.