WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 69

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Bi Peter Pan.

December 4.

Dear Pasquin, — Wellington people can have no complaint to make against slackness in the amusement line. During the past foirnight we have simply beon rushed with -entertainment* — Hayc!r> Beck, the youn£T violinist : The Kilties, the Hellers, Mr Short, the King's Trumpeter, and the Wellington Professional Orchestra ; Maug-Ita-n Barn<>tt's organ rec'tale, Pathe Pictures, Maskelyn-e and Dovant's Mysteries, Royal Pictures, Fuller's Pictures, " The Messiah," Arthur JSallance's farewell concert ; arid on Monday we w ill have Florence Bain?s. And. io^pite the fact that money is said to be tight, splendid business has been done by all. Mr Charles Parnell, until lately musical director at Fullers' Theatre Royal, will shortly endeavour to put up a world's record for continuous piano-playing. . The attack will be made in Auckland at the Albert Hali, under the management of the Royal Picture Sjndicate, on the- 29th, 30th, and 31st inst. The present record is 51br smin, held by a -Mr Freeman, of Sydney. The " Mrs "VViggs " Company passed through this city at the beginning of the week, bound for Auckland, playing the smalls en route.

Bob Lloyd, a comedian well known in New Zealand, and who was very popular on the Fuller Circuit, writes me '.hat he has signed on with Biennan to appear at the National Theatre in Sydney. He was to have made his tiist appearance last Saturday. Mies Nellie Power, likewise well known in these parts, has also joined the same combination. Tho Pathe Pictures drew crowded houses at the Opoia House "during its week's eoason. The Royal Pictures are still running at His Majesty's, and are nearing the twelfth month cf ;ontinuous running. The Three Huxhams have been engaged for one of Montgomery's companies, and will make their appearance in New Zealand at Chirstmas time. Mr Doyle, manager fcr Florence Baines, expressed the opinion last night that New Zealand was the best picture-show country in the -world. He conswleis it marvellous thao a country of it« size can keep so many shows running. The MaoMahons, with the Burns-Squires pictures, will tour the West Coast during the festive season. "Jimmy" and the members of t,he company left fcr Nekon today.

Mr Arthur Ballance who has been prominent in local musical circles for Eome years past — on the concert, oratorio, and operatic- platforms — was tendered a complimentary concert at the Town Hall last night. There wa6 a larpo audience, and Mr Ballanee was accorded a flattering reception. He leaves for England shortly, there to further pursue his musical studies. Mr T. M. Donovan, of the Royal Pictures, who has been ill since last Easter, is recuperating- at Day's Bay. He will leave for Auckland shortly, to be present a.- tho opening of th? Albert Hall, on Boxing Night, the Royal Picture Syndicate having loased the halt for some time. Mr Alf. Linley leave? for the northern city next, week to forvaid ai rangements. Maskelyne and Devant are in occupation of the Opera House at present, and are thawing largs houses. Their illusions are wonderful. Mr Barclay Gammon, a monologist, is a big "star" in the company Mr John Lemmcne \\a* in town this week in connection with Madame Melba's visit next year. . Tho Russian boye the Ch<?rniavskis give tho fir-vfc of their recitafe ut the Town Hali next Thursday. Fred. Foley and his excellent little company returned to-day fiom a successful tour of the We,t Coa=t. He leaves for a run through tho towns of the Main Trunk line to-morrow.