ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11533, 19 November 1900, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY. A matixek performance of " The Geisha" was given at the Opera House on Saturday | afternoon by Mr. Pollard's Opera Company, i when there was one of the largest audiences of the present season. The bright little work was splendidly presented, principals and chorus alike excelling themselves, almost every number being encored. In the evening Wallace's "Maritana" was produced for the second time, and once more there was a remarkably largo attendance. The title role was on this occasion assumed by Miss Rosa Stevens, who acquitted herself admirably. She has a voice of good range, though perhaps somewhat light in volume, and she treated her solo work with taste and expression. Her top notes proved delightfully clear, and the beautiful numbers falling to her lot were bo well given that she gained several recalls. In " Scenes That Are Brightest" and the duet " Of Fairy Wand," she was perhaps at her best. Taking Miss Stevens' performance in toto, it deserved great praise. Slightly nervous though she apparently was, she yet made a charming Maritana. It speaks volumes for this company that, not only can they stage such a work as this of Wallace's so well, but that they possess in their ranks two ladies so capable of playing the leading role with such marked success as Miss Stevens and Miss May Beatty. The remainder of the caste was the same a3 on the opening night, and the sterling performances of Messrs. Charles Carter (Don Caesar), D. O'Connor (King of Spain), and E. Fitts (Don Jos©), made a deep impression. Miss Agnes Smith again made a great hit as Lazarillo. and was loudly applauded for her singing of " Alas! Those Chimes." Miss Mowbray's dance in the second act evoked a good deal of applause. To-night "Maritana" will again be staged, Miss May Beatty taking the title role. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. A crowded house witnessed the really firstclass entertainment at the City Hall on Saturday night, and continuous rounds of applause • testified to the satisfaction which every item gave. Miss Ivy Scott, who made her first appearance, is a really excellent young serio artiste. She has a very pretty voice, ami gave her songs with a verve and vim which caused her to jump into immediate favour with the audience. Her performance ail round was one of exceptional merit, and deserved the enthusiastic applause it received. Another fresh artist was Mr. Connev Moreny, a capital exponent of triple horizontal bar exercises. His foot and hand work was exceptionally neat, and he provided a really good act. The WilUams quartette, Mr. Fred Sinclair, and Mr. Johnny Cowan, who appeared for the last time, received a splendid send-off, bouquets being handed up to the performers. Messrs. McKisson riid Kearns' silent act was also excellent, their tumbling and acrobatic display being very good indeed. Mr. Charles Howard received a double encore for the song, "Irishmen Must be There," and Mi Ida Roslyn's hearty reception proved that her capital singing and dancing met with proper appreciation. Mr. Harry Leggett's comic songs also received loud applause. To-night the wellknown comedian and end-man, Mr. Frank M. Clark, will make his first appearance: also, the Linwood Sisters, song and dance artiste?. An exceptionally good programme can therefore be anticipated. FULLER'S WAXWORKS. Despite the inclemency of the weather, and many counter-attractions, Mr. Fuller's popular entertainment at the Agricultural Hall was enthusiastically received by a crowded audience on Saturday night. Owing to the presence of two new artistes. Miss Amy Blaekie and Mr. Wal. Cottier, a larger amount of interest than usual was evidenced. Both artistes had come with excellent reputations, and before the conclusion of the performance had proved that the flattering reports were more than justified. Miss Blackie, the possessor ot an excellent contralto voice, charmed the audience with her singing of "Only a Leaf," and "Espanita." and had to answer again and again to the loud anplause which greeted her efforts. Mr. Wal. Cottier, a comedian of no mean order, had a!«o tp render a number of encore items. Mr. Charles Failing and Miss Georgie Devoe are becoming nightly more popular, and created hearty laughter by their clever sketches. Miss Mvra James. Messrs. Ted Hnrberte. and Denis Carney, the Tylers, and Master Freddy were all equally well received. The audience went home in excellent good humour after witnessing Charles Faning's screaming farce, "Betsy's Beaux." CONCERT AT MOUNT ALBERT. A concert in aid o't the funds to erect a suitable memorial stone ove. the grave of Alfred Chatwin, killed while playing football, was held in the Mount Albert Hall on Friday last, Mr. Geo. Fowlds in the ,chair. The following excellent programme was gone through:—Pianoforte solo, "King Cotton March," Miss Miller; song. "Only a Leaf," Mr. Smithson : quartette, "The Two Roses," Messrs. Astley: song. " The Swallows," Miss Farrell: banjo solo, Mr. Martin; song, "Kathleen Mavourneen." Mr. W. Astlev; recitation, "Lasca, the Cowboy's Love," Mr. P. A. Smith ; song. " The Andalusian Maid," Miss Knight; song, "The Last Muster," Mr. G. Higgott; song, '*»Waiting," Miss Farrell; quartette, "Banished Maiden," Messrs. Astley; song, "Twilight," Miss Wrigley; recitation, "The Man from Snowy River," Mr. P. A. Smith, and in response to an enthusiastic encore, Tim Turnin:" song, " As Your Hair Grows Whiter," Mr. Geo. Higgott; song, "If All the Stars were Mine," Miss Knight; banjo solo. Mr. Martin; song, "The Skipper," Mr. W. Astley.

SALES OF WORK. At St. Paul's the sale of work was continned on Saturday evening. A character sketch was given by Messrs. Adie and Leaning, "I'll Not Play in Your Backyard." At nine o'clock the balance of the goods were auctioned. The result will be an acceptable addition, to the funds. The sale of work at St. James' Hall, in aid of St. James' Church twentieth century fund, was brought to a clcse on Saturday evening. There was a gift auction at the close. The friends are hopeful that their object has been attained; the removal of the debt from the hall.