WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2083, 25 January 1894, Page 37

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

By P. Rompter.

January 22. To-day is Wellington's Anniversary Day, and everybody is engrossed in pleasure, and caterers

of amusement beset one on every hand— by land and sea, indoors and out, by boat and rail, racing, aquatics, athletics, picnics, variety biz, and circus.

During la^t week the circus had a clear run without opposition, barring one night of a lecture in the Opera House py Archbishop Redwood on the World's Fair ; but Fillis had worso competition than that when he struck a streak of wet weather, which turned his ring into a quagmire. Nevertheless-, ,his programmes were so good that pettple couldn't stay away, so they went to the big tent. The World's Trio are riot coming tlown your way yet awhile after all> as on Saturday night they opened for a short season in the Opera House, after which they are to tour our back parts on their way for a season in Wanganui, which will engage them for about a month. Private advices received in town la6t week by the Hill family (well known in our musical circles) state that Mr John W. Hill, son of Mr Charles Hill, who has been studying music at Lbipsic for a number of years, is now a member of the Georgina Burns-Leslie Crotty Opera Company, which is touring in the English provinces. When the mail left, the company was appearing at the Alexandra Theatre, Sheffield, and Mr Hill was receiving very complimentary notices for the manner in which he was taking the part of Norman in " Lucia di Lammermoor."

It; is reported that Mr Baird, secretary of our Opera House Company, has resigned that position, owing to stress of business of his own.

A libel action is being brought in London by MrC. Willeby-Hawthorne, formerly of Dunedin and Wellington, against bhe " Musical Times," in respect of a caustic review of his book, " Masters of English Music."

Mr L. J. Lohr is here, which brings the B. and B. Company very near to us indeed. They open in "A Village Priest" next Friday.

The bookings of bhe Opera House from the present date are as follows : — Brough and Boucicault Comedy Company, 26th January to 16th February ; Allan Hamilton's Variety Company, 21st February to 6th March ; 2nd to 21st April, Walter Howe's Dramatic Company ; Thornton and Arnold Comedy Company ("Charley's Aunt," &c), June to 4th July. The popular Lynch Family Bollringers and Vocalists, after a long absence from Wellington, arrived here yesterday morning from Blenheim, and proceeded north by rail to-day. The company will appear in this city on their return from Auckland.

Lyons's Tourist, Operatic, and Burlesque Company is gradually working its way south. They are to open in the Manawatu district next week.

The Marton Operatic Society (amateur) are to open a season of "The Yeomen of the Guard" next Friday, with Dr Skerman as stage manager, and Mr W. J. Smith conductor : all scenery, dresses, and appointments painted and designed by the society.