ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5311, 24 June 1904, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. “Tho Christian,” performed for tho third time at the Opera House last cvoninf by 'lie Woods-WilUamson Company, was witnessed by an audience that followed witfi tho closest interest the incidents of the story and tho fortunes of Olory Quayle (Miss Maud Williamson) mid John Storm (Mr Alf. Woods). Tho play was well received throughout. It will ho produced for the last time tonight. To-raorrow evening the company will appear in a. now piece entitled “In Old Madrid,” an adaptation from Marion Crawford’s novel “In the Palace of tho King.” mOL. B. SPURR. Mr Spun- again delighted a largo andirnco at tho Kxcliango Hall last night, when ho presented an excellent programme. Now items for to-night’s programme are “Recipes,” “My hirst Recital,” “ A Little Music,” ‘"The Ballymonoy Conversazione,” “The Lot Token” and “Liberty Hall.” The management annonneo that- Mr Spurr will give one special matinco next Wednesday Jnno 29th, for which special arrangements will be made for schools and children. HIS MAJESTY'S. Fuller’s Entertainers attracted numerous playgoers to- His Alajosty’s Theatre last night, when tho variety of items presented pleased all tastes. I'resh novelties uro promised.

Mr Herbert Flemming makes his first appearance in New Zealand us an entrepreneur with Mel. B. Spurr, but tlio present is not by any means his first visit to Wellington or New Zealand. He mado his first appoarnneo on any stage in Christchurch under tho management of that gifted actor, the late William Hoskins, away back in tho seventies, anu only the other day he met in Hobart the pressman who admitted that ho wrote the criticisln of that performance. Mr Flemming was last in New Zealand fourteen years ago.with the charming tragedienne, Miss Janet Achurch. On that occasion tho Wellington season was wrecked financially by a general election. Son\o years subsequently Mr Flemming wont to South Africa in company with Miss Fortcscue. Since then ho has directed his attention to theatrical management in that country. Ho had seven companies on tour when the war broke out. After the occupation tf Bloemfontein, ho played there for forty-four weeks, with a range from Shakespeare to “Tom, Dick and Harry.” Mr Flemming lias been confined to a private hospital for some days, where he underwent a slight operation. This does not prevent him being amazed with the strides that have been made in New Zealand. The twelfth annual hall of the Wellington College Old Boys’ Association was hold last evening in tho Sydney street Hall. The following committee bad tho arrangements in hand: —Messrs Luckio. Benton, Pilcher, Jacobs, Dunn, Seed (treasurer) and Brown (secretary). Music was supplied by Fleming’s Band, and tho catering was in the hands of Mr J, Godber.

Thera were largo attendances at the three sessions at the Skating Rink yesterday. Some of the skaters who were novices a few days ago are becoming quite expert on the rollers. The eminent English baritone vocalist. Mr Watkin Mills, made his first appearance in Australia at the Town Hall, Sydney, on Wednesday evening. On that occasion he sang the recitative and aria, “ She Mono Charmeth ” (Gounod), O Ruddier than the Cherry” (from Handel’s “Acis and Galatea”), "The Curfew” (Gould), “Still is the Night” (Abt), "The Two Grenadiers” (Schumann), “In Sheltered Vale” (Formes), “Plymouth Hoe” (Lcnnard), “Die Wedding of Shon Maclean ” (Hatton) and “The. Queen of Connemara” (Needham). He was also to appear this evening and to-morrow night. Mr Mills is being assisted by Edward Parlovitz, described as a brilliant Polish pianist, who, besides acting as accompanist, contributes two or three solos.

At the weekly meeting of the Wesleyan Literary and Debating Society last night, Mr 11. H. Wedde delivered an interesting essay on “Books,” Mr T. I). 'Kendall occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. The paper gave rise to an animated discussion. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the essayist. Next Thursday evening a debate will take place on “ Should the Chinese be imported into South Africa ?”

At Mr Harrison’s gymnasium ■ in Manners street the ladies and gentlemen attending will give simultaneous displays to-night and on Monday next, while junior pupils will give a display to-morrow afternoon. The programme will include advanced and class-work by over one hundred pupils. Mr Harrison’s school is now in the zenith of its popuhaving won the Wellington championship a few months back.

The Bcerbohm Tree Company will conclude its season at Sydney to-morrow evening. Messrs Meynell and Varna then take over this company from Messrs Williamson and Tree for a tour which will open at Brisbane on June 27. The only English artists omitted will be Messrs Warburton, Bardley Turner, AVontuer and Miss Olive Noble, whilst Messrs Harry Plimmer and Leigh will he in the new casts. The repertoire will consist of “The Eternal City,” “Monsieur Bcaucaire,” “ Sign of the Cross,” “Silver King” and “A Royal Divorce.” This company is to fill the Christmas Bates at the Wellington Opera House.