AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13519, 16 February 1906, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATER. Tlie' public's appreciation of tlio splendid entertainment given by the company at present appearing a-t His Majesty's under tho joint management of Messrs Rickards and Co. and 1 John Ftilicr and Sons w;is again manifested in tho iarge audience that assembled last night. The various items gave the utmost satisfaction. Of course the womWful performance of tho trio of illusionists Lo Roy, Talma, and Bosco,. ( and the clever and laughter-creating krris of Kelly camo in for tho major amount of attention, but tho other numbers of the company were also deservedly applauded. The animated 1 picture item was a change on previous nights this week. The main attraction in this respect was a reproduction of kinetoscope views of the first New Zealand versus Britain test football match iu England. This film was very interesting, and was enthusiastically received. Another gr.od set of films was a series, of coloured pictures showing a, conjuror at work. The tamo programme wi 1 be repeated to-night and on . Saturday night, when the season closes. There will be a matinee performance on Saturday afternoon, when the full programme, including animated pictures, will bo' presented. MONTGOMERY'S PICTURES. On Wednesday night next Mr Edmund Montgomery will cornmenee a short season at the Garrison Hall. An entirely new programme of moving pictures, illustrated: songs,' interspersed with music, mirth, and melody, will ho presented. This enterprising proprietor lias just received from hi 3 London agents a large collection of tho very latest successes in moving picturo films. Subjects of .1 humorous character will be strongly represented. A prominent and doubtless attractive portion of the pictorial exhibition will bo an exisnsive series of animate and inanimate pictures, showing how the mana of Maoriland was upheld by the New Zealand Rugby representatives on tho football fields oi Great Britain. Other moving pictures will include tho sensational "During American Bank Robbery," also "The Derby 'Winner," "Tho Life of a Racehorse." "Marie Antoinette" (or "From Queen to Scaffold"), "A Trip up Meant Blanc" (18 scenes). Among many mirth-prodr.ccrs may be mentioned '■ A Policeman'* Troubles," " Bill Bailey's Surprise." " Scenes on Every floor." " An Absent-minded BeggnT." " Sandy Ablutions." Of the whole entertainment an exclwngo say?: "One can obtain inoro tragedy, comedy. humour, and pui«.quickening excitement in an hour at this show than can be obtained at !■ dozen ordinary theatrical performances." LECTURE BY MR A. A. BROWN. The announcement of a lecture is not always considered, as experience lias shown, an irresistible attraction with the public in these days, and it was therefore gratifying to see the Victoria Hall so largely attended as it was losa evening on tins occasion of a lantern lecture by Mr A. A. Brown in aid of the funds' of the Dunedin Free Kindergarten Schools. The worthy object of tho lecture should be materially advanced. The lecture wa3 given under the ausoicea of the Dunedin Progressive Society, and Mr J. A. Millar. M.H.R., presided. In introducing tha lecturer ll!c chairman,made reference to the establishment of the free kintlergnrtcß under the.guidance of Mis Reynolds and others, and how there were now three schools instead of one, and how these interested saw room for further ci-tcnsion yet. Beyond the fsct that last year the Government had for the first time allowed a grant, t!\ eschools had existed on voluntary contributions. Mrs Reynolds was now going to the Old Country for a visit, and the advisability of strengthening the funds of tho kindergarten was felt, and in "that connection Mr Brown had very kindly offered to give the "lecture they were to hear that evening. On behalf of the ladies of the committee he bad pleasure in expressing their thanks to Mr Kiuvson for the efforts he bad made to work up" and make a success of the evcuing. Mr Brown then delivered a lecturc entitled " From Coast lo Coast- Through Canada," and for over an hour and a-hslf kept his audience thoroughly entertained listening-to hisjvivid descriptions of the interesting and varied region with which lie dealt. The_ vary large series oi excellent lantern news formed a. feature of the lecture, the magnificent scenery of the Rockieß heing the precursor of fleeting glimpses along the Canadian-Pacifio railway, the selection of pictures ea route being judiciously choaen- Jlr

Brown wisely did not make bis lecture too exclusively descriptive and instructive, but touched the humorous susceptibilities of his hearers ever and anon by drawing from the large fund of humorous anecdote that ho possesses, and if our old friend the Irishman, or two of him, was resuscitated in his cliaracterisiically national observations on the unmentionable gate or rapids on the Fraser River, or any other spot of particularly vivid fascination, ho always camo with sufficient aptness to bo unobtrusive. It would be curious if some humorous sidelights on the most picturesque railway in the world, as Mr Brown assured his hearers it was, and they were not unwilling to believe it, bad not been placed to the credit of the evergreen comedian in question. Mr Brown had obviously an enormous subject at his disposal, and his rapid survey thereof, though he explained how very much the greater part he was leaving unsaid, left His audience palpably consider■,ably enlightened as to a subject with -which ho has nn enviable familiarity. The lecturer was frequently applauded, and a very hearty vote of thanks for his interesting address accorded him'. During thf eviiing Mr Percy James rendered some illustrated vocal numbers with much acceptance, and Mr Gilchrist ably officiated at the lantern. THE DUNEDIN OPERATIC SOCIETY. Tho performances of "Les Cloches de Corncvillc" to be given by tho Dunedin Operatic Society during the coming week will commence on Monday next, and everything points to a very successful production, both artistically and financially. No effort is being spared to make tbc.production worthy of the society to whose previous performance of "Hip Van 'Winkle" was carried through with si> much credit to all eoncornod. l!ehearsals are of nightly occurrence, and everyllnng is going in a manner which augurs well* for the public representation. The booking is remarkably good for each of the six nights, und aa there is a probability of his Excellency Admiral Fawkcs and stall being in Dunedin at the time, his patronage and presence have been requested, and will 110 doubt be granted. Representatives from Invercargill and Timaru Societies have intimated their intention of being present to witness the performances with a view to obtaining the properties and mountings for performances in their towns, and a special commissioner froni Christchurch has also expressed his desire to do likewise with a view to arranging, if he approves of tho production, for the performance of the cpera in Christchurch during the coming Exhibition. ALHAMBRA THEATRE. Next Monday evening Messrs John Fuller and Sons will resume their occupation of the ■above popular theatre, with a speciallysolccted company r.cwly imported from Australia.