ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12176, 23 January 1903, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

/ HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The popularity of "The Circus Girl" was again demonstrated at His Majesty's last- evening, when the performance was witnessed by another large and appreciative audience. The final production of this sparkling musical comedy will be given this evening, when the Williamson Company will conclude their very successful season in Auckland. - •' / ' '_ ", • ' ' ; DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. The management announces that the wonderful Schenk Brothers are in Auckland for a limited season only. . Their performance at the City Hall nightly creates the greatest astonishment, and is rewarded with prolonged applause. ' ..." Arnoldi," the young Australian juggler, presents a clever. exhibition of juggling, for which ho is warmly applauded, as is Mr. Brown-Parker, for his clever display of ball-punching.' Messrs. Pope and Sayles are, if possible, more popular than ever, and the contributions by little Miss Bertoto, Mr. Rowley, Miss Ethel Clifford, and Miss Rose Devella, are favourite items. • • FRANK THORNTON'S COMEDY ' , COMPANY. Frank Thornton's London Comedy Company, who are due in Auckland on Saturday, have just finished a very successful tour of the West Coast, winning golden opinions from the pres3 and playgoing public. They will open their season at His Majesty's . Theatre with the farcical comedy, "Facing the Music," and clever curtain-raiser, "The Test Match." The box office is now open. NEWTON CONGREGATIONAL ; CHURCH. Last evening at the Newton Congregational Church, Edinburgh-street, a farewell soiree and public meeting was tendered to the late pastor, the Rev. G. H. Barrett, who is leaving Auckland after having occupied the pulpit for some two years. The soiree commenced at half-past six o'clock in the schoolroom, the lady members of the congregation providing and presiding over the tea. The public meeting was subsequently held in the church, the senior deacon, Mr. John Ellyett, presiding. There was a very fair attendance of members of the congregation and "church officers, also several visiting clergymen. Addresses were delivered by the Rev's. W. Ready (chairman of the Auckland Ministers' Association), W. Day (secretary of the Congregational Union of New Zealand), J. Wilkin, and others. These embraced words of farewell to the late pastor, the speakers referring to the good work done by the Rev. Barrett during his term of i office, ■ and expressing a hop© that his labours in the cause in his new sphere will be attended with good results. On behalf of the members of the congregation, Mr. A. G. Lee, a deacon of the church, handed the departing pastor a purse of sovereigns, and in a few well-chosen words gave expression to the feelings of esteem in which he was held by the subscribers, and regret at his departure from their midst. Tho Rev. Barrett made a feeling reply in appreciation of tho kindly references to "himself, and thanked the congregation ; for their generous gift. ■;■ During the evening anthems were contributed by tho church choir, under the conductorship of Mr. W. E. Baxter, and solos by lady .members of the congregation.