MASTERTON MURMURS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2929, 4 May 1910, Page 69

MASTERTON MURMURS.

April 29. Dear Pasquin,—Again I have to chroncle a theatrical drought, and we have had very little amusement lately, except the everpresent pictures. Messrs Thompson and Payne have "struck oil" at the Foresters' Hall, where their permanent picture show has been running for seven or eight months to splendid business, the rosy little hall being well filled nightly. Masterton, with a population of 5000, is • to be called upon to support' two permanent picture shows, for West's have secured a six months' lease of the Town Hall on the nights when it is not required by travelling theatrical companies. There has been a good deaJ of comment over this matter, the general opinion being that we are well catered for now in the picture line, and that it is a mistake to open a second show. One of the firms is bound to suffer, for it ie ridiculous to expect a town with such a' small population to support two permanent picture snteirtainments. We shall. see what we shall see. Skating is again very popular, a.nd nightly the Winslow Rink, under the management of Mr George Coker, attracts a large number of skaters. The 6port is almost as amusing to the onlooker as it is exhilarating to the participant. Miss Amy Murphy, the talented Dunedinite, gave a recital here last week, being assisted by Masterton's popular organist, Mr Purcell Webb. The concert was keenly enjoyed by those present. In a newspaper which I received by the last English mail there is an account of the .first performance of "The Merry Monarchs" at the Savoy, London. The following sentence in the notice should be interesting to New Zealand readers: "Miss Alma Barber sang and danced prettily." "Married to the Wrong Man," produced by the George Marlow Company, drew a crowded house. Mr Herbert Bentlev (pleasantly remembered as Bunny in "Raffles") did good work as the hero, and Mr Hilliard ox earned the maledictions of the audience as the bold, bad villain. Miss Essie Dlay appeared as che heroine.. I was surprised to hear that you were, present at the first production of "Peter Pan" in Wellington. That was the performance I attended. And what a first night it was! I only got to town from Masterfcort at 8.10, and rushed straight to the Opera- House. There I was fortunate enough to have a seat awaitinp- me in the seventh or eighth row of stalls—right in the centre. How I enjoyed "Peter Pan" ! T envy you the privilege of seeing it a time. Masterton was cut out of iha. tour.' Every time I think of "the boy -■; ho wouldn't stow ud" a fresh bit of the dainty and whimsical dialogue comes to mind. Give my love to Peter when he—or she—comes your way. —[With pleasure Pasquin.] With every good wish—Yours truly, Fea Diavolo.