ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11544, 1 December 1900, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE POLLARD SEASON.

The Pollards played Gilbert and Sullivan's beautiful opera, The Gondoliers," last night at the Opera House-before a very appreciative audience. There were several changes in the casto since the company was last in Auckland, notably in the parts of Marco and Guicseppe, 'the two kings, which were taken by Mr. Charles Carter and Mr. D. O'Connor respectively with considerable success. The singing of both was most melodious, and Mr. Carter scored greatly in " Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes." Miss Lily Stephens, as Tessa, and Miss May Beatty, as Gianetta, played and sang with naivete. Both received encores, and the former was the recipient of a beautiful basket of flowers after one of her solos. Mr. Harry Qusaly made his first appearance this season in his old part of the Grand Inquisitor, and, of course, did not fail to amuse the audience with his smart by-play and facial expression. Mr. Alf. Stephens, as the Duke of Plaza Toro, was also responsible for a good deal of the mirth. Miss Agues Smith as Casilda and Miss Nellie Wilson as Louis gained a well-deserved encore for the pretty duet, Ah, Woe is Me." The choruses were exceedingly well rendered, and the scenery and the mounting were up to Mr. Tom. Pollard's weH-known standard. This afternoon there will be a matinee performance of " The Bohemian Girl," and this evening "La Mate-otto" is to be staged. The last performance prior to the company's departure for Australia takes place on Monday, and the piece chosen is "In Town." No doubt there will be a crowded house to bid farewell to these popular entertainers, who will be much missed during thoir long absence in the neighbouring colonies. DIN'S GAIETY COMPANY. The 88th week of continuous occupancy of the City Hall by Mr. P. R. Dix's Gaiety Company starts with to-night's programme, and an entertainment bright, refined and original is announced. Mr. Frank M. dark introduces new songs and a farcical sketch, " Rehearsal" (assisted by members of the company). Miss Ivy Scott will sing original items, and Professor Butler, a novr arrival, will make his first appearance and introduce his fancy Indian club-swinging exercises. Miss Ida Roslyn presents new ssrio turns, Mr. Howard first-class ballads, and Messrs. MoKisson and Reams an original Irish sketch. The Faust trio, the Winga/te Sisters, the Linwood Sisters, and Mr. Harry Leggett will also appear. The advertisement, published in another column, gives full details, and a glance at it will show that an entertainment of all-round excellence will be given. FULLERS' BIJOU COMPANY. The pleasing entertainment provided by the Messrs. Fullers' Company attraetod a large attendance to the Agricultural Hall last evening, the artists being well received and encores frequent. Sivroni, aptly named the india-rubber man, made his second appearance with the company, and was even more successful than on the opening night, both with his dances and as a come<£a.n; white another now arrival in Miss Si-lvini, serio-comic, established herself as a decided favourite with patrons. All tho ofchor members were at their host, and after an amusing farce those present left in his;h good humour and ilwroughly satisfied with the entertainment. To-night there will no a complete cltwigo of programme, when Mjss Amy Blaokie will sing " British Bom ;" Mr. Dennis Carney, " Liza's Trip on the Ocean," and a number rrf other comic songs. Mr. Ted Herberto will sing "The Conductor's Sfcory" and "The Fireman's Dream." Mr. Wal. Cottier will sing several comic: songs, and will produce the farce " He Canrics a Razor." Mr. Arthur Hargrove, Miss Mvra James, and Master Freddy will also appear.

PARIS EXPOSITION. A novel and unique entertainment, termed tho Paris Imposition, was given last evening (in connection with an elocutionary entertainmoat) in the Foresters' ill, Mr. F. A. Clarke being the promoter. There was a good attendance. A bird's-eye view of tho Paris Exposition wis guven and a series of pictures, the descriptive narrative being given by the competitors in tho elocutionary contest. The views were wa-irfty applauded, as also the competitors. Mr. Hugh McLeod, 8.A., acted as judge of the elocution. There were two divisionsover 16 and under 16 years of ace. Mr. James Donovan and Miss Mabel Ward v ere allotted -.the highest marks in tho senior division, and Miss Alice Moses and Miss Winnie Hipkiiia in the junior division. The orchestra played suitable music. Theire will ho a matinee this afternoon, to which the children of both tho Tarnell and Ponsonby .Orphan Horn op have lwon invited. At. tho entertainment in the evening the final contests in elocution will tako place, and the prizes will be awarded. The Bavarian band will supply the music in Hie evening. MUSICAL EVENING-. At the School of Music, Grafton Road, on Thursday evening, Mr. W. H. Webbe and pupils pave their 9®th open musical evening. Tho 16 items in tho programme as usual were well selected, and both the solo and ensemble playing were exceedingly good. Tho piano Quartets, by four different classes, included compositions of Beethoven, Mozart, Moszkowaki, and Oa?ar Schmidt. The other ensemble pieces wore by Strauss-Alberti and Gounod-Bach. The piano solos were: "Sonata in F Minor" (Beethoven). Mr. A. Walton; "Am Ganfor See," No. 3 (Bendel), Miss M. McMtwter; "Barcarolle" in G (Rubinstein), and "Etude Appassionato" (Wolff), _ Miss Spoonor; " Oa.jsricaJite" (Waclis), Miss V. Hughes; "Polish Dance," No. 7 (Scharwen'ka), Miss G. Davidson. The visitors' items were contributed by Miss S. Lewis (violin), Miss H. Evans (soprano). Mrs. and Mr. M. Hamilton Hodges, and Mr. Horace Stubbing. At the conclusion of tho programme, Mr. Wobbo drew attention to the printed report of tho work done at the school for tho year, which was a most satisfactory ono. LIEDERTAFEL SMOKE CONCERT. Tho second smoke concert of the season under the auspices of tho Auckland Liedertafel took place at the Freemasons' Hall, Princes-street, last evening, when, with members and invited guests, upwards of 100 were present. A varied and enjoyable programme was presented, including four items by the members, which were of a high order of merit. Songs were contributed by Messrs. Aspinall, T. B. Roue, H. Davey (humorous), a cornet solo by Master West, and two numbers by tho Waiata Glee Club. During intervals 10froshments were handed round, and altogether a very pleasant time was spent. SALE OF WORK. A gift sale and sacred concert was held yesterday in St. Luke's Hall, Remucra, the proceeds being devoted tc the Poona mission fund. In addition to the various stalls on which numerous useful articles were exposed for sale, a number of curios collected in heathen lands wore exhibited, and excited much interest. Tho sale was a successful ono and was well patronised both in tho afternoon and evening. A choice musical programme was given in the evening, and met with great approval. Miss Ilimmcr sang, "Ho Shall Give His Angels Charge," very sweetly, and was also heard to advantage with Miss Taylor in the duets, "The Land of Love," and "Oh, for Thy Wings." Mr. Brook sang, "Go in Peace," and Mr. Young, "Light of tho World." Two beautiful solos, "Angels Bright and Fair," and " Tho Hymn of Eve," received capable treatment by Mrs. Sibbald, who was in good voice, her enunciation being very clear. Miss T. Gay contributed two pianoforte solos, and Miss Cooper two vocal items. TAMAKT WEST SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT. A successful entertainment was given in the Tamaki West school on Thursday evening, in aid of the prizo fund. Tho greater part of the programme consisted of limelight views, and selections on the phonograph, kindly provided by Mr. H. Chatteris, all of which were greeted with applause. Songs, illustrated by limelight views, were contributed by Miss E. -Mitchell, who sang "Killarney." "By the Fountain." "Fiddle And I" and "Daddy," by Mr. Grindrod (of the Auckland Liedertafel), who sang, "The Little Hero" and "The Village Blacksmith;" and Mr. Gatenby (also of the Auckland Liedertafel), sang. "The Anchor's Weighed," while "Robin Adair" was given by the pupils of the school. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mi. Massey, chairman of the committee, and seconded by Mr. Kinder, was accorded to all those who had contributed to the success of the evening, especially to Mr. Chatteris, who had taken great pains to make the entertainment successful. ■ This was acknowledged by Mr. Gatenby. and the evening concluded with the National Anthem by the phonograph.