ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11535, 21 November 1900, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY. The fourth production of Wallace's "Marltana" by the Pollard Opera Company at the Opera House last night attracted a good bouse. The splendid reception which Aucklandeis have given to this fine piece makes one wish that the Pollard Company, in spite of their being always popular, had more frequently presented this class of entertainment. It is not generally known that Wallace composed the principal parts of " Maritana" whilst travelling in these colonios. It is said that he wrote "Let Mo Like a Soldier Fall" whilst in Nelson. It is all the more interesting on this account to see the piece produced by such a purely colonial company as the Pollards. Mr. Carter, as Don Ga?sar, was in oxcollent form last night. He seems to render this character more attractively on each appearance. Miss Rosa Stevens, as Maritana, made a most attractive Gipsy maid, and her singing was really high class! Mr. O'Connor, tho melancholy-vis-aged King of Spain, won enthusiastic applause. His easy natural manner of singing and his mellow voice makes him very popular. Mr. Pitts as the heavy villain succeeded in filling a difficult task well. "Maritana" should certainly not bo missed by anyone who likes really good music, and those who have soon the Pollards only in the lighter class of piece, should sec their presentation of one of the best operas ever produced in Now Zealand. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Another largo audience was present at the performance of Dix's Gaiety Company at the City Hall last evening. Mr. Frank Clark, one of the best , comedians yet seen at this popular house of amusement, has already installed himself a great favourite. Tho Linwood Sisters again proved a great draw, while the daring trapoze acts,, of the graceful Wingate Sisters wore loudly applauded. Mis? Ida Roslyn proved as attractive as ever, while Miss Ivy Scott secured a large share of the public favour. Messrs. Kearns and McKisson created great amusemont by their silent act, and Messrs. Conney, Moreny, and Harry Leggctt helped in no small measuro to tho pleasure of tho evening's entertainment. A how first act will be staged on Saturday first, and the Faust Sisters have already left Sydney for tho purpose of making their debut at tho City Hall. FULLER'S WAXWORKS. Fuller's Bijou Concert Company still attracts large audiences to tho Agricultural Hall. Last night's audience was no exception to the general rule. Mr. Chas. Failing and Miss Georgio Devon prove a host in themselves, and their clever performances are ablv seconded by Mr. Wal. Cottier, Miss Amy Bl?.ekie and the other members of the company, Miss Amy Blaokie's pleasing contralto voice was hoard to perfection in "Onlv a Leaf" and "Asthore." and gained for her a most distinct recall. A similar honour fell to tho othei members of tho company. Altogether the entertainment provided is capital. LITEKARY AND debating SOCIETY. The last meeting of the session of the above society was held in the schoolroom on Monday 'evening, at eight p.m. Mr. Young occupied the chair. There was a fairly good attendance. A most interesting and instructive lecture on Longfellow, with selections from his works, was read by the Rev. J. T. Pinfold (vice-president). The Rev. H. R. Dewsbury recited "Kin? Robert of Sicily" in a masterly manner, which was greatly appreciated. " The Village Blacksmith" was sung by Mr. Enrle, and several other members read selections. SOCIAL AT ELLERSLIE. A very successful social, promoted by the lc.dins of the Roman Catholic congregation at Ellerslie. was held in Cairns' Hall last week. The evening was devoted to dancing, interspersed by musical items and refreshments. The music was supplied by the Misses Mulkore, Austin, Kearin, and Master Kearin, and gave every satisfaction. The proceeds of the. social are to be used to augment a building fund already initiated for the purpose of erecting a Roman Catholic Church at Ellerslie.

PARNELL PUBLIC SCHOOL CONCERT. The Oddfellows' Hall was packed to the doors last evening, when the annual concert was tendered in connoetion with the rarnell district public school. - The programme, opened with the cantata, " Red Riding Hood," in which the characters were sustained by pupils of tho school, and the performance was a distinct credit to Mrs. Cooper, who had the arrangement and supervision of the production. Miss Darby rendering the incidental music. The caste was represented a.' follows:— Riding Hood, Miss Pearl Petford : Woodman, Master Petford ; Wolf, Master Mitchell; Buttercup, Miss E. Miller: and Grandmother, Misn K. Whitaker. A strong chorus of pupils sang ".Blue Bells" and "Flowers," under Miss Cooper's conductorship. A squad of children under Mr. Brown gave an Indian club display, and acquitted themselves'very well, and kept splendid time. A feature of the evening waa a whistling duct. "Tho Mocking Bird," introducing "Home Sweet Home." contributed by Miss Linda Burfoot and Mr. M. Lewis, tho lady proving herself an accomplished siffieusc, and possessing a large volume and range. Items were given by Mr. Woodward through the medium of the gramaphono. and dialect readings by Mr. Eagleton. Mr. A. L. Edwards was recalled for hi? song, "The -Death of Nelson, and Mr. M. Lewis made a decided hit with his comic songs. A recitation, "The Setting of tho Hen." contributed by Miss M. a. Tavor, evoked great applause. Another soloist that was successful was Miss Lily Thomson. The nogro choruses by the children, entitled "The Meerschaum Pipe, nnd "But It Is So," were well balanced and plensing'.v sun?. Mr. Munro acted as stage manager, and Miss Darby made an officiont accompanist throughout. The entertainment will be ' repeated Ibis evening, the proceeds being devoted towards the school piano fund.