THE RAILWAY EMPLOYES BENEFIT SOCIETY.

Southland Times, Issue 3519, 1 October 1879, Page 2

THE RAIL WAY EMPLOYES BENEFIT SOCIETY.

The performance of last night, which was for the benefit of the Society recently established to assist railway employes in times of sickness or in the event of accidents, was a most unqualiaed success. The largest audience that has ever assembled at any theatrical performance in this town met at Sloan's Theatre with the two-fold object, of witnessing what proved to be a very fair performance, and of encouraging a laudable object. Many were literally turned away owing to the want of accommodation, while numbers had to stand during the evening. The performance was preceded by a torchlight procession. This left the railway station shortly after seven o'clock, and, headed by the Garrison Band, wended its way through the principal streets of the town, finally coming to a halt opposite Sloan's Theatre. The band then took up a position on the balcony, and played a few enlivening airs. In the meantime a constant stream had been- pouring into the building, which by eight o'clock, as before stated, was filled to overflowing. The comedy presented, was said to be a local one, and was placed on the stage " for the first time in the world." No one wonld be particularly inclined to dispute this, for it was evidently the result of the first efforts of some remarkably weak-minded gentleman who had turned his,band to. comedywriting as a last "resource. It is called " Old Friends." ; The acting throughout was f ull> equal to that displayed, by this, talented troupe, its 'sojourn, here, and appeared to be heartily appreciated by the audience. The principal characters were taken by those veterans Messrs Musgrave and Hydes, the latter being particularly successful in a rather difficult role. Mr Hooper appeared to greater advantage than he usually does, and the acting of Messrs Alexander and Stark was very good. Miss Herrick, Miss Morgan, and Miss Nye took the remaining characters, and each acquitted' herself very creditably. The j acting, in fact, was worthy a better piece. The after piece was an amusing farcn entitled ''The Railroad Station, Inyercargill." This, from certain local surroundings, was very mirth r provoking, and sufficed to keep the audience in a roar of laughter from beginning to end. At its close, Mr Louth came before the baize, and in a few graceful sentences, thanked the audience for their attendance, the Garrison Band for their services, and Mi* Hydes and his company for the handsome manner in which they had come forward and assisted the Society. The ball then commenced, and was continued until the small hours. \ Quite a large number tripped, it merrily to the strains of an excellent band. .It may be stated that all railway employes resident in the country districts were yesterday, by permission of Mr Conyßrs, Commissioner of Railways for' the South' Islandj, conveyed to Invercargi.il free. of. charge. Numbers availed themselves of. the privilege, employes from .all. parts of. the section being present. .-...•. ;