AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 13728, 19 October 1908, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

MISS IREXE AIXSLEY. Probably no musical civnt in our history ha<> do stirred the people of limani at> the forthcoming visit of Me'.ba'n great protogee, Miss Irene Ainsley. The great contralto, who claims Xew Zealand as her birthplace, and therefore also ilaini=. the affection of Xc\v Zealandeis as - her birthright, is due to appear in the Theatre Royal neit Friday night. the 23rd infct. This musical event- has abtoiU>d local interest for >ome time and the reason is not far to seek. The contributing causes to Mies Ainsley"t> great popularity in Xew Zealand are as potent and forceful as they are natural. Ithe first. place she is <me <>f iss, and though it has delighted piinccs and p.-ople in distant lands to do her hniiom, »iie still comes to the Xew Zealandeife as a gifted daughter of our own coumry. Again it can he .-aid with all (he force of truth that Miss liene Ainsley has not been spoiled or in any way detrimentally affected by her experiences in these upper realms of song and old world i-n'i'ie;. which might bo easily have turned the head of a le.t-balanced and natural celebrity. Her naturalness and charm of grace are amongst her most valuable ;'fiaets—valuable by the -very reason of their naturalness. She is described, " charming to meet, and a child of Xature, both as regards her gift and her happy disposition." All thene phrase* tend to enhance the interast in her appearance Jiere. But in addition to these things it is the consideration that she has notawaited the declension of her vocal powers before coming to ns. The programme for her Timaru season is a varied and excellent- one. She is supported by the finest talent obtainable, including Mr Hamilton Hodgta.