DRAMATIC RECITAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13937, 24 June 1909, Page 6

DRAMATIC RECITAL.

AT PLEASANT POINT. On Monday evening tlio PleasantPoint Literary and Debating Society held the iirst of their open meetings lor the session, when the programme consisted of a dramatic recital by the Pev. Archibald E. Hunt, of Timaru, interspersed with solos by local singers. The lecture room of the technical school was comfortably idled with an appreciative audience. Mr limit's selections were well chosen and excellently arranged, a. humorous piece following a dramatic or pathetic, as the case might he, anil so adding to the variety of the. whole. So free was the recital from evert a suggestion of monotony that, although it lasted just 011 two hours, the attention of the audience never wavered for a moment, and they were as keenly appreciative of the last item as thev were of the first. Mr Donaldson, secretary of the Society, briefly introduced Mr Hunt, who stated that lie proposed to treat his audience just as a iriendly gathering. His first item was a dramatic rendering of "Tasca," descriptive of life and love in Texas; and his fine interpretation was all that could be desired, and was heartily applauded. Bracketed with this number was "The Subscription List," and Mr Hunt's happy and humourous rendering thereof provoked roars of laughters from the audience. Miss J-. Lyle then sang •' Robin Adair" in a very pleasing manner, and was heartily applauded lor her effort. The next two items by Mr Hunt were " I'he Passing of Little Nell" and " Kalstalf on Honour." The former was perhaps the best'of the evening. During its recital the audience sat spellbound, a nil at its conclusion there were many eyes dim with tears. lii his interpretation of Shakespeare's •M''alstaff on Honour," Mr Hunt caused great merriment.

Another solo, "Anchored," by Mr Donaldson, was well received. Continuing iiis recital, Mr Hunt gave a line exhibition of his dramatic powers in his rendering of " Gone with a Handsomer Man," and in "A Night with a Baby," a combination of the dramatic, pathetic, and humorous, he kept the risible faculties of the audience in an uncontrollable state of excitement from beginning to end. Miss Bishop was very happy in the choice of her solo, *" The Last Rose of Summer," fitting in as.it did with the next item of Mr Hunt's selection, and which she sang very sweetly. In "Old Cremona," another pathetic piece, Mr Hunt again showed his wonderful power of interpretation and ability to pourtrav the keenness and pathos of suffering. In "The Quarrel" he treated the audience once more to a comica.l sketch, descriptive of domestic felicity. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Hunt, carried by acclamation, brought a very enjoyable entertainment to a close. Mr Hunt has kindly consented to give another recital later on in the session, provided a date .can be arranged to suit his other engagements. The next ordinary meeting of the Society will be held on July sth, for which a. debate is being arranged, and it is hoped there will be not only a ;;ood attendance of present members, but also :i large number of new members.