AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13973, 6 August 1909, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

SHERWOOD'S* PICTURES. Once again there, was a numerous audience at the Tlieatro Royal last night when the new i>rograninic of Sherwood's pictures were shown with good effect and received with unmistakcablo Among the dramatic T>iotures which deserve «|>ecial mention were those entitled "A Hero" which depicts the gallant rescue of a child from a burning building, "The Little? Cabin Bay," and "His .Daughter's Voice,"' this latter film telling a pathetic and moving story. The comics were all good, but the one "A Cabman's Delusion" is quito the best comic that has so far been shown here, being intensely amusing and highly original. An innovation was tho introduction of some comic musical items by members of the compauy wliich went well and were cordially received, and to end up a farcical sketch was put on that caused great amusement. This evening an entirely new change of pictures will be shown, sonic- of which are said to bo of a very novel and startling nature and patrons will have a splendid entertainment for their entrance money. SKATING CARNIVAL. That skating lias become a. very popular form of recreation in Timnru was abundantly evident at the Drill Hall last night when the first fancy dress and masquerade carnival of the present season was held. Long before 8 ojclock there was a ureat crowd waiting for admittance and when the doors were thrown open it was a case of jam, squeeze, or crush in order to get in. After the spectators had got in every inch of sitting room in the spacious hall was fully occupied both upstairs and down. The Marine Band played outside the building and once the skating started it played inside the hall, giving a good, programme of music throughout to tho accompaniment of the movements of the skaters. The hall was prettily decorated, the iloor was in splendid order, and when the grand inarch started it was an animated and very pretty seeno that met the eye. Many of the fancy costumes were of surprising merit, and in them were represented people of many nationalities as well as of many callings. Block ;ind white, rich and poor, young and old, grave and gay, all wero there, and the inevitable humorist was alio in evidence, both in dress and in antics. Tho management had promised that the fun would bq fast and furious, and this it certainly was, the spectators entering into tbo enjoyment as much almost as the skaters. That those who held the floor had learned well, tho art of skating was evident from the clever exlubitions which they gave in cutting figures, playing games, and performing all manner of unthinkable contortions on their wheeled shoes. It was a source of genuine pleasure to watch these gayly attired exponents of the art, as they shot ' about or moved gracefully round the room, forming a Jiving picture as they went. There w:is good fun as a result of the competitions that were held, these including musical chairs, a hockey match, a mile race, and a couples' race. There were also some other competitions of a different kind, these being for tho best fancy dress, most original and comical character, most graceful couple, etc. Substantial prizes were oeffred for all the competitions, consisting of medals and trophies.

Tlio jucltiintr was lnost nt'ficiciitly carried out by Mrs C. E. Thomas. Mrs G. Bowkcr, and Mrs W. Priest, and yavo universal satisfaction. Mr A. H. . I? a try gav-f! mi excellent exhibition of trick and fancy skating, applause bursting in at frecjuent inlervals during liLs pui fornianee, showing appreciation of tlio high degree, lie liarl attained in the art of fancy sknf-

The following are the different prizewinners:—

Best Fancy Dress (lady), Miss lua Gilchrist, "Dutch Girl"; (men) Mr L. Roberts, "Chinese Mandarin." Best child, Miss Paton, ''Fairy." Most original character, Miss Gunn, "Ruination." Most comical character, Mr J. Lawrie, as "Harry Lauder" the Scotchcomedian. Most graceful couple, Miss E. Kerr and,Mr P. Foster. A' well contested race over a milo course, marred only by D. Manning falling when holding a good position, resulted in a win for J. Paton with C. Glover second. Tho humorous absurdity musical chairs resulted in a win for Mr Foster. A hockey match on skates hetween a team from tho rink v. allcomers, resulted in a win for the rink by four goals to-three. This was a -well" contested game, in which the combatant's showed a wonderful ability to stand upright, whilst rushing lor the hall ill all conceivable positions. The couples-race run in three heats, resulted in a win for Miss E. Connolly and Mr D; Manning. . The arrangements for the carnival were carried out most satisfactorily by the management, all the various events workin"- smoothlv. The prizes will be presented next Thursday evening, when winners should be in attendance to receive the trophies.