The Japanese Village Exhibition

Southland Times, Issue 13479, 12 June 1896, Page 3

The Japanese Village Exhibition

! The patronage bestowed on the Village yesterday, particularly in the evening was exceedingly gratifying considering the strong counter attraction of the theatre. All the arrangements being complete and decidedly tip to date everything went swimmingly. In the afrernoon a highly attractive programme of music wat given and each performer came in for well merited plaudits. Those who took part were Mrs H. A. Macdonald, Misses Grigor, Erskine, Smith, Dickenson (2), Messrs W. Quinn, F. V. Raymond, and Mr C. Gray took part in the part song, " Sweet and Low." In the evening the mirth-provoking play, " Dick Whittington," proved a great attraction, especially fto thej young folks. This waa followed by a blood-thirsty drama entitled " Briganzio the Brigand,' the characters all entering into their parts with a realisation of their importance which waa at times astounding. The villain, as pourtrayed by Mr C. W. Nicoll, was a capital representation, and Messrs A. Grenfell A. Henderson, G. Royds, and A. Mackenzie also sustained their parts in a praiseworthy manner. Mr Black's band contributed the music with their usual ability. Later on various tableaux were given, each bearing testimony to elaborate preparation. The plantation songs proved a great attraction and encores were insisted on and graciously responded to. The loan collection has been well patronised and the rich articles, including two handsome plates inlaid with gold, the property of Mr A. R. Wallis, and other valuable and antique specimens were much admired. To-day there will be the usual chamber concert in the afternoon and in the evening the Mikado dance by juveniles, plantation songs, tableaux, and excellent muaic.

Several matte ra of detail which are worthy of notice are unavoidably crowded out of this issue.