ENTERTAINMENTS ANI MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11781, 10 October 1901, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS ANI MEETINGS.

COSGROVE COMEDY COMPANY. The Cosgrove Comedy Company presented the four-act play " Sapho at the Opera. House last night before a good house. Some curiosity was rife as to what kind of a piece this is, seeing that it, or a play bearing the same name, has been the subject of adverse criticism. What last night's audience witnessed was a fairly strong dramatisation of Daudet's novel. It was not remarkable for any meritorious qualities, being, in our opinion, vulgar in parts and needlessly suggestive more than once. Some of the lines would have been better unspoken, if orfly because of their lack of humour where humour was apparently intended. The plot of " Sapho" is, to say the least of it, an unsavoury one, and it introduces characters which are anything but edifying. The name part was entrusted to Miss Emmie Owen, who made a somewhat feeble attempt to carry out what was required of her. She apparently took the role at short notice. Mr. B. Standing was successful as Jack, giving a careful portrayal of the character. Mis* Queenie Cross acted gracefully as Irene, Jack's fiancee, and Mr. John Cosgrove caused a good deal of amusement as Uncle Ctesar. The other parts in a long cast were all more or less capably filled. " Sanho" will bo repeated to-night.

DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. The last three nights are announced at the City Hall of Miss Fanny Powers and Miss Beattie Galardi. On Saturday next Miss Elsie Rosser will make her reappearance, and on Tuesday next Little Alma Gray will reappear, and on the same evening the Rio troupe of acrobats will make their first appearance in Auckland. The Rio troupe is composed of two gentlemen and one lady, the latter acting as tho " strong-man" of the combination. Another new appearance on the same evening will be Miss Maud Fanning. Mr. Austin Paidd, the English comique, is a conspicuous success, and nightly creates much enthusiasm. Tho appearance of Mr. Ernest Fitts is also the signal for loud and enthusiastic applause. Miss Maud Hewson, the New Zealand contralto, is thoroughly appreciated. Mr. Frank Yorke continues to be a host in himself and tho other members of the company ably contribute to the programme.

FEDERAL HALL. The carnival entertainment provided at the Federal Hall, Wellesley-street West,'attracted a very good attendance of amuse-ment-seekers last evening, and, judging by the applause that greeted the majority of the contributors, and the encores that were frequently demanded, it would seem chat the programme was to the taste of lovers of this particular class of amusement. An almost complete change of programme was submitted. Mr. Sidney Warren made, his first appearance with the company, his principal contributions being the mirth-provok-ing comic songs "Hooligan" and "The Ammunition Van." The newcomer was well received and proved himself a capable comedian and descriptive vocalist. Miss Florence Valiski sung "The Carnival" with great success, and was enthusiastically applauded for her selections on the mandolyra and banjo. Mr. Arthur Hahn's fine bass voice was heard to great advantage in " Sons of New Zealand" and " Out on the Deep," the popular basso having to respond to encores. Others who contributed with success to a diversified and pleasing programme were Miss Linda Burfoot (siffleuse). Misses E. Raymond and Alice Lyddia (dancers), Mr. Stanley Graham (tenor vocalist), and Mr. Seymour (comic vocalist). The same programme will bo repeated this evening, and for Saturday afternoon a children's matinee is announced.

LIBERAL AND LABOUR FEDERATION

A meeting of the Auckland electoral branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation of New Zealand was held in the Cookstreet Hall last night. Mr. E. H. Montgomery was elected secretary, and Mr. H. A. H. Hitchens treasurer of the branch. It was decided to write to Mr. Geo. Fowlds, M.H.R., as a trustee of the Costley School for Boys, Richmond Road, asking for a public inquiry into the charges made against the management of the institution, and failing a satisfactory reply to write to the Government. Mr. W. Beehan gave notice of a motion claiming preference for Aucklanders in city appointments and for New Zealanders in Government appointments.

SALE OF WORK AT ST. JOHN'S

SCHOOLROOM.

A very picturesque spectacle was presented last night at a sale of work at St. John's Wesleyan schoolroom, Ponsonby, in connection with the church. Several months' united and individual effort had enabled the people of St. John's to exhibit an excellent and attractive display. The articles are to be sold in order to raise sufficient funds to provide the church with a new and up-to-date pipe organ. The interior of the building is laid out in a series of stalls, laden with fancywork, pictures, etc. They are festooned with long, many-coloured streamers, and hung with flags representing almost every nation. There are also numerous side-shows, including a Christmas tree for the young, and outside the building a tent is erected where competitions are to take place. The following are the stalls and the stkll-holders: — Fancy stall, Mesdames Ready, Blomfield and Miss Cook; plain work stall, Mesdames Heron, Carter, Hartly, Ewen, Main Miss Joint bachelors' stall, Misses Scott, Price and Martin; refreshment stall, Mrs. B. Scott and Misses Scott and Boyne; confectionery stall, Misses Beale, Beaumont and Gittos; Christmas tree. Miss R. Crisp; flower stall, Misses Wilson, Carter and Blomfield; weighing machine and electric battery, Mr. «T. Green; and the gramophone, Mr. Prosser. Yesterday afternoon Mr. C. J. Parr, senior councillor for the district, performed the opening ceremony, saying that it gave him groat pleasure to inaugurate the sale. In the evening the grounds surrounding the church presented a very gay and attractive appearance, large Chinese lanterns being suspended from the walls of the church. Enjoyable selections were rendered by Mr. Hannken's orchestra last evening. The talckings throughout the afternoon and evening amounted to £72. The sale will be continued to-day.

THE AUCKLAND SCENERY CONSERVATION SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the committee of tho Auckland Scenery Conservation Society was held at the secretary's office on Monday, when there were present: The Rev. Dr. Purchas (vice-president), Colonel Burton. Dr. H. Haines, Messrs. H. Atkinson, Burtt, Churton, Courtney, and Holt (secretary). Apologies wero received from five members, who were unable to attend. Letters were received from the town clerk stating that instructions had been given to cut gorse and dead trees from the Domain, according to the society's request, and accepting the society's offer to plant native trees; also, stating that the Council had agreed to allow the restoration of the Churton memorial on old St. Paul's site, and to contribute towards the cost. The secretary of the Mount Eden Domain Board wrote accepting tho society's offer to erect notice boards concerning the preservation of trees, seats, etc., on public reserves. The hon. treasurer stated that the society's account had been transferred to the Auckland Savings Bank. Five of tho existing sub-committees were confirmed, Mr. Churton's name being added to that for the Churton memorial, and all others were discharged, their work being finished for tho present. Mr. H. Atkinson called attention to the lands purchased by the City Council, near the Nihotupu stream, 111 connection with tho waterworks, and handed in a copy of the agreement between himself and the Council, containing provisions for the preservation of the natural bed of the stream, and tho bush along the banks; also for planting with suitable trees and shrubs bare parts of the land acquired, which are not actually needed for the waterworks. The members present thanked Mr. Atkinson, and expressed gratification that these matters had been provided for.

WESLEYAN QUARTERLY MEETING.

The quarterly meeting of the Grafton Road I Wesley an circuit was held at Newmarket on j Tuesday. Twenty-one officials were present, the Rev. 11. Bull presiding. The church membership, 215, with 16 on trial, was an increase upon the numbers reported last quarter. The circuit stewards, Messrs. R Wall is and T. Buddie, presented the balancesheet, showing circuit income for the quarter, £123 lis 9d; expenditure, £135 10g. Committees were appointed for the removal of the debit balance, together with previous debt, and for placing the circuit finances j upon a sounder foundation. Arrangements ! were made for celebrating home missionary j anniversaries through the circuit. In the | absence of Mr. .Tories, the chairman presented i toe Sunday-school's report, showing scholars, bob; teachers. 62; volumes in library 2369 Messrs. Shepherd and Wallis were thanked lor the loan of horses and buggy for conveyance of preachers to the services. The Rev. J. T. Pinfold reported result of special meetings at Parnell. Messrs. John Burton and H. Gil more were elected substitute representatives to the Synod. Messrs. H. Gil more and E. Ormiston were appointed auditors of circuit accounts. Report on I he Outlook was presented. Mr." Buddlo

spoke in terms of high commendation of the iviner It was agreed to promote its cir dilation through the circuit. On the " 01 " 1 " nation of the circuit stewards, the " ev - xx. Bull was invited to remain a second year 111 the circuit, and the Rev. J. T. Pinfold a fourth Mr. Buddie moved a congratulatory resolution to Mr. and Mrs. Singer, Parnell, on tho celebration of their golden wedding. This was seconded by Mr. F. Shepherd, one of Mr. Singer's earliest Auckland pupils. The resolution was carried by acclamation, and Mr. Singer suitably replied.

MR. GEO. ALDRIDGE'S LECTURE. Every seat in tho Church of Christ, Weststreet, was occupied last night, when Mr. Geo Aldridge crave one of his popular lectures on "Alfred the Great—England s Darling. ' The lecturer dealt with his subject in a very interesting manner, and at the close of the lecture ho was accorded a vote of thanks.