THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4237, 19 October 1874, Page 3

THE OPERA.

CLOSE OP THE SEASON. On Saturday night, the last of the season, “ II Trovatore ” was played to a house crowded iu every part. The performance was highly creditable to the company, and much relished by the audience. Pressure on our space compels ns to hold over the remarks we proposed to make on the performance, and on the season generally. THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION BT THE W.C.V. EIRE BRIGADE. At the close of the performance at the Theatre on Saturday night, the numerous audience, instead of dispersing as usual, waited about to -witness the torch-light procession which was announced to take place as a mark of the esteem and admiration which the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade held for Miss Alice May, the prima donna. By half-past 11 o’clock everything was in readiness, and the crowd which lined each side of the street and blocked up the road was something immense, thousands being in waiting to witness the affair. At the time mentioned, the members of the brigade formed, carrying the handsome and richly-worked banner which Miss May had presented to them on the occasion of the benefit for their sick fund. Headed by the Artillery Band, playing a lively air, the procession started at a quick march up the street, with lighted torches, preceding Mias May in a carriage drawn by a pair of greys, and driven by a member of the brigade, with another on the box holding torches. A stream of foot passengers and numerous carriages and cabs accompanied the procession, and the street presented a most imposing and novel sight, which was added to in effect by the varied lights from the torches. As they proceeded, Miss May bowed her acknowledgments to the crowd, who continued to cheer loudly all the way up the street. Opposite the Empire Hotel another large crowd awaited the arrival, and the balconies and upper storey windows in the neighborhood were crowded. As Miss May descended from the carriage and gracefully bowed her thanks, three ringing cheers were given by the brigade and heartily taken up by. the crowd, until the air rang again with the enthusiastic shouting. The affair was a complete success. The compliment is one of which Miss May may indeed be proud.