ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12239, 7 April 1903, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT TO-MR. 'P. R. DIX. The complimentary concert to Mr. P. R. Dix, tendered by the citizens of Auckland, took place at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. There was a fairly large audience, and the excellent programme submitted was thoroughly appreciated. The first part opened with an overture by Mr. E. J. Burke and orchestra, and included a breezy Irish sketch, with a capital song and dance by Miss Ida Roslyn and little Vera, Kearns; songs by Mr. and Mrs. M. Hamilton Hodges (with accompaniments by Mrs. Ernest H. Queree), Miss Millie Bertoto, Miss Lurline Wrigley and Messrs. Fred. W. Lloyd and Abel Rowe. The whole of. the items were brightly rendered and the audience testified their pleasure by applauding in no half-hearted manner. Encores were numerous, practically every artist giving at least one extra turn. The second part was of a varied description, including a selection, "Belle of New York,"_ by the orchestra, under the able conducto'rship of Mr. E. J. Burke; a capital performance by Arnoldi, the well-known juggler; a solo, " Let Me Like a Soldier Fall," by the celebrated English tenor, Mr. Frank Graham; an original banjo medley by Mr. A. A. Partridge; a coon specialty by Miss Emmie Smith; a brilliantly-rendered duet by Mr. Frank Graham and Mr. Wilfred Manning; a song; and dance by the clever Sisters Smith and an effective performance by Sherwin, the Mad Musician. There were also a number of extra turns in response to determined recalls from the audience. From an artistic standpoint the concert was completely successful and amusement-loving people—out of gratitude for the many admirable entertainments provided by Mr. Dix at the City Hall —will hope that it will prove as satisfactory from a financial aspect. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. To-night the City Hall will reopen with the reappearance of the following favourites, viz.:—Miss Ida Roslyn, little Miss Kearns, Mr. Charles Howard, Mr. Frank Graham, Miss Emmie Smith, Mr. Frank Yorke, Professor Schmidson, Arnoldi, the Sisters Smith and Sisters Gilardi, who form an exceedingly strong list of performers. ANDERSON'S DRAMATIC COMPANY. There is a magic in the sound of the word "woman" when used in association with the title of melodrama, and for this reason evidently Mr. Walter Melville has named his latest production "The Worst Woman in London." This drama -is said to show throughout the hand of the master craftsman, and its interest is cumulative. There is, it is stated, all the breadth and effectiveness of melodrama; the incidents are bold and well devisod, the characters are sharply contrasted, the whole structure is well knit, and the sympathies of a popular audience are held with a firm grin until the curtain falls. All the effects for "the opening niece are in the theatre, and a large staff of mechanists is busy getting everything ready, so that the production will bo in perfect working order for Saturday night. Mr. Anderson is famed for the manner in which he stages his pieces; no expense is spared, the result being a series of stage pictures and clever mechanical effects. The big sensation in " The Worst Woman in London" is the escape of the heroine from a burning building by aid of the telegraph wires. This is not an improbable situation, as running parallel with many second storey windows in London there is a perfect network of wires. The box plan will be opened at Wildman, Lyell, and Arey's to-morrow morning. AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE GRADUATES. A meeting of the graduates of the Auckland University College was held in the College buildings last evening, about 20 being present. Mr. H. J. D. Mahon was voted to the chair. A letter was received from Sir G. M. O'Rorke regretting his inability to be present. The question of electing representatives to the University Senate was discussed, and .several names were suggested as suitable candidates. A ballot was finally taken to test the feeling of the meeting, which proved to be in favour of Messrs. F. E. Baume, M.H.R., and J. W. Tibbs, M.A. (headmaster of the Auckland Grammar School). Mr., Baumo consented to stand, and Messrs. Wells and Mahon were appointed to wait on Mr. Tibbs to ascertain whether ho would be willing to accept nomination. The meeting further decided that a graduates' association should be formed, and a committee, consisting of Miss Shrewsbury, Dr. McDowell, Messrs. Wells, Long, Walker, and Mahon, were appointed to draft rules and make arrangements for a subsequent meeting. ■ GRAFTON ASSOCLATION FOOTBALL CLUB. The annual' meeting of the above club was held last evening in the clubrooms, His Majesty's Arcade, and .was very well attended. The secretary's report was received, and the balance-sheet showed the club to be in a sound financial state. The following members were elected to hold office during the present season : —Captain, F. P. Goldie; secretary, F. Goldie; treasurer, 11. Goldie. A large number of new names were passed in for membership, and the club anticipates a very prosperous Season. Z. Hunter and the secretary wore appointed delegates to the association. AUCKLAND MINISTERS' ASSOCIATION The first meeting of the Auckland Ministers' Association after the recess was held yesterday afternoon in the schoolroom of the Tabernacle, there being present: The Revs. Wm. Ready (president), W. S.- Potter, A. North, R. F. Macnicol, S. Griffith, R. Ferguson, W L. Walker. J. Clark, Messrs. Macpherson and Brnkenrig. In the absence of the Rev. H. B. Gray, Mr. Brakenrig was requested to act as secretary. A good deal of business in connection with various matters were dealt with. The work at the Sailors' Home and the matter of the deputation from the parent society of the British and Foreign Bible Society (the Rev. F. W. Macdonald and the Rev. H. A. Raines being expected early in May) was gone into, and the president, the hon. secretary, and the Rev. R. F. Macnicol were appointed to speak at the welcome meeting. The Revs. W. L. Walker, of St. Jamas', and A. North, of 'Ponsonby, were cordially welcomed as members of the association. Tho Rev. W. Ready gave an earnest and able address, in which he reviewed some of the events of recent occurrence in the Old Country snd in the colony, referring specially to the Education Act, the victory of the local option poll, and various other matters of interest. He was warmly thanked for his address. At the invitation of Mi'. Clark the members were entertained in the parlour. A hearty vot3 of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Clark for their hospitality. The next meeting will be held at the Rev. W, S. Potter's house, in Collingwood-street, when the Rev. W. Gray Dixon will give the address.