AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 761, 1 October 1886, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

$1 The members of the Town and Country Club held a very successful concert and dance at their rooms, pipifcea Point, last evening week. A capital programme had been arranged for the concert, in which Messrs King (2), Nicbolls, G. N. Liddal, and Grange took part, Messrs Cook and Grange winding up that portion of the entertainment with a farce. During the evening an inaugural address was delivered by Mr G. N. Liddal. Subsequently the room was cleared for dancing, and the party broke up at a late hour, after spending a most enjoyable evening. The butchers’ Christy Minstrels gave an entertainment at the Lyceum Hall last night week in aid of the Hospital and charitable aid fund. The performance was witnessed by a very fair audience, and was a great success. The first part of the programme, which consisted of the usual chair business, was greatly appreciated by the audience. Messrs Wade and Ayden as ‘ Bones,” and “Tambo ” respectfully, were immense, and kept the audience in a thorough good humor throughout. As “ Interlocutor’’ Mr J. T. Eollas left nothing to be deßired. The songs by Messrs Hutchens, Munt, Robinson, and Hartley were well given and deservedly applauded. The principal items in the second part were—a clog dance, Mr Smith ; character song, Mr J. T. Follas ; and a song and dance, Mr J. Wade. This latter item was particularly well appreciated. A laughable farce, entitled “Physic for tbe Eye,” concluded a most enjoyable entertainment. On the whole the entertainment was a very good one, and reflects great credit on those who took part in it. A dance followed, and was attended by a large number of the audience, JMLr Tolhurst very ably officiated as M.G.

The Poneke Cricket Club’s annual concert and dance takes place at the Lyceum Hall next Monday. A capital programme is beiDg arranged, and the Management Committee are working very hard to make the affair aB great a success as possible. A very successful concert was given at tbe Marist Brothers’ School last Friday. There war a very good attendance, the room being crowded. A capitil programme of vocal and instrumental items was presented, ia which several leading lady and gentlemen amateurs of this city- took part. During the second part, the operatta oi “ The Blind Beggars ” was successfully performed, and a large

number of views of the pink and white teriaces and of Beenes in the Hot Lakes District were showD.

US ’Considerable progress has been made during the last few weeks in the internal fittings and decorations of the Te Aro Opera House. The contractors are evidently doing their best to complete their work within the contract time, but from present indications it is somewhat problematical whether the theatre will be ready for opening so early as the middle of November, a 3 was anticipated. A large number of carpenters are at present employed in the intricate work of fitting up the stage and proscenium, while the decorators are busily engaged with the circles and dome. The latter is almost complete 4, and is a magnificent piece of work, reflecting the highest credit upon Mr Willie, whose cultured taste has been brought to bear upon it with the happiest result. The proscenium was out of the carpenters’ hands last Wednesday, when the decorators at once set to woik upon it. Mr Willis made a start on the drop-scene on Mo; day, the canvas for which, measuring 36ft by 40ft, has already been stretched at the back of the atage. Four designs haveb en submitted for thL to the directors, but their choice has not yet been made known. The wall decorations of the social hall or lounge in the front part of the building are of an exceedingly chaste character, the prevailing colors being chocolate and cream, edged with gold, It is pleasing to note that the-greatest precautions have been taken to guard against disaster by fire, both in regard to the matter of exits and water supply. The occupants of the downstairs portion of the building have a choice of three wide passages of short length by which to gain the street, while those from the upper circles will have little difficulty in getting down the two staircases provided for them, up or down which five or six persons can go abreast. Hydrants have been fitted on each side of the building on all the fl lors, with suitably sized lengths of hose ati.ached ; indeed, these hydrants are to be found all over the building iu handy places, so that no difficulty could be experienced in bringiug into play a large number of streams of water upon any given point should occasion unfortunately require it. Every convenience has also been supplied for the comfort of the companies which may be engaged from time to time, in the matter of commodious dressing rooms, with lavatories, &e., attached. From present appearances, the Te Aro Opera House certainly promises to be, both in decorations and conveniences, equal, if not superior, to any theatre in the Australasian colonies. The monthly promenade concert and dance under the auspices of the Wellington Garrison Band took place Monday n ; ght. The affair wa9 a great success. Upwards of 250 couples were present, and everything passed off in a manner which reflected credit on all concerned. During the evening eongs were sung by Corporal Hutchins, Mr Nicholls, and other members of the Garrison corps, the song “The Red Cross Knight,” by Corporal Hutchins, being especially well given. The mu-ic was supplied by the Wellington Garrison Band, and was fully up to the Band’s usual high standard. The Garrison Band has decided to uive a grand promenade concert and dance on Friday next in aid of the Ward family, whose sad history is well known. The Band deserves great praise for giving such a practical proof of their sympathy with this familyin their distress ; and it is to be hoped the entertainment will be thoroughly successful. The Wellington Amateur Garrison Club have now in active preparation, and will shortly produce, two comedies, entitled “Friends and Foes” and “ His Own Guest.” The Strasburg clock show has attracts 1 Urge audiences duu'ng the wtek, thousands of people having patronised if. This is to be tbe la-t we=k of its exhibition at Wel’.ingtor.

The thirl and last private concert of the Harmonic Club will be given next Tuesday evening.