ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11780, 9 October 1901, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

COSGROVE COMEDY COMPANY. The performance of the laughable comedy, "The Alhainbra Girl," by the Cosgrove Comedy Company at the Opera House- last night, was such as to entitle it to a better share of public patronage than fell to its lot. The audience were kept in a constant state of amusement as the play advanced, one comical situation following upon another in rapid succession. Mr. John Cosgrove sustained the main burden of the comedy, in the character of Arthur Glover. He had to depict a mother-in-law-ridden husband of flirting propensities, who, to get himself out of an awkward situation was forced into telling a string of " fibs," which only land him deeper in trouble. He acted with much humour, and caused roars of laughter. Miss Cecel Hughes made a p.... - ticularly fierce mother-in-law. Miss Queenic Cross gave a good character study of the somewhat bold "Alhambra Girl," who came near wrecking the domestic peace of Arthur Glover, by forcing hor acquaintance upon him The other parts were capably filled by Miss Gertrude Millar, Miss Phillis Desmond, Miss Clara Burton, Messrs. Richard Allen, Fred Becker, and Faueett Kowe. The last three nights of the season are announced. To-night " Sapho," the play which has given rise to so much controversy and criticism in other parts of the world, will be produced. The company will at the closo of their season, visit the goldfields, opening at Waihi next week. Mr. T. Smith, who managed the goldfields tour for the .Corrick family, leaves for Waihi in advance to-morrow.

DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Mr. Austin Rudd, the English comedian and star comic singer, is proving a strong attraction at the City Hall, and is nightly the recipient of loud and prolonged applause, the artist- being recalled four and live times nightly. Another great favourite is little Fanny Powers, whose engaging manner, appropriate songs and clever dancing, is a distinct feature in the present programme. The fine singing of Mr. Ernest Fitts is always looked forward to. and the popular baritone's appearance is the signal for loud applause'. .Sir. Frank Yorke, and the other members ot the company all do good work in completing a thoroughly enjoyable programme. The Rio Troupe of acrobats, Miss Maud Fanning, and Little Alma Gray, are shortly to make their appearance.

AUCKLAND CYCLE ROADS LEAGUE. The usual meeting of the Auckland Cycle Roads League was held last night in the club rooms. Present: Messrs. Choree (in the chair), P. A. Vaile, Dixon, Coidicutt, Crozier, Kenning, Pountney, and the secretary. The hon. secretary explained the circumstances in connection with the council's late telegram reported to have been pent to the Premier, and it was resolved that the council regret the error, and that in future no press notices be sent until the documents or telegrams to which they relate have actually been despatched. A favourable telegram from the Premier was received, and also correspondence from Mr. Fowlds,

FEDERAL HALL. There was a large audience at the Federal Hall last night, when the carnival programme that met with such a hearty reception on Saturday evening was repeated, and its popularity was proved by the numerous encores that were demanded. An attractive first part, introducing a Venetian scene, with the requisite accessories, was pleasingly and effectively staged, and the opening chorus. ' Finnicule, Finnecula," went well, the soloist. Mr. Stanley Graham, being recalled. A successful item was a gavotte, prettily danced by six performers, limelight effects being "introduced, and a tambourine dance carried out by Misses Raymond and Liddia, and auxiliaries, was also well received. Miss F. Valiski was down for two items, and was doubly encored for both. She sang '"The Carnival," with mandolin accompaniment, very sweetly, and on her recall for a mandolyra solo, gave an item on the banjo. Mr. Arthur Halm's fine bass voice was heard £0 advantage, and for his songs, "The Gallants of England" and "The Skipper," he was doubly encored; and he also hit the popular taste with "Asleep in the Deep," and "Father O'Flynn.'" Miss Linda Burfoot gave a whistling solo, and proved herself a siffleuse of no mean order. Messrs. Henry Seymour and J. D. Stoyle were responsible for the comic element, and created much merriment by original and intensely amusing: comic numbers. The entertainment concluded with a comedy sketch entitled, " A Supper for Three," performed by a strong ca*te. and which met with marked appreciation. To-night Hie programme will be changed, and new artistes will be introduced, including Mr. Sydney Warren, a comedy sketch specialist.

COUNCIL OF THE EVANGELICAL CHURCHES. The annual business meeting of the Council of the Evangelical Churches of Auckland and district was held in the lecture hall of the Y.M.C.A. on Monday evening. The Rev. J. Clark (president) occupied the chair. There was a good attendance of ministers and laymen, the various denominations being ■well represented. The annual report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. On the motion of the Rev. H. Bull, a cordial vote of thanks was presented to the outgoing officers and committee for their services during the past year. The chief business of the evening was the election of officers for the ensuing year, and the following appointments were made:—President, Archdeacon Calder (who at first intimated that he would be unable to take- the office, owing to the pressure of other work, at the same time cordially testifying to the practical value of the Council's work as promoting a healthy spirit of interdependence amongst the various churches, but on the emphatic request of the Council he consented to fill the position on the promise of all possible co-operation); vicepresidents, the Revs. H. Kelly, J. Clark, H. Bull, Messrs. H. M. Smeeton, C. M. Calder, and A. C. Brown : committee, the Revs. It. Y. Macnicol, W. 8. Potter, and G. H. Barrett, Messrs. A. Thome, W. Speckling, and G. Gregory: secretary, the P*ev. S. Griffith: treasurer. Mr. G. Fowlds, M.11.R. ; auditor-. Messrs. R. B. Heriot and W. H. Lambe. On the motion of the Rev. W. 8. Potter, it was resolved that five constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee. The Chairman referred to the fact that the Rev. .1. H. Greenhough, M.A. (president of the National Council of the Free Churches at Home), wa3 expected to arrive in Auckland on the 19th inst., and the Council unanimously resolved to extend to this distinguished visitor its most cordial welcome.