ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11951, 28 April 1902, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE POLLARD SEASON

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK." There were very largo audiences at the Pollard Opera Company's performances of "The Belle of New York" on Saturday afternoon and evening. The bright and sparkling musical comedy, which is the last to be produced during the season, was presented with all the spirit and gaiety which it demands, and in consequence ran its course to the joint accompaniment of laughter and applause. In the title role Miss Alice Pollard made a decided hit, her performance being one of great merit. Her voice was well suited in the pretty music of the role, and she sang with a deal of expression. For her lively renderiu«Vof "The Purity Brigade." she was deservedly encored, whilst in the earlier scenes she was very attractive as the Salvation Army Lass, evincing a becoming modesty. .Miss Gertie Campion as Fifi played with her usual piquancy, her vocal work being greatly liked, particularly the duet with Mr, Carter, " Teach Me How to Love." Alias Nellie Wilson was in keeping with the character of Cora Angolique. Mr. Percy, as the polite lunatic with the benevolent desire to slaughter Mr. Bronson, gave a unique interpretation to the role. His simulation of lunacy was decidedly clever, besides being intensely laughable. His make-up, gags, and business generally v/ero new and up-to-date, and the clever comedian had the risible faculties of the audience fully exercised through- j out the performance. Mr. Alf. Stephens' Ichabod Bronson was clever in dry humour, I and thoroughly amused those in front. His solos were well delivered, and his recitation of " A Cloud Came O'er His Brow," resulted in several encores, though why the item should not have been sung —it was presumably written as a song—is not very clear. Mr. Charles Carter as Henry Bronson sang and acted with completely satisfactory results. His voice was heard to especial advantage in the solo " 'Twere Bravely Done," and in the duets ho shared in. Mr. Harry Quealy's dancing in the part of Blinky Bill was clever and neat. Mis impersonation otherwise was not up to his usual standard, and would be vastly improved if lie showed a. better acquaintance with the accent of a Bowery " tough," the accent he used being as little like thy real thing as could well be conceived. Mr. Dave O'Connor was given an opportunity to give a fine rendering of a patriotic solo, which was loudly encored. Mr. J. Sullivan as Snifkins, Mr. George Young as Mugg, and .Miss Wilmot Karkeek a? Kissie were an amusing trio. The minor characters. the. chorus, and orchestra all did good work, and the piece was well mounted. It will be repeated to-night, when the company's season terminates. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Another chinge of bill was presented at the City Hall on Saturday evening and met with hearty up probation. Miss Alice T/ayton made lie? farewell appearance, arid her localism won her a full quota of the applause. Two new artistes— James Harvey and Miss Madge Morris—made their first appearance and gave a sketch and duologue entertainment, introducing impersonations of well-known actors. This turn was a r. diy clever one and evoked a storm of applause. Mr. Ernest Fitts sang with great success, bis pure baritone voice winning him great favour. Mr. Frank (Mark, the comedian, who lias now thoroughly installed himself in popularity with City Hall patrons, gave Mime amusing sketches. He was particularly funny in a farce entitled ".School." Other artistes who contributed to the success of the bill were Miss Olive Lenton. Pearl Well and Mr. Fred. Rivenhall. Miss Beryl Gillman, a balladist, is announced to appear this evening. THEOSOPHY. Last night in the Theosophical Society's Hall, Mi. S. Stuart lectured to a full audience on "Our Various Bodies." Mr. Stuart explained that by bodies lie meant the various vehicle? of consciousness required by man to adapt him for the different planes upon which he must function during his ovviution. He briefly sketched the process by which these bodies were evolved into definite form, saying that only by the experience gained through repeated incarnations could man at length learn to control rid make of them useful servants to obey bis will. Before the lecture Mr. J. I'ornday delighted the audience by his beautiful rendering of "The Star of Bethlehem," as a vocal solo. FREE DISCUSSION SOCIETY. At the above society's meeting last nithc, Mr. Cox opened the discussion upon "The Remedy foi New Zealand Poverty." The lecturer pointed out in the course of his remarks that, to his mind, a progressive income tax and progressive death duties would, in a great measure, assist to ameliorate the condition of the worker. Prohibiten of the liquor tiaflio would also assist the worker to get better conditions, and consequently we should have by the abolition of the drink a higher state of intelligence than existed formerly. Next Sunday the question of "Just Taxation" "will be dealt with. SOCIAL GATHERING AT PAEROA. [BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN TON DENT.] Paeroa, Saturday. The first of a series of social dances, under tho auspices of St. Paul's Anglican Church, took place last night at the Whurf-street Hall, and was largely attended. The dance from beginning to end was a great success, and reflected credit unon the committee of Dianagement. Mr. ,J. Garcia made an efficient M.C., and the music supplied by Messrs. Medhurst (piano*, Mcttam (cornet), and Beeche (violin) was all that could be desired.