THE CAPPING CARNIVAL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 116, 22 June 1914, Page 9

THE CAPPING CARNIVAL.

SECOND ENTERTAINMENT. A house that contained hardly a vacant seat again greeted the performance of the Canterbury College Students on Saturday night—and that, in the face of the very inclement weather conditions that prevailed, speaks much for the popularity of the entertainment. Like the motto of the Arcadian Peter Doody, it was merry and bright throughout, and those who went for a couple of hours' fun were not disappointed. If the performance lacked" anything, the remarks of the students who distributed themselves about amongst the audience amply made up the deficiency. The "lady" with the out-size head, who was such an interesting feature of the procession, paraded about in the dress circle and stalls during the evening—an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially as regards the gleaming eyes, which, alas, owed their fine fire to an electric device. The performance was the same as that submitted on the previous evening, commencing with '' A Diploma Day Nightmare," whi?fh contained numerous really good hits. The Chancellor was excellent, and the gifts which were awarded the graduates (instead of the usual diplomas) caused much mirth. One of the '' sweet girl graduates'' received a Beeton's Cookery Book. The "Mayor" was presented with a pair of boxing gloves and an injunction not to fight too much. THE SUN got a laurel wreath for good sport, and there were numerous other appropriate gifts distributed. •

The second item, "The Pinching of the Pearls: a Brilliant Belfast Bellow'drama,'' was a delightful absurdity that burlesqued the good old type of melodrama, and did it well. The costuming was extremely up-to-date: it may even be described as somewhat in advance of the date. That sweet "girl," Daphne Damsweet, the heroine, displayed a pretty taste in Directoire skirts, and the Duchess of Bummerstein was a perfect lady—as perfect as the pearls. The Court scene, with which the play ended, was the best of all, and the audible slumber with which t-h| jury received the impassioned addresses of counsel for the prosecution and defence, caused the house to rock with mirth.

Tly) items contributed by the ladies, consisting of choruses, fancy drills and dances, were well presented and well received. The "debut of the belles of Arrahwanna" introducing their prehistoric calisthenics —with dandy little tomahawks —was riovei and taking, and the action song and drill of the senior girls, "Fairy Moon," was a pretty thing. Altogether a good little show, especially for those who went with an appreciation of the minds of the students who planned it, and who were thus prepared to accept it from the proper angle.