WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 60

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Bt Peteb Pan.

July 10. Dear “Pasquin,”—Mies Ellen Terry gave her final recital in New Zealand at the Town Hall last night. There was a splendid audience, and the gifted lady aroused much applause by her interpretations of the speeches of Lady Macbeth. Miss Terry received a large number of fioral tributes. These, with great forethought, Miss Terry took to the general hospital after the performance. Miss Terry and the members of the company supporting her leave for Sydney to-day by the Maheno. Mr Blascheck, the monologuist who has been touring with Miss Ellen Terry, intends paying another visit to the Dominion before the year closes. The Wellington Amateur Operatic Company scored a distinct success m Planquette’s tuneful opera “Paul Jones.” The first performance was given on Wednesday, and there was a largo audience. That :he opera caught on is shown by the box plan, which assures full houses for the remainder of the season. Miss Gard’ner, of Dunedin, again gave Wellingtonians a sample of her ability as Yvonne. Miss Gard’ner quite won her audience, and scored a notable success. Mr Charles Berkeley, who is heralding “The Forty Thieves” pantomime, is due here early next week. Mr Irve Dayman, who has not been round these parts for a number of years, is at present playing some fine sketches at His Majesty’s. July 17. A report was circulated here that that clever little child artist, Cecil Haines, who went to Sydney a few months ago, had broken down owing to excessive study. A cable message has now been received, from Sydney stating that the report is without foundation, and that Cecil is enjoying the best of health—which is welcome news to her many friends and admirers. Dunedin amateurs have somewhat of a reputation for the excellence of their operatic productions, but they will have to look to their laurels in view of Wellington’s production of “Paul Jones.” Our amateurs excelled themselves. The staging of the opera would have done credit to many professional companies. Public and. press were more than satisfied, and the former showed its appreciation by packing the Grand Opera House every night of the season. It is said that the takings ran well into four figures. On the last night Mr Tom Pollard, who coached the members, was handed a cheque for a- substantial amount, and Mrs Pollard was presented with a set of silver hair brushes. The society is well pleased at its success, and : s getting ready for another production. “La Mascotte” is said to be the choice. Next Wednesday we are to have the “Forty Thieves” pantomime, and Charles Berkeley is here and telling everyone all about it despite an attack of sciatica. Charles’s latest: “The Government is bringipcr the special constables back to town I “What for?” “To catch ‘The Forty Thieves.’” Then he departs hurrhdly. Mischa Elman is to give a farewell recital here next Thursday. Two now picture theatres are to be erected in Manners street, one opposite the old Opera TTouso. and the other opposite Macmahon’s N~w Theatre. The latter one is to cost £6OOO, and the erection is to t>e commenced next week. The opening is set down for November. When these places are ready there will be seven places of amusement in Manners street alone!