ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17599, 11 March 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

F ULLE RS’ PICT UR ES. Stimulated interest caused by Hie uniformly good units in tlie current programme attracted another fair audience to the ZeaJanclia Hall last evening, and the most salient feature—“A Plot of India’s Hillmen”—proved itself capable of stirring the.patrons to enthusiasm. This film with tlie numerous other studies, which embrace comedy, scenic and topical subjects, make the programme very entertaining, and there is every augury for a big patronage to-night when the series will l>e screened for the last time. THE LYCEUM. Quite a surprising variety of ingredients make tip the programme at present being screened at the Lyceum Hall, there being drama, comedy, industrial, topical and scenic studies. Wit at is more, the industries illustrated are.local and on that account arc especially interesting. The chief drama is one entitled "Under the L>aisies." wherein is told a story charged with tenderness, and chiefly characterised by its beautiful character delineations. The final presentation of the series will take place this evening. ‘■THE GRAFTERS.* The Wm. Anderson Dramatic and Burlesque Company again presented the musical production "The Grafters” at the Alunicipal Theatre last evening before a good house. The company scored a well deserved success and it is certain that for tlie two remaining nights of their Invercargill season the patronage will be good. The high encomiums as to the performance of "The Grafters” which were earned on Monday evening, notwithstanding the great drawback occasioned by the late arrival of tlie scenery, were well sustained by the work of the company last night. The audience showed its approval by frequent applause. A DAY AT THE RACES. , Following the two successful nights of "The Grafters.” Air "William Anderson will this evening present his popular American Alusical Burlesque Company for the final two nights of their season in the realistic musical racing farce entitled “A Day at the Races.” a merry burlesque which kept Sydney and Alclbourne audiences in a perpetual state of merriment for nearly six consecutive months. It is full of unexpected and good things and is generally coiiceded to be even funnier than “Tlie Grafters," whilst musically it is said to scintillate with many delightful gems. It is from the pen of two of the most popular playwrights in America. Alessrs Hough and Adams, whilst the music is by the famous composer Joe Howardc. It is claimed to be rich in bright, sparkling music and clever and original dances There are also clever marches, inspirating choruses and catchy songs. The first act represents the Brighton racecourse and the second is laid at the AVhite City. Coney Island. AIDLLE. ANTONIA DOLORES. A Dunedin exchange thus comments on the appearance of Aldlle. Dolores —Those who attened His Majesty’s Theatre last evening in pleasurable anticipation of Mdlle. Dolores's second recital had every reason to he thoroughly satisfied. It was a delightful concert, to which a highly appreciative audience lent attentive ear. The programme was admirably varied and of sustained excellence, while the gifted soprano was in fine voice, and most generous in adding recall numbers to her list of contributions. Her repertoire, however, is quite exceptional, and she always places the best of music before her audience. Few singers could undertake, us Aldlle Dolores does so easily and with so little evidence of effort, the task of contributing practically unaided a formidable programme of vocal selections, and few singers in so doing would not run some risk of wearying the listener. Aldlle Dolores remains as ever, however, tlie exceptional artist. She maintains her place easily, moreover, as quite the most cultivated singer to visit this part of tlie world. Site furnishes an object lesson not to be excelled in the art of interpretation, and stimulates a sense of values in vocal work which leaves a permanent impression, while always evoking fresh surprise and admiration. Mdlle Dolores will sing in the Alunicipal Theatre next Friday night. The plan opens at tlie Dresden this morning. RAMABAI AIISSION. Last night in the Y.AI.C.A. rooms a large gathering listened with great Interest to the story that Mrs Nalder had to tell of the wonderful work that is being done among the child widows of India by Panuila Ramabai. who has been wonderfully successful in rescuing and helping hundreds of young women and girls upon whom the iron hand of the caste system has pressed heavily. It is difficult to realise in a. Christian country the pitiful condition of these wdows. many of whom arc mere children, and in many cases are not oven married, hut mar - have only been betrothed when quite young. Nevertheless if one lias the misfortune to lose her husband she m looked upon ever after us cursed ami quite beyond the pale of society. No work is too hard, no treatment is too harsh, and there is nothing left for her to look forward to but a weary life filled with misery and every pain and sorrow that the ingenuity of her relation--, can inflict. To these suffering outcasts ■ the message of Christianity is sweet indeed and a number of years ago the heart of a high caste Brahman woman. Ramabai; who had been gradually led to. find the truth as it is in Christ, was stirred so strongly that she determined to do ail that lay in her power to alleviate their sufferings. The great homes at Mukti, which shelter upwards of fifteen hundred girls, are the result of many years of earnest effort and fervent prayer. The organisation is entirely controlled hy the founder and it seeks to shelter and fully educate its inmates, and to send them out as Bible women evangelists and teachers. Ramabai's efforts are always directed towards developing the character of her protegees, and one case deserves of special mention. It is that of Jewobai, who was brought to the home at the age of eleven years and after passing through the school and receiving a thorough education is new irtf charge of five hundred of the younger' girls. Mrs Nalder herself is Ramabai’s co-worker and spends her time largely in among the friends in the home....lands. Her knaw ledge Is intimate, and.

otic that cannot fall to stir the heart and rouse the interest. Oaring tlie next throe days a sale ol\ articles largely made I>y the girls is to lie hold in the V.iM C.A. rooms and visitors will be struck by the exquisite workmanship and admiralde taste of the goods displayed.