ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14458, 26 August 1910, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WEST'S PICTURES. A large and delighted audience attended the Royal' Albert Hall last night, when the fine series of pictures were received with enthusiasm. The last presentation of the current programme is announced for this evening. An entire change will be given at the matinee to-morrow afternoon. OPERA HOUSE. , There was much of interest in the programme of moving pictures presented to the large audience which assembled at the Opera House last night. Appreciation was given favourable expression, evidencing that the current bill-of-fare is a popular one. It will be repeated to-night. TIVOLI THEATRE. The last of the present .programme at the Tivoli Theatre is announced for tonight. To-morrow night Dayne's Minstrels will present an entire change, when new turns will be introduced. PRINCE'S RINK. The grand poster carnival, which is announced for next Wednesday evening, promises to be of exceptional interest. The list of events to bo ' competed for, and the prizes, should attract a large number of enthusiastic skaters.

"THE PRIVATE SECRETARY." A successful reading of Charles Hawtrey's amusing comedy, " The Private Secretary," was given by the Ponsonby Shakespere and Rhetoric Club in Ley's Institute last evening. There was a large attendance, consisting of subscribers and their friends, and they were kept in a simmer of laughter from start to finish. The readers acquitted themselves very creditably, and thoroughly entered into the spirit of the piece. The part of the Rev. Robert Spalding, with his " goods and chattels," his " bath bun" and " goloshes," was admirably taken by Mr. E. T. Hart. Professor Maxwell Walker had the part of Mr. ttermole, and he showed his versatility by giving an excellent portrayal of the crusty old gentleman from India. The scenes between Spalding and Cattermole were exceedingly good. Mr. A. R. Otway did full justice to the part of Douglas Cattermole. Mr. G. Bullen was well suited in the part of Mr. Henry Gibson, a' tailor of Bond-street, but occasionally he gave the impression that he had not pre»viouslv read over his part. The parts of Mr. Maryland, M.F.H., and Harry Marsland (his nephew) were creditably read by Messrs. T. U. Wells and J. H. Gregory, and Mr. J. W. Kealv took the parts of John fa, servant) and Knox (a writ-server). Miss Hill read the part of Edith (daughter to Mr. Mareland) very charmingly, and Miss Ida Sharland was delightful in the part of Eva Webster (Edith's friend and companion). Miss Alice Gillett was particularly good in the part of Miss Aehford, the ladv who had a penchant for the companionship of spirits (not alcohol) from mystic regions. Mrs. Stead (Douglas Cattermole's landlady) was in the capable Hands of Miss Young, and she infused a good deal of humour into the characterisation of the delightful and well-meaning old lady.. .

' TABERNACLE EXHIBITION. The, Tabernacle Sunday-school Exhibition was again crowded last night, the interest shown by scholars, parents, and outsiders being a large factor in the continued success of the exhibition. The junior scholars' elocutionary contest, held in the church, resulted as follows:-Classes A and B: Thfilmai Flarinigan, 1; Ivy Barnett, 2. ; Class C: Arthur Andrews, 1. Classes D and E: Ada Pitt, 1; Nora Page, 2. An impromptu speech contest resulted in a win for Mr. P. Williams, Mr. H. Kendon second, and Mr. H. Mead third. " The spelling bee resulted in Arthur Massam. being first, Lily Adams second, and Minnie Loggie third. The exhibition will be open again to-night, when the musical contests will be held.

HIGHLAND RIFLES' . BALL. ; The Highland Rifles' ball, held in. the Choral Hall last evening, proved highly successful. : The hall was quite transformed with decorations ;of greenery and flowers—principally huge red poppies and arum lilies—and with festoons of bunting. A feature of the ball was a reel, danced by eight couples in national costume, .to the tune of. the bagpipes. The stage was beautifully fitted sup as a; sitting-out room for the chaperones. On the exterior of the hall the letters " A.H.R." (signifying Auckland Highland Rifles) were shown in electric light. It was estimated that 300. couples were present, and it is anticipated that the fund for the purchase of dress uniforms for members of the corps will be considerably augmented.

CONCERT AT ST. MATTHEW'S. A very enjoyable concert took place in the Parish Hall, adjoining St. Matthew's Church, last evening, ; in aid of the choir" fund, which. accordingly : benefited to a satisfactory extent. The programme was as follows:—MotetV' "Hear '= my Prayer" (solo, Madame Chambers), choir; ; solo, Nazareth," Mr. J. W. Atkinson; Vanthem, " Consider, and , Hear Me" (solo Miss Freda Hunter, duet Miss Hunter and Mr. G. Howe), choir; "Ave Maria, Madame Chambers anthem, Send out' Thy Light," choir; choral ballad, . " Excelsior" (solo, Madame Chambers), choir song, My Sweetheart when a Boy/' Mr. W. Aspinall; duet, " Laughing Chorus," Messrs. Singleton and Atkinson; flute solo, "Thou Art so' Near and Yet so Far," Mr. A. A. Dunn; song, "The Waking .of Spring," Madame ' Chambers; j humorous recital, Mr. Allan McElwain ; part song, " Good- Night, Beloved," choir.

RECITAL AT ST. PAUL'S. A splendid recital of sacred music , was given at St. Paul's Church last evening by Mr. T. E. Midgley, assisted by Miss Kitte Campion (soprano), Miss Ena Bosworth (violinist), and Mr. D. C. Ingram (tenor). The following was the programme:—"Prelude and Postlude," anthem, "Send Out Thy Light," (a) "Melody in C." -(b) " Gavotte," Mr. Midgley; sacred song, "With Verdure Clad," Miss Campion,* "Theme Varied," Mr. Midgley ; violin solo, ; " Huiboreske," Miss Bosworth; " Offertoire," Mr. Midgley; stfered song, "A Dream of Paradise," Mr. Ingram; " Romance" .and anthem, " Come Unto Him," Mr. Midgley; violin solo, " Souvenir," Miss Bosworth; " Festive March," Mr. Midgley. A . collection was taken up in aid of the church fund.

: • A MISSION ENTERTAINMENT. A descriptive address on- "The Wandering Boy" was given by the Rev. J. Wilson at the East-street "Mission Hall to an interested audience last night. A lengthy series of living pictures, vividly displayed by electric light, added to the effectiveness of the entertainment.