H.M.S. NELSON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 7682, 16 January 1886, Page 2

H.M.S. NELSON.

ROYAL TRAFALGAR AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. “Lady Audley’s Secret " was produced at the Theatre Royal last night by the Royal Amateur Dramatic Club, belonging to H.M.S Nelson, in aid of the sufferers by the bush fires la the Stratford district. The performance was under the patronage of RearAdmiral Tryon, 0.8., Captain Lake, and the officers of the Nelson. There was a very fair attendance, between £3B and £4O being realised. About half of the seats in the dress circle were occupied, the Samoan delegates and several officers of the Nelson being present. As an amateur effort, the performance must be pronounced a success, even with the drawback, and by ho means an inconsiderable one, of feminine characters having to be played by the opposite sex. The .performers were frequently applauded, and when any little hitches occurred they were lightly passed over by an indulgent audience. The fallowing was the cast of characters :—Sir Michael Audley (of Audlsy Court), Mr Cbas. Sawle ; Robert Audley (hie nephew), Mr O. J. Clark ; George Talboys, Mr Joseph Sellars ; Luke Maiks (a game-keeper), Mr John Bayley ; Lady Audley (of Audley Court), Mr F. W. F. Cousens; Alicia Audley (her stepdaughter), Mr H. E, Rees ; Phoebe Marks (her maid), Mr J. L. Sewell ; peasants, servants, &c. Some little disappointment was felt at the absence of the band, but it. was unavoidable, as, in consequence of the Governor dining last night with Admiral Tryon and his staff, the band bad to be detained on board the Nelson, This evening the “ Snowflake Ministrels,’’ who also belong to the vessel, will give an entertainment in aid of the sufferers by the fire. There will, doubtless, be a large attendance, considering the praiseworthy object for which it is to be given, NAVAL ARTILLERY BALL. The ball got up by the Naval Artillery In honor of the crew of the Nelson was a very successful affair, There were about 450 couples dancing, and 300 to 400 persona visited the ball-room daring the evening. There were over 300 of the Nelson crew present. The decorations of the previous night were left intaot, and looked almost as pretty. Admiral Tryon, Commander Hamilton, and most of the officers of ths Nelson, honored the ball with their presence. Colonel Sir George Whitmore, Commander of the Forces, LieutenantColonel Butts, and the following officers were present:—Captain Commandant Johnston, Lieutenant Hislop, Surgeon Gillon, Wellington Naval Artillery; Captain Fitzherbert, Petone Naval Artillery ; Captain MoOredie, D Battery of Artillery ; and Captain Shannon, Wellington Rifles. The Mayor (Mr A. W. Brown), the Chairman of the Harbor Board (Mr E. Pearce), and other leading citizens were present. Tbs ball was opened by the Mayor and Mrs A. R. Hislop, who wore vis-a-vis to Colonel Sit 6. Whitmore and Mrs G, Gore Gillon; Captain Commandant Johnston and Mrs C, Gallia being vis-a-vis to Captain Fitzherbert and Mrs J. Cruickshank. There were 24 dances on the programme, and after every six dances some singing, Highland flings, Ac., were indulged in, a nice break being thus afforded. The music was supplied by the Garrison and Petone Naval Bands, who exchanged places at tCe different intervals. Seaman Mnndla and Seaman, Donovan acted as M.C.’s, and gave general satisfaction to tbs numerous company, Mr F, Dowsett, Tinakori-toad, was entrusted with the catering, which was carried oat very successfully. Mr Staples supplied the beer, Mr Bacon the aerated waters and cordials, whilst Mr J, Maginnity sent presents of champagne and mixed nines. The arrangements were of the moat satisfactory kind, and the bail was one of the most satcessfal ever held in Wellington. The Committee deserve to be highly complimented for the way in whioh everything was carried ont.