COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT TO MISS DE VERE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 129, 19 September 1876, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT TO MISS DE VERE.

Although there have been frequently larger audiences in the Masonic Hall, we question if there was ever assembled within its walls one so enthusiastic, or which so thoroughly enjoyed itself as did that of last night. Indeed, it would appear as if the audience and artists, singers and silters, had come out for a night's enjoyment, and that both had d-terminedto contribute thereto. The entertainment wr.s a mixed one, and it cannot be denied that, as such, it was highly successful ; while there is little doubt that not only the programme, but those figuring thereon, were considerably "mixed." The first item was Wallace's "Let me like a .Soldier fall," by Mr. Hannah, but that gentleman cannot be complimented upon his rendering. Instead of the animation and spirit which one naturally expects to hear Don Csesar infuse into this gem of "Maritana, his representative of last night left the impression that the prospective doom was anything but as acceptable as the words would seem to convey, and that " coming events had cast a shadow before." Of the programme proper the only portions which deserve mention are those in which Mr. E. Booth took part, for were it not for that gentleman the greatest kindness which could be shown would lie to avoid all mention, collectively and individually. The manner in which he acquitted himself of "She Wore a Wreath of Roses " and " In Happy Moments," went a long way, however, to atone for the shortcomings of the others. Had poor Wallace once more visited those shores in .spirit, and put m an appearance last night, we don't think he would have taken the mutilations of his chef d'muvre -\vith an equal amount of philosophy as did those present. An eminent flautist, Signox* Gammon, was announced to give a performance, but although true to his name lie was not to his promise, and he was conspicuous by his absence. " The Blighted Bein r '" was to have formed the concluding portion of the programme, but he, like'the Signor, was non est inventus. We imagine, however, that " The Blighted Being " made his appearance in the earlier portion of the entertainment, for we noticed a mysterious individual meandering about as if " got up " for the part of the mute in the' " Spectre Bridegroom." At the conclusion of the first part, Mr. Hannah came forward, and in a neat little speech informed the audience " That lie had very great pleasure in announcing that there would be an intermission of ten minutes, but that after that those present would be _ treated to something very nice indeed." The announcement was received with an outburst of merriment, which it was hard to account for, as we rest assured none could question the truth of the pleasure the intermission afforded the company. When the curtain rose, Mr. Venier, .in in a humorous speech thanked the patrons, the amateurs, and himself, on the part of the benejiciare, and stated that on account of the disaffection of some and the iiidixpositioii of others, the Vaudeville Troupe would come to the rescue, and carry out the remainder of the night's entertainment. This announcement was received "\vitli vociferous appltiuse, and although we have never had the felicity of witnessing tlie "Blighted Being"— beyond what we have mentioned above—we have no hesitation in saying that the audience lost nothing by the substitution. As a proof that those who waited to the conclusion had no cause for regret, we mav mention as a fact that one gentleman who had secured a seat behind us, without going tlirough the inconvenient preliminary of "parting," touched with a twinge of remorse, and as an acknowledgment of value received, called the doorkeeper and magnanimously disgorged the three shillings. Judging from the success of hist evening, we should recommend that in future a similar step be followed, and that all the entertainments should be extemporaneous.