AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13989, 26 August 1909, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

SHERWOOD'S PICTURES. There was a good house, at the Theatre Royal last night when Sherwood's Pictures were shown and appreciated. The films which so graphically portrayed wild animals in their haunts and Switzerland in winter, met- with the applause they deserved, while the rest of the well selected pictures were watched with, interest and amusement. As Professor Sherwood was unfortunately indisposed he was unable to give his usual vocal items, bat his place was ably filled by two other members of the company, who rendered songs with good effect. SEATING. Yon hear as yon pass along the street a. rambling sound as of distant thunder interspersed with the strains of emusic, ?nd wondering perchanc yon enter inside the place whence comes the. unfamiliar Sound, and Eee before yon a homogeneous crowd of people, gliding in fantastic circles round a mighty hall r Round and round in never-ceasing, ever-changing streams, go the linkers and with them and after them goes the muffled roar of racing rollers. The movements hasten as the musicians quicken the time, the battalions crowding dangerously as they take the corners with an exhilarating rush, then extricating themselves as they spread out in eddying circles to take the long sweep down the sides. Now and again a.jrinker falls only to 'start again and foin in the fray with added enthusiasm, -and 51 hope for safer stability, in the "future. The rink is open to-day, afternoon and evening, and a grand poster and fancy dress carnival will be held in a few weeks' time, entries for which are now being received.

CHURCH SOCIAL. In tlie Assembly Booms last niglit, what was termed a British Evening, was held Tinder the auspices of the Primitive Methodist Church, the object being to raise funds for the church. There was a good attendance, all the seating accommodation being occupied, and the Rev. J. Olphert presided. A long programme of vocal and instrumental items was submitted, and in addition, the well-known monologue entertainer, Mr De Spong, gave some delightful items for which lie was repeatedly recalled—so muck so that the chairman expressed a fear lest the Labour Unions should bring a charge against them for over working the elocutionist. In humour or pathos Mr De Spong was equally successful and the audience was not slow to express its appreciation of his efforts. He gave a very masterful interpreation of Edgar Alan Poe's magnificent poem "The Bells" his treatment of 'the piece being strongly reminiscent of the style nf that matter ■'of elocution, Canon Fleming. In a piece of an entirely different nature, "David's Lament for Absalom." Mr De Sponc displayed in very skilful manner the best attributes of the elocutionary art, and in his lighter pieces, including after dinner speeches and quaint anecdotes he created great merriment. Those who contributed to the vocal portion of the nrogramme were Miss Anderson, Mi c s Leggott, and Mr J. "W. Holdgate, each

of whom was given a cordial reception. Miss Anderson being particularly good in her solo "Home Sweet Home." Several enjoyable items were given by the Enterpean orchestra. The accompaniments were nicely played by Miss Ji'errier. At the close of tiic concert a very acceptable hot supper was dispensed by the ladies of the Primitive Methodist Church Guild, and liearty votcs of thanks were passed to all who had assisted, at the concert. JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY. Local playgoers will be offered a distinct novelty to-night, when Mr Pollard will produce for the first time here Lecoq's world-famed comic opera " Manola." The piece can almost be claimed as a local production as everything used from beginning to end has been made in the Dominion. The opera itself is over thirty years old. It was first brought to the colonies by the late A. Dunning, and was produced by that manager at the Opera House, Melbourne, in the same season as saw the first production in Australasia of "Rip Van Winkle," "Boccaccio," "The Black Cloaks," and "The King's Dragoons." It became;;, immensely popular, not only through the exceptional tunefulness of the music, but through the cleverness and coherency of the plot and the amount of mirth provoking comedy provided by the comedians. Those who are familiar with the music of the same composers "Madame 'Angot" and "The Little Duke," need hardly be told that "Manola" bristles with charming waltz numbers, delightful solos, duets and trios, while the choruses are bright and whistleable. The management has spared no expense on the production, and t as the story is laid in Portugal during the seventeenth century, both time and place give Mr Pollard ample scopo for placing before his patrons a spectacle that will prove even better than the standard already set by this company. 'The attraction to-morrow night will" be the new musical comedy " The Gay Hussar."