THE THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 782, 20 June 1864, Page 5

THE THEATRE.

At the Princess Theatre on Friday evening last, the 17th inst., a complimentary benefit was given to the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade. The piece selected was "Love's Sacrifice," in which Mr H. J. W. Eobinson, a member of the Brigade, sustained the character of Eugene deLorme. The performance was under the patronage of the Volunteers ofOtago, and of the various orders of Oddfellows and Forresters, many of whom occupied the boxes, dressed in their uniforms, and decorated with the badges of their orders. Mr Eobinson was very effective in the part he had undertaken, and was frequently warmly cheered. Mr and Mrs Holt as Matthew and Margaret Elmore, gave full effect to the varied emotions incident to the scenes they had to enact. Mr Wolfe as Paul Lafont, very well impersonated the crafty over-reaching lover. Mr T. Fawcett in the character of St. Lo, and Mr F. S. O'Brien as Friar Dominic, were quite equal to their parts; as were also Miss Dolly Green as Herminie de Vermont, and Miss Cassy Matthews as Mar.ou. On the fall of. the curtain, Mr Robinson, and Mr and Mrs Holt were called before the audience, who received them with loud expressions of approbation. Between the play and the after - piece the Brigade ranged themselves in a semicircle on the Stage with their banner in the centre. The tableau had a very nice effect. Mr F. S. O'Brien delivered the following address in very good style (composed expressly for the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, by John Cross, Secretary to the Conrt Enterprise, Ancient Order of Foresters) :—

Kind, generous friends! assembled here to prove For gallant spirits undissembled love; Thus yielding sweet encouragement and aid. To cheer the labors of this bold Brigade. No hirelings these—they voluntary come With breathless haste to quench some blazing home, , , At noon-day bright—soft evening's moonlight

hour— Or midnight deep, when Sleep's oblivion? power Hath hushed their cares—if sounds the direful Bell, Its loud vibrations burst the slumberers spell ; With eager steps and half-clari limbs they run Where Desolation's fiery wrack's begun— Where suffocating clouds in volumes rise, _ And fierce devouring flames ascend the akies. _ What breast so steru, but trembles with afiright At bare remembrance of one fearful night— When fell Destruction's blaze at close of day Appalled the boldest by its direful sway? But these, unlaunted, heart and soul unite, Their ardour rising with the sickening sight; Although to quell its ra«e attempts seemed vain As chiJe the howling tempests of the main : On every side extends the invading fire ; The soaring flames unto tbe clcuds aspire, Whilst the hoarse trump stern mandates issuing

loud Thunders above the tumult of the crowd. The unctuoils merchandise such force had given Its ruddy glare illumed the face of Heaven ; For crashing beams, and rafters from ou high, Shoot forth a fiery storm into the sky :

Whilst food for thousands was ere morning grey, And countless happy homes for ever swept away. All night they patient toiled—till ruddy morn Told its sad tale, on many features, worn, _ And pale, and haggard yet unconquered still They braved all perils with triumphant skill; Buildings cleft down—the watery deluge pour— Until exhausted nature could no more. What gratitude or offering should requite The Herculean labours of this night 1

I blush to say it—gratitude was none— Their "virtue was its own reward" alone. A Volunteer beneath tli' inclement sky, And dripping canvas might contented lie Though thunders roll, and flashing lightnings

Throus-h the drenched camp until the dawn of

day; For there is glory in these fields afar, "Pomp, pride, and circumstance of glorious • war :"

The stern conviction of their duties paid, (Should their love<l country need a Patriot's aid) .Expands the soul—on hostile threats they smile, Nor dread invasion of their guarded Isle. But these civilians—disciplined and brave— Easer from fire your household gods to save, Must feel neglected, and ihe'ir fortnnes hard, Should such protection meet no just reward ; 'Tis true -they ask not—but no less, 'tis true An ample recompense to them is due. But friends, how long shall countless mountain rills Unheeded glide from these majestic hills Into the bay, ere reservoirs are made The labours of this noble bana to aid ?

What if a blaze burst forth at midnight hour

Near some vast centre of commercial power - Where are the remedies at your command j No stand-pipes fixed or fire plugs near at hand ? Or must there be no feeling for the poor, Who quaff pollution that streams past their

doerPoison imbibing—whilst malarias rise From stagnant ditches that offend the skies ?

But heed ray words —there's danger in delay, Foul Pestilence may claim this City for its prey ! Patrons, and friends! for this spontaneous aid, Receive through me the thanks of the Brigade.'

The after piece of the Boots at the Swan, followed, and the whole went off in the most satisfactory manner.