ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11823, 28 November 1901, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY. "The Geisha." was staged last night for the third and last time. To-night "The Belle of New York" will bo the attraction. There is much that is hovel and bright in this musical comedy. The musio is of a sparkling character, particularly the chorus, and with a tricky sort of swing about it. The various performers are too well known to need particularising, suffice it to say that Misses May Beatty, Gertie Campion. Wilmot Karkeek, Nellie Wilson, Messrs. W. Percy, A. Stephens, H. Quealy, C. Carter, and G. Young will be found in their old parts, the only alterations being Mr. Jack O'Sullivan, who will take the part of Doe Snipkins, and Miss Jessie Ramsay, as Mamie Clancy. The Belle of New York" will be staged for three nights, giving way on Monday to " La Poupee." There will be a matinee on Saturday afternoon. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Madame Gelina Bobe continues to arouse great enthusiasm by her exquisite playing of the violin and xylophone. Miss Alma Gray appears for three more nights only, Mr. Charles Failing is a pronounced favourite, and the appearance of Miss Jennie Opio, the Sisters Litigant Miss May Lewis, Mr. Les Wharton is the signal hearty applause. On Saturday next four new artists will be added to the company, viz., Mr. Harry Shine (patter comedian). Miss Violet Elliott (contralto), Zobedie (equilibrist and handbalancer), and Miss Lilian Tree (operatic artist). WELCOME TO THE REV. J. 13. SNEYD. There was a large gathering of members of the congregation and friends from other Baptist Churches at the Mount Eden Baptist Church last evening to extend a reception and welcome to the new pastor, the Rev. J. B. Sneyd, and Mrs. Sneyd. A tea, presided over by the lady members of the church, preceded the meeting, and was largely attenddetl. The after-meeting was presided over by Mr. T. Cranwell. one of the deacons of the church, and among those on the platform were: The Revs. W. Day (Congregational). Benning (Methodist), Gray Dixon (Presbyterian), Pastor Clarke (Tabernacle), and A. H. Collins (Ponsonby Baptist). Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from the Revs. Woofley, A. Gordon, Beckett, and C Carter. Short addresses of welcome were delivered by the several clergymen present, a 1 of whom referred to the good work done by the now pastor in his previous spheres o' labour, and expressed a hope that the relations between himself and the congregation would prove in every way harmonious, and that his labours would continue to meet with a full measure of success. The Rev. J. B. Sno'" in returning thanks on behalf of himself and wife, made feeling reference to the warmth of the greeting on the part of the congregation, and the kind references that had been made with regard to his ministerial services in other parts. He expressed a hope that he would be found equal to fulfilling the expectations of those who were in future to be associated with him, which could oii'y be clone with the hearty co-operation and support of the officers of the church and members of the congregation. During the evening Mr. J. P. Hooton contributed an organ solo, and among other items contributed was a solo by Miss Eva Wood. MR. AND MRS. HODGES' PUPILS' CONCERT. There was a good attendance at Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Hodges' pupils' quarterly concert, held in the Y.M.C.A. lecture hall last night. A varied programme was submitted, the items having been chosen with care, so that the performers should acquit themselves with credit. In some cases this effect was gained without difficulty, but in a few others the numbers taxed the singers' capacity rather severely. Very little fault could be found with the methods and general tuitioD imparted to the pupils, but one point should be mentioned, with a view to it being remedied, namely, the painfully slow tempo of a few of the "solos. This fault was permitted to mar more than one promising performance. On the whole, howevei, pupils and teachers alike are to be congratulated upon the advanced nature of the singers' proficiency. The following was the programme rendered, many of the items in which would have been redemanded had encores been allowed:—Part songs, "Wanderers' Night Song" (for female voices), " Sweet and Low," sung by Misses 8. Berryman and A. England and Messrs. W. 8., Haxkin and E. 11. Queree; recitative and ■ aria, from Gluck's "Orpheus," Miss M. Aic-

kin; air, "These Are They" (Gaul), Miss 8. Berryman; solo, "To be Snug on the Waters" (Schubert), Miss M. Tims; polacca, "With Joy My Heart is Bounding" (Bellini), Miss I. Leyland; sons, "'Mid the Hush of the Corn" (Temple), Miss E. Buttimore; duo, "Thb Angel" (Rubinstein), Miss I. Hemus and Miss D. Judson ; recitative and cavatina, " 0 Dear Land" (Rossini), Miss L. Condon; cavatina, " Tho' His Voice" (Rossini), Miss N. Sibbald; aria, -Thou Dost Not Hear Me" (Bellini), Miss M. Shay:eGeorge: scena, " 6 Tender Shadow" (Meyerbeer), Miss A. A. White: solo. "The Wanderer" (Schubert). Miss E. Mclntyre; seen a and aria, "I Wish I Could But Know" (Gounod), Miss 0. Campbell: solo, "On, Away. Awake, Beloved" (Coleridge Taylor), Mr. W. B. Harkin: solo, "The Wandering Jew" (Gounod), Mr. E. H. Queree; romanza, " Taney, Waft Me" (Verdi), Mr. F. James. Sir. Hamilton Hodges played the accompaniments, the piano being lent by the London and Berlin Piano Company. Mrs. Hodges conducted the concerted numbers. MINSTREL ENTERAINMENT. Opening with a lively vocal and instrumen tal overture, the Parnell Drum and Fife Band of coloured minstrels at once caught the fancy of a very large audience in the Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell, last night, and maintained their hold until after ten o'clock. The setting of the stn.se for the first pa't was effective, a half-circle of some 20 negroists, and flanked by a strong complement of "bones" and "tambos," occupied the boards. The soloists inoluded several fine singers, and much applause was bestowed on tin performers. Among the choruses rendered by the troupe were " Stars acid Stripes," "Rocky Mountain Lion," "Mississippi Shore," "Polly Wolly," " Massa's in de Cold Ground." and "Going Back to Dixie." The chorus' singing and orchestral work were bright features, and the witticisms of the endmen were original, wholesome, and laughter-raising. Several separate solos were also given by those manipulating the "bone's" and "tambos." "Massas" Johnson and Thompson highly amused the listeners with negro melodies, while a splendid mandolin duet was rendered by a couple of coloured gentlemen. Mr. Smithson whistled an excellent solo, and he also later on rendered a capital vocal .solo. Much laughter also followed the several comic specialties of Mr. Will Skerrefcfc. A sketch.. Patsy Bolivar," in which nearly all the members of the troune took part, concluded the performance. The Knox Church orchestra, under the conrjuctorship of Mr Earle, assisted materially in the choruses, and also played several selections. The entertainment, which was one of tho most successful yet given at Parnell, will be repeated to-night. " , MUSICAL MATINEE. Many deserving institutions in Auckland and in other cities have coasiderably benefited by the able assistance of the Pollard Opera, Company when they arc in town. With the object of augmenting the funds of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, connected with the Catholic Church, a troupe of artistes . of this popular company came forward and tendered material aid in a musical matinee given in the Hibernian Hall, Wel-lington-street, yesterday afternoon. The attendance was most encouraging, almost every seat in the hall being occupied, and the concert was a most satisfactory one. A pianoforte solo, "Tocatta," by Miss Eileen Cronin, was the opening item, and it was, played with excellent taste by the young pianist. The popular song, "My Queen," was next rendered by Mr. Chas. Carter in his usual accomplished style. Miss May Beatty rendered in a charming manner "Were I a Butterfly," and was also "similarly honoured. Considerable amusement was caused by a comical song, "A Love Ballad Gone Wrong," sung by Mr. W. S. Percy. Mr. Percy contributed another comic item, and this, too, caused much hilarity. Miss Maud Beatty sung excellently "Until We Meet Again," as did Miss Alice Pollard "The Children's Home." " Only a Penny" was sung by Miss Gertie Campion, and during the rendering streams of coins were thrown upon the stage. Probably the gem of the concert was the song "Thou Art Passing Hence," sung by Mr. Dave O'Connor, he having to repeat a portion of the song before the audience would permit him to retire. "By Seville's Silver Tide," as sung by Miss J. Ramsay, was a fine piece of vocalisation. Very acceptable was the song " Angel Lord," contributed by Mis 3 Katie Miss Brightie Barry performed an Irish jig pleasingly, she being also associated with Miss Wilson in another dance. Mr. Dick >hortland amused the audience greatly with a.comic song, as did also Mr. Fred Dodd. Mr. Jack Ralston's song," You Ask Me Why I Love You," was much enjoyed, and Mr. Arthur G. Murphy met with much suceess with his song, "The Carrone." Aselection upon the piano and violin by Miss W. Ralph "and Master Gerald Ralph was played very creditably, and the instrumentalists were warmly applauded. The Rev. Dr. Egah also gave several of his amusing musical sketches. Miss J. Opie and Miss J. Quinn accompanied several of the contributions, and Miss Kate Lonergan was responsible for the organising of the concert. Prior to the audience dispersing the Rev. Father Moore heartily thanked all the performers, and the audience also gave three lusty cheers. SALE OF WORK AT WESLEY HALL. Yesterday afternoon a sale of work was opened in the "Wesley Hall, Pitt-street, to supplement the funds of the Vermont-street Children's Home. Mr. Walter Lambourno performed the "opening ceremony, and in doing so made a happy speech. He referred in complimentary terms to the promoters' efforts, and also briefly explained the object of the sale, which he said was a most laudable one. There was a verygood attendance, and the hall presented a very attractive appearance. The stalls, six in number, were prettily decked out with the miscellaneous assortment of goods only to be seen in a bazaar, and rio little trouble had been taken to make them look as elegant as possible. After the sale had been formally opened by Mr. Lambourne business became brisk, and the stallholders seemed to have little difficulty in disposing of their wares. The various stalls were in charge of the following:— stall, Misses Carnie, Hall, and Mrs. Niccol; plain work stalls, Mesdames Giles, Speed, Bachelor, and Jones; fancy work stall, Messrs. Willeton, Newick, and Mrs. Swales: refreshment stall and tea-rooms, Mesdames Howie, Smnthurst, and Carter, assisted byMiss Ruby Hall; Sunday-school stall, Misses Wilson, Swailes, and Fenton. Included in the side shows there is to be found a weighing machine and Punch and Judy exhibition, and these were liberally patronised. In the evening the attendance was again large, and excellent business was done by the energetic band of stallholders. - A musical programme was gone through, and much appreciated by the visitors. A hat-trimming competition, in which a number of young persons took part, afforded much merriment. The sale is to remain open this afternoon and to-morrow, and on Saturday evening, when it will be closed, a special concert programme has been arranged by Mr. Arthur Hall.