WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2020, 10 November 1892, Page 35

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

By P. Eomptkk.

November 5.

Dear Pasqujn, — Williamson's Royal Opera Company have continued throughout the week their run of success, producing "Yeomen of the Guard," "Marjorio," and "The Old Guard " to crowded houses. The feature of last week's performances was the clever ballots of the Royal Ballennas, a very clever company of dancers, the admired of all beholders. The record of the season' was pub up last nighf, when the iirat appearance of the much-fcalked-of. "Old Guard" brought together an enormous house. Owing to the Band Contest taking place in the Opera House from the 9ih fco the 12th, the Opera Company move into the Theatre Royal to conclude their Wellington season. "Pepeta" ;s; s to be the next .production. After the Band Contest in the Opera House, we are to have Mr Walter Bentleyand his company, to whose revival of " The Silver King " we are a!l looking forward. Mr Lohr, the manager, has been up here fixing things up during the past week. News has reached Wellington from faraway Japan cf fc'ie marriage nt C ni,t CLu\h, Yokohama, on September 5, of Mr George Harmston and Mdlle. Le Blonde, the clever equestrienne. The bride and groom belong to Harmston's circus.

An entertainment was given in the Theatre Royal on Monday last by the pupils and friends of the Boys' Collegiate School. The first part was a concert and physical drill by the boys, and the second portion formed a novelty, being a debate, some 30 pupils in Parliamentary form arranged by Mr J. C. Webb, piincipal of

tho school. The motion for "Protection' of the Genus Small Boy in New Zealand," was introduced by the Minister for Education (Master Harold Lyon) in a capitaE speech, and replied to very happily by fcho Leader of the Opposition (Master Howard Letham). Having undergone a spirited de' bate, it was carried on a division by 17 votes toll. Master Earnest Lowe made a goof? Speaker, and tho audienco greatly enjoyed the proceedings. The case of Joues v. Nicholson, in which Mr F. W. Jones, of this city, sues Messrs Nicholson and Co., of Sydney, for an injunction fco restrain publication by them of' his " Barn Dance," and also for an account oi sales made by them, again came before fch& New South Wales Equity Court on Ocfcobrr 24. After argument, Mr Justice Owen reserved his decision in tho matter.

The very exciting tug-of-war case against the Hon. Mr Seddon has at last; been heard and decided, the disappointeds, the Irish team, meeting the came fate as they mot on the stage of tho Opera House— defeat, iv the shape of. a nonsuit.

The coming Brass Band Contest, which opens in the Opera House, Wellington, on the 9th inst., is creating a large amount of interest here, nofc only in musical circles, but fc v -e interest permeates the whole public. Brass band music perhaps appeals more to the general mass of mankind than any other variety of sound, probably because it is enjoyed more in the open air than any other music; and I think we may also placo aa another factor the love of music shown by colonials even in this early stage of their being. The contest pro--mises to be .very successful in every way. Twenty- one bands are entered, including the very pick of our talent, and there will be twodivisions—a first and a second class. The Wellington bands have been hard afc practice^ for some mouths past, and lately have been* doing three nights a week. Ifc is hard fco judge of the proficiency aud chance of the visiting, bands without hearing them play, but taking: reliable reports, I shall venture to give some idea as to how they stand for positions in fchutwo divisions. For the first class the chance* are in favour of the Oamaru Garrison Band,, which is, I hear, in better form than when it took the championship. After them will come a Wellington band, with Invercargill and Dunedin close up. I shall therefore recommend : 1. Oair.aru Garrison. 2. Jenkins' Private Band.

In the second class there seems to be a strongfaifch in the prowess of the players under tho= veteran Garry. The Otaki Maori, which has. plenty of enthusiasm and support, has been practising hard in town since tho 28fch of last month. My opinion of the places in- the second class competition is : 1. New Plymouth 2. Wellington Juniors 3. Otaki Maori. For tho cornet solo I fancy Charles Jenkinß, of Jenkins' Private Band, who a few years ago waß the leading cornet in the Invercargill crack band. Either White or Herd, both of the Wellington Garrison, will get tho placo for trombone solo.

Next month the Opera House will bo filled by the Fisk Jubilee Siugers (that is to say, what is left of the P. J. S.), who will givo iivo concerts, commencing on the 7th. Then como a clever trio, in Mr and Mrs C. N. Stcen, clairvoyants and exposera of spiritualistsWays that are dark And things that are vain—

who are supported by Mr Oscar Smith, ventriloquist. The latter gentleman h&8 been round here before, and has just returned with the Steens from "Amurka." On Boxing Night the Dampier Company open with " Robbery Under Arms."

PLATERS AT I'LAV.

(An anecdote of an Opera Company cricket mate 1 ! in Wellington told by P. Rompter). In playing at cricket, To snatch up a wicket A player is none too slow. Should batsmen snick it Slip will soon snip it— And up in the air 'twill go ! On the Basin it happened The Opera got flattened ; And vow'd next day to get there ! With Syd Dean, Rice, and Ford, A fine three for a record, And an umpire who'd deal only fair ! As I've no space to afford To dwell on their record, I'll just note for you one little thing, How just before Ford, sir, Got settled on board, sir, A chance leg-before-wickct did bring. But no appeal was made. Said Bowl, " I'm nob afraid, For Bat is really such a muff ; So I'll enjoy a little fun, And he'll find ere I've begun That a bowl or two for him is quite enough.' Quickly passed the overs by, Manfully the bowlers try To cro3B a Ford which seemed impassable. And that bowlor made a dive When the Bat made sixty-five, For he failed to spell thatlittlo word " able."