ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12000, 24 June 1902, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

ANDERSON DRAMATIC COMPANY. The Anderson Dramatic Company gave a change of programme at the Opera House last night, producing a melodrama, styled "The London Arab." This proved to be a conglomeration of sensationalism, with very little claim to serious attention. The plot was a queer mixture of all the melodramatic plots that have gone before, its situations being forced, and its humour of the most elementary description. There are two French villains (one would have sufficed), and an adventuress. These persons act most reprehensible towards the poor afflicted heroine and hero (who are- as usual secretly married) and their child. Their motive for so doing is not very clear, although there is something about a will which makes it necessary that the virtuous people shall be put out of the way by the trio—the adventuress and the French villains. The hero's father comes in handy as a target for the superfluous Frenchman's (or his French father's) murderous bullet, and before dying he gives the play a fresh lease of life by accusing his own son (the hero) of shooting him. This freak of the dying gentleman is really too had, because the poor hero wasn't in the room at all when the revolver went off! However, the piece would have died an unnatural death but for this false accusation, for it enables a lot more sensatiou to be crammed in to the following acts, whilst the hero is hiding from the arm of the law. The title of the melodrama is descriptive of a young fellow of tender years, who befriends the hero and his family, and conveniently overhears all the plots the French villains Jjnd their accomplices make, and foils them all. Before the curtain is finally rung down every phase of human misery is portrayed, and every phase of -inhuman wickedness, besides interludes of virtuous platitudes and cheap sentiment. The members of the company are evidently aware of the appalling weaknesses with which the poorly-constructed play abounds, for they do not put their heart into it. We cannot help thinking that it is a pity the piece's predecessor was taken off. Miss Fitzmaurice Gill works hard to make Toinette, the adventuress, an impressive character. Mr. Laurence Dunbar, as the elder French rogue, also does his best earnestly, Mr. Walter Dalgleish, as the younger foreigner, making a desperate attempt to be natural in unnatural situations. Mr. Charles Blake, as the hero, so far as his own talent is concerned, exercises it to the best advantage. Mr. J. J, Ennis plays a broken-down gentleman with vivid effect. Mr. Godfrey Cass is stagey as the murdered father of the hero, and is handicapped by his wig failing to cover his head. Mr. Frank Hawthorne is such an excellent comedian that he manages to raise many a laugh in the role of an Irish policeman, while Miss Hilda Fraser, as his sweetheart, acts well up to him. Mr. Frank Reis gives a good comedy sketch as a bibulous page boy. Miss Gladys Hughes, in the title role, plays admirably, save for a tendency to address her lines too directly to the audience. If the little actress will correct this she will earn a favourable verdict. Miss Pattie Hughes plays the child part very prettily. The other characters are fitted satisfactorily, and the piece is well mounted. It will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. Despite the bad weather of last evening, many were attracted to the City Hall, where each number on the enjoyable programme was heartily received. Mr. John Geiger again proved himself to be a violinist of the highest order, his amusing and clever imitations (in all sorts of positions) earning for the performer rounds of applaiise. Miss Belle Ray, the gifted contralto vocalist, sang with fine effect " Out on the Rocks" and "Ben Bolt," for which the singer received emphatic, recalls. Miss Maud Fanning's realistic renderings of coon songs were keenly appreciated. Messrs. Clark and Cowan were responsible for much laughter, and Mr. Ernest Fitts, Mr. Millar Fraser, Mis .Florrie and Miss Stella Ranger,, Mr. Cowan, and the other members of the company each contributed enjoyable items to the programme.

: WIRTH'S. CIRCUS. Another capital entertainment was provided at Wirth Brothers' amphitheatre last night. The same programme goes on tonight, and a complete change wij.l be given to-morrow night. j PRINCE ALBERT COLLEGE LITERARY SOCIETY. The weekly meeting of the Prince Albert College Literary Society was held in the college dining hall last evening. Mr. T. Jackson, M.A., being in the chair. The attendance was only fair, owing to the inclement ptate of the weather. A debate; "That Competitive Examinations be Abolished," took place. Mr. A. Mcßean contended that they should be abolished, as they were responsible for the evils of making all men of one type instead of developing the personality of each. The system resulted in destroying the best teaching, by making the teacher conform to the standard of what would pay best at the examinations. Mr. P. D. Meekle contended that under this system the best man got the position, which was far superior to the methods in vogue before its introduction ; and, in fact, is the only practical means of testing candidates. Competition was the life and soul of education, as it is of all trades and professions, and gave the opportunity for obscure men to rise. The latter speaker was supported by Mr. C. Randerson and Mr. S. Stephenson, M.A., whilst the former was backed up by Messrs. B. James, A. J. Rcid, and R. Hay, B.A. A vote of those present resulted in a majority against the motion. The Chairman remarked, in concluding, that he did not remember a previous debate in connection with that society which showed so much study of the subject on the part of those who took part. CAMBRIDGE ROAD BOARD. The above Board met on Saturday last. Present: Messrs. J. Taylor (chairman), M. Butler, W. H. Thomas, and S. Cowling. The clerk (Captain McPherson) reported his failure to ascertain the whereabouts of a delinquent ratepayer. Nothing was done in the matter. The clerk reported that no reply had been received from the Crown Lands Department re having- the trees overhanging the Zig-zag road cut down. It was decided to again communicate with the Department. • Attention was also called to other trees that were proving a nuisance, and it was decided to take action in the matter. The application of .Ino. Sharp, that, the owner of overhanging trees in Clement's Park be requested to cut them down, was referred to the inspector under the Noxious Weeds Act. Mr. S. Cowlitiy was authorised to purchase, on behalf of the Board, two acres of land for the purpose of a gravel pit. The clerk reported that when the Government subsidy came' to hand there would be an amount of £57 . lis 2d available for expenditure. Mr. Thomas -aid there was about £200 to come from the county, and lie would apply for it at the next meeting of the County Council. Several accounts were passed for payment.