ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11824, 29 November 1901, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY.

The last eight nights of Madame Bobe, the brilliant Parisian violiniste and xylophone player, at the City Hall, also the last eight nights of Miss Jennie Opie, the popular ballad singer, and the last two nights of the popular favourite Miss Alma Gray, are announced. The company just now is an exceptionally strong one, and will bo further augmented to-morrow evening by the appearance of four new artists, viz., Miss Lilian Tree, a noted operatic artist J Mr. Harry Shine, patter comedian; Miss Violet Elliott, contralto; and Zobedie, equilibrist and handbalancer. There will be an entire change of programme to-morrow evening.

ORGAN RECITAL AND SACRED CONCERT. There was a large attendance of parishioners and others at St. Paul's Church last evening, when an organ recital and sacred concert, at which a collection in aid of the organ improvement fund was made, took place. The concert was a most enjoyable one, and the several items met with hearty appreciation. The programme opened with Stainer's anthem, "I Am Alpha," the soprano solo being well sustained by Miss E. Boulton. Haydn's charming solo, "With Verdure Clad," was sympathetically rendered by Mrs. Mount. Mr. J. Ferriday (tenor) was "heard to advantage in Stainer's melodious solo, "My Hope is in the Everlasting,'' and Mr. Wilfred Manning, whose robust and musical baritone voice was in splendid condition, gave a fine rendering of "Les Rameaux" (Pa-ure) and Gounod's "For Ever With the Lord." An item which was greatly liked wis Mendelssohn's "Hear Yo, Israel," sweetly rendered by Miss Mount. The anthems, " The Sun Shall be no More" (Woodward) and "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings" (Spohr), the solo in the latter being sung by Mrs. Parkes, and Sullivan's "Rejoice in the Lord," were well rendered by the choir. Misses Mary Laing, Violet Mount, and the ladies of the choir took part in a capita. l solo, recitative, and chorus of angels from "Eli" (Costa), and this also greatly pleased. Mrs. and Miss Mount sang the duet, " I Waited for the Lord" (Mendelssohn), with chorus by the choir. Mr. J. H. Phillpot, at intervals during the evening, performed with much skill the organ solos, "Melody" (Coleridge Taylor), " Chorale and Poeelude," "Berceuse" (Guilmant), and "Melody" (Rubinstein). The double quartette for male voices, "Fierce Rafred the Tempest," a clever composition by Mr. Phillpot, was sung by the Reo Waru.

MR. S. ADAMS' STUDENTS' ASSEMBLY. The Choral Hal was crowded last evening, the occasion being that of the annual assembly of Mr. S. Adams' musical students, to which admission was by invitation. The programme, as a whole, was an excellent one and well selected, the numbers being in the majority of cases well within the reach of the executants. The pupils, _ generally speaking, showed that their musical talent had been well developed, the playing reflecting most creditably both on themselves and their teacher, Mr. Adams, whose- skill as an instructor was amply evidenced in their manipulation of the instruments a.nd the keen musical sense shown. Those who contributed to the programme were the Misses Gladys Nathan, M. Sproule, Roio Nathan, Bay " Tole, H. Johnson, Margery Towle. Lilian Devore, M. Tole, Etta Martin, Ethel Martin, F. Macfarlane, E. Macfarlane, and H. Stephenson, Messrs. Clive Roberts and Arthur Carbines, Masters Alfred Reid, Keith Roberts, Percy Johnson, and Ralph Ziman. The overture, "Lustspeil" (Keler Bola), and finale, " Tannhauser March" -(Wagner), were skilfully rendered by a strong orchestra under the oonductorship of Mr. Adams, and a novel and extremely pleasing item was Meyer's "Carnival Marehe," on strings and toy instruments, the performers being as follows: —Drum, Miss Roie Nathan; triangle, Miss Daisy Benjamin; bells, Miss Gladys Nathan; rattle. Master S. Ziman; nightingale. Miss B. Moir; cuckoo, Miss Moir; quail, Mr. R. Benjamin; trumpets, Miss E. Goldi© and Master A. Reid; pianistes, — -sees E. Martin and Stephenson.

HENDERSON FRUITGROWERS AND FARMERS' ASSOCIATION. On Wednesday evening a meeting of Henderson fruitgrowers and farmers was held in the Public Hall for the purpose of forming a fruitgrowers' association. There was a large gathering of representative settlers. It was proposed by Mr. F. Rollett and seconded by Mr. Piatt, " That an association should' be formed, to be called the Henderson Fruitgrowers and Farmers' Association; that it should be affiliated with the Auckland Fruitgrowers' Union and the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and that the subscription should be 5s per annum." Twonty-seven members at once joined, and promises were received from many others. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr. R. Cranwell, J.P. ; secretaries, Messrs. F. Rollett and JWest; treasurer, Mr. J. West. The following members were elected: —Messrs. Jane, Sturges, Lowe, Gilbred, Roberts, Evans, Hueston, Thomas, J. West, H. West. James, Houghton, Buscorobo, Rollett. R. Cranwell, B. Cranwell, Leighton. Piatt, Colebrook, Latrobe, Bush, Phillipson, Holt, Matthieson, Woodward, Averill, and Mrs. Cantwell. It was decided that a general meeting should be held on December 14, when the association will discuss the means of furthering the interests of fruitgrowers in the district and supporting measures for the better distribution and marketing of fruit. The question of establishing a creamery in the Henderson district will also be brought forward, and it is expected thai a representative of the Dairying Association will attend the meeting. One hundred and fifty cows have already been promised, and this number would be largely increased if it were definitely known that a creamery would be started.

OTAHUHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The annual soiree and concert of the Otahuhu Presbyterian Church was held in the Public Hall, Otahuhu, on Wednesday, November 27, under the presidency of the pastor, the Rev. D. J. Steele. A. sumptuous tea was provided by the ladies connected with the church. The concert given by the Grafton Road Wesleyan choir, under the conductors-hip of Mr. Gatland, commenced at eight p.m. The part songs, anthems, and solos included in the programme were beautifully rendered. The whole concert was a rare musical treat. Speeches were delivered by the Rev. D. J. Steele, Canon Gould, and the Rev. James Fussell. Among other interesting facts mentioned by Mr. Steelo was the coincidence that November 27, the date of the soiree, was the 17th anniversary of his ordination as minister of the Otuhuhu Presbyterian Church. The addresses altogether were admirable in tone and catholicity of spirit. The largo hall was crowded, members of nearly every denomination being among the audience. On the motion of Mr. John Watson, seconded by Mr. John Wyllie. hearty votes of thanks were given to Mr. Gatland and his efficient choir, the ladies and other helpers. This most successful anniversary was brought to a close by the Rev. Canon Gould pronouncing the Benediction.—{Own Correspondent.]

AUCKLAND ' 'CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY. At the request of several members, the Rev. Father Moore lectured last Tuesday evening on "Art." There wore present, besides the usual attendance of members, several visitors, who keenly appreciated the lecture and tho manner in which it was delivered. The rev. lecturer urged the members to cultivate a taste for art, it being wholesome to turn occasionally from hard truths to tho aesthetic. The study of art elevated the mind and softened the nature of man. If carried to excess, however, the worship of art produced a high state of sensitiveness bordering on hysteria, while the total neglect of it hardened the mind and heart; in art, as in anything else, moderation was necessary. The Rev. Father Moore then defined art in a, manner so clear as to enable members to follow his address intelligently and with pleasure. Ho described art in its various forms, and gave a short history of it from tho timo of the Egyptians to the present. Ho considered Aucklandors were specially favoured in having in their midst an art gallery, which ho described as " one of the finest in the southern hemisphere." At the close of the address several questions were asked and answered in a satisfactory manner.

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN" TEMPERANCE UNION. The usual meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held on Wednesday, Mrs. A. Thorne, president, in the ohair. Correspondence was received from Sir J. G. Ward re the carriage of liquor on the railway to prohibited districts and stated that lie had forwarded tho letter of the union to the Minister for Works, and from Mrs. Oaskin with reference to mothers' meetings. It was resolved to rite to Sir J. G. Ward again, pointing out that the drink in question was only stopped on the way, and asking why it should not be confiscated, as being contrary to law. The report on Biblereading in schools was received with great pleasure. It contained a most satisfactory account of the result of this most trying work, and it was unanimously resolved to send the ladies carrying it on a donation to tho prize fund, together with a hearty letter of thanks

from the union. The report of the white ribbon was; also satisfactory, several new members having quite made up for any loss by death oi removal in the old subscribers. The Booth Committee presented their report through theii secretary, but it was referred again to her for a little correction. As the accounts were not yet all in the treasurer was not prepared with the balance-sheet, which will be ready for next meeting, but the results were eminently satisfactory. It was decided to send a letter of hearty thanks to all who helped to make it a success. Some discussion took place as to what should be done with the funds, which the committee had recommended should be banked as a foundation of a headquarters' fund for the union, but it was ultimately resolved as next year would be the election year, and it would be necessary to have as much money in hand as possible, it should be banked to the general fund. The proposed alterations in the constitution and by-laws were then dealt with and all resolutions proposed in reference to them were carried unanimously. It was decided to meet in the Central Mission Hall as soon as it was completed, and the secretary was instructed to write to the secretary of the Mission to that effect.

LECTURE AT THE TABERNACLE. The Rev. Joseph Clark, who was present at the Baptist Jubilee Conference held recently at Nelson, gave an address at the Tabernacle last night before a fairly large audience. _Ho spoke of his experiences while in Neleon,, and gave a lucid account of the large amount of important business relative to the Church, transacted at the conference. The address was listened to with evident appreciation, and at the conclusion Mr. Clark was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The deputation from the London Missionary Society, who have since their arrival in Auckland been busy delivering addresses in the various Congregational churches, spoke at the Beresford-street Congregational Church last evening. The Rev. J. Wilkins presided. The attendance was only moderate. The Rev. J. King, of Melbourne, in the course of an eloquent address, dealt largely on the financial needs of the London Missionary Society, making especial reference to the Chalmers memorial fund. Miss Harband, 8.A., of India, gave an excellent address, which was based principally upon her work among the women in India, A capital address was also given by the Rev. Thomas Lord, of Madagascar. He referred to the present state of affairs under French rule in Madagascar, and stated that the French authorities were at one time antagonistic to the work' the London Missionary Socity, but their attitude now towards the society was most friendly. While the collection was being taken up in aid of the society, Miss Eva Wood rendered tastefully " Tell it Out Among the Nations."

ST. LUKE'S LADIES' GUILD. A very successful sale of work was held yesterday in St. Luke's Hall, Remuera, under the auspices of St. Luke's Ladies' Guild. Both in the afternoon and evening tho sale was liberally patronised, and on both occasions a musical programme enlivened the proceedings, Mr. Perkins' orchestra and friends assisting. Tho stallholders were as follows:—Work stalls: Mesdames Parker, Macky, and Rhodes. Refreshment stall: Mesdames Maxfield, Mains, and Misses Cameron, Henderson, and others. Lollie stall: Misses Julian, Parker, Maoky, and Aggie Monro. Fish-pond: Mesdames Morrin, and Frater. Side-shows: Mr. Milligan.