THE LORGNETTE THEY SAY THE Social Sphere

Observer, Volume XXVIII, Issue 27, 21 March 1908, Page 6

THE LORGNETTE

THEY SAY

THE Social Sphere

By iVLdrik

By Prompter.

COMING SHOWS. March 23 to April 4— Chas. MacMahon March 81— Wirth Bros' Circus. April 18 to May 8-J. C. Williamson. June 24 to July 9—" The Tea Girl."

THE business boom at the Opera Honse still continues. In fact, it may be looked npon as a permanency. Two welcome return visits aie being paid this week — one by Davy's Marionettes, and the other by the three Musical Cromes. As a genuine specific for the cure of the blues, the marionettes are worth a guinea a minute, the harlequinade alone being worth all that. The musical act provided by the Cromes proved highly popular on a former visit, and that popularity bids fair to be considerably enhanced by the return season of this artistic and refined combination.

Eva Lee and her two piccaninnies continue to be responsible for general uproar in the way of laughter, their new act proving to be, if anything, more diverting than that provided labt week. The .banvards' comedy acrobatic act is going as strong as ever, and the Franklins, witb their new patter and dance, bring down unlimited recalls upon their devoted heads. Williams and Bonetta contribute a pleasing sketch act, skilful dancing being a marked characteristic of this talented couple. Jennie J ohnstone is heard to advantage in a selection of soprano songs. (Jonnie Soloman is an able exponent of the serio business, while Rud Peterson, descriptive vocalist, and Tod Galloway, comedian, also shine in their respective specialities. The entertainment includes some excellent biograph films.

A series of weekly popular concerts will be begun at the Federal Hall on Saturday evening by the McCallum Company of instrumentalists and vocalists. The company comprises a number of artists who have made a name in this class of entertainment in Victoria, and, having successfully toured this Dominion, have decided to establish themselves in Auckland for some months. It is their intention to give regular Saturday night concerts in the city, and also to visit the suburban centres in the intervals. The performances will consist of instrumental and vocal music, and moving pictures, for which supplies of the latest films will be received by . every mail. The music, it is promised, will be bright and artistic, and variety will be assured by the encouragement of local talent, introducing fresh programmes and new performers each week, (riven such programmes, with the modest charge for admission, the management should be certain of a prosperous season.

" Peter Pan " the dainty fairy fantasy of J. M. Barrie, is to receive its first colonial performance at Melbourne on Easter {Saturday, with Mies T ittell Brune in the name part.

The Hollanders, a concert company of eight members, who, garbed in the picturesque Dutch costumes, give an entertainment, of vocal and instrumental selections, have been engaged by Messrs J. and N. Tait for an Australian tour, commencing in Sydney noxt month.

Howard Vernqn — who has, after all, postponed his departure from New Zealand— will next month stage manager the amateur performance of the opera "Erminie" at Dunedin and also take the prinoipal comedy part. Miss Eosina Buckmann plays Erminie.

..■■,'■ JMr G. L. JPe.terson, advance man-" ager for Wirth-s Circus, is in Auckland this week, making arrangements for the coming local season. ' '. • ■ • - ■ .*

Two West's Pictures companies are at present in the South, and one of them, with De Groen's Band, is now working its way through the smaller towns of this island. Mr W(9st has at present six picture shows running in New Zealand and Australia.

The Williamson organisation which is assigned to the Easter dates at His Majesty's is the Julius Knight company, of which, after Julius himself, Miss Ola Humphreys, Dudley Clinton and- Harry jPlimmer are the leading lights.

Madame Clara Butt has announced in the South that she and her husband, Mr Kennerly Rumford, intend paying another visit to New Zealand in about two years.

Mrs Bland Holt's illness, from which she is only just recovering, has quite upset the genial Bland 5 s plans for the resumption of work. It may even interfere with his intention to re-visit New Zealand at an early date.

Frank Thornton had a successful season in Melbourne with " When Knights Were Bold." He has sine 3 revived "Charley's Aunt," and found the lady from ' ' Brazil, where the nuts come from," as popular cs ever.

Nine performing artists are on their way from London to be added to the strength of Wirth's Circus. There is also a giraffe for the menagerie.

Weston, an American animal impersonator, has been engaged for the colonial productions of ' ' Peter Pan." His part is that of the dog Nana.

Max Schluyter, a brilliant Danish violinist, who has already visitad Australia, was to open another tour at the Melbourne Town Hall this week, under the Tait management.

Meynell and Gunn's new opeva company is to make its first appearance at the Melbourne Royal on 18th April. "Miss Hook of Holland " is its principal card, and its repertoire includes ' ' The Girl Behind the Counter," the rage of the present New York season, and " The Belle of May fair," played for over 500 consecutive performances at the Vaudeville Theatre, London.

— That Lord Plunket reports favourably on the Stewart Island oyster beds. His Excellency looks well on it, too. — That Macky, Logans have lost their " Main " stay. The Skipper has deserted the ship, and the crew are lamenting. — That an outcry is beiig raised against the circulation of dirty banknotes. And yet everybody seems willing to annex them. — That Mick Walsh was careful to keep his dog locked up on St. Patrick'sDay. No more of Lindsay Cooke's Orange pleasantries for Mick. —That Frank Lawry, M.P., has blossomed out as a poet ; but he is modest, and will only show his " pome " to a few privileged friends. — That three cases marked "G. G." have been foand in the sea near Mangawai. George George must have been, losing his luggage overboard. — That Sir Joseph Ward has arranged to take a pick and shovel down to Otira next month. He's got a " firstsod" job navvying on the new tunnel — That a sorrowful cloud rested on L. J. Bagnall's brow when Councillor Dr Stopford handed in his resignation. No more of these enjoyable wordy encounters, — That Magistrate Dyer has made a "second " positively last appearance " at Onehunga. Being a dramatic star, a few more last appearances may be looked for. — That mementos of the late Hubert Ferguson adorned sundry buttonholes on St. Patrick's Day. Offshoots of his shamrock patch will long flourish aronnd Auckland. That Harbourmaster Duder is considering the question of ordering a new and resplendent suit of uniform, in case the big American fleet should honour us with a call. — That the conference of northern counties are cute in get tine in their road demands so soon after the Premier's visit. Sir Joseph knows now, and should be sympathetic. — That the name of the Canadian Trade Commissioner, now in Auckland, is Larkei From which it would appear that Aucklandera have been having a Larke this week; — That Detectives Hollis and McMahon have ceased to put their trust in the perspicacity ot judges. It looked such a straight tip, and yet it turned out to be a mare's nest. —That only rash persons ask any Taniwha fisherman for bis opinion of the Deep-sinkers' catch of Sunday last The Taniwhackers are setting their teeth and threatening great things for Eastert —That the " Farmer's Boy " is hard pushed for arguments against the O'Neill's Point wharf expenditure when he asks that the situation should be governed by the dead hand of forty years ago. —That Opposition Organiser Martin Bhould be roped in for one of the conciliation boards. He is getting more experience in reconciling conflicting interests than all the labour courts of New Zealand. . —That tbe Auckland Chamber of Commerce shows parlous fear that the new Harbour Boards Bill will mean the creation of a new Board in Auckland, And a new Board might not be prepared to pro vide. city merchants with ipmaphwarehbuse space on the h'wKatvw '...- — •:-■ .v^-v^-^ •:-;■-

—That from present appearances, j Oliver Nicholsott wiU beMount Eden's firsts laßt, and only mayor. ,<'.'"■■- . ' •_ ■ - , — That the Cardinal's massive green ..'■ rosette was the envy of Queen-street on St. Patrick's Day. l*addy Morari was green with envy. — That Japanese patrons of the Opera House will be wise to be on their best behaviour. The new manager is a stalwart son of* Uncle Sam. —That there is no truth in the rumour that Dr Stopford intends to start a humanised milk farm on his' dew Waikato estate. It's for the second generation. — That sellers of picture post cards, are going about in fear and trembling just at present. The eagle eye of the VV.G.T. (J. is upon them. Even Magistrate Kettle feels nervous. —That the friends of Ted Binney . are getting up a requisition asking him to stand for the Mayoralty of Devonport. He might be able to get his bathing machine then. —That both Freddy Baume and his little Singer are ardent reciters. With two reciters, to *say nothing of a Singer, in the office, it ought to be a singularly harmonious place. —That Circns Manager Peterson is thinking seriously of engaging Dr Stuart Reid to do his famous Kawau trick riding act at the circus. It would prove a sure draw. — That the most refreshing thing about the Kotorua Carnival was the consistent and persistent activity of the Whaka geysers. Caretaker Turner is prouder than ever of his charges. —That the Yankee fleet may come to Auckland. Here's a chance for the Northcote Worms to pick up a few suitable ferry boats cheap. Then Alec Alison would have to squirm. —That 1,500,000 bricks will be re» quired in connection with the new town hall. These bricks had better be secured before the election speeches start, or else there will be a shortage. — That Jerry Lundon ought to hurry back again. Things at the Police Court are deadly dull without the versatile Jerry to wake 'em up. Besides, Magistrate Dyer is getting anxious. — That Jack Patterson's fighting kit — the bell^topper and the ample frock coat— is now getting aired ready for the City Council election* It is guaranteed to strike terror into the hearts of opponents. — That Bishop Julius, who was in Auckland this week, is the Arthur Skinner of the New Zealand episcopal bench. Even the muscular Arthur i might think twice about getting at • grips with him. t —That two southern X.C.'s have arranged to have a royal time together in London on holiday^ J. A. Tole I and Freddy Baume are asking themf selves whether they should be content '> to stay out of the hunt. — That Coroner Gresham has cheerful dreams every other night over the r obstruction to his demand for up-to* f date morgues, and pictures himself trying to spirit J. C. Parr out of the ■ way as the arch-antagonist. — That the real point of interest in the Te Oranga inquiry is so. far miss* [ ing— the Hon. George Fowlda's defence i of the whacking and hair-euttingt ) And this we are not likely to hear till [ he is tackled about it in Parliament. —That Charles Glidden, the Yankee motorist who has just glidden along i the historic streets of Jerusalem, Is ) the same globe • trotter who slipped ; through New Zealand a year or two ■ , ago, and gave so much fatherly adr vice in reference to our roads. — That if Solomon' Ziman were ':.is4~ f representative rifleman, -or runner, or. 9 rowing man he would be given 1 a roari ing eend-ofl;' when he leaves for Eng- • land "with his Rhodes scholarship. s But as he is only the foremost scholarr i of Young New Zealand— well, there is i no sign that anything ia going to " happen. -, v. ':';';--;;

-IHE marriage of Miss Dora Baker, sixth daughter of Mr J. 11. i). Baker, of Tuakau, late traffic manager of the Devonport Ferry Company, to Mr S. Cookej second son ot the late Mr R. Cooke, of Parnell, was celebrated on Tuesday, February 25th, in the Roman Catholic Church, Tuakau. The Rev. Father Kehoe officiated. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a beautiful dress of white corded silk, trained, and effectively trimmed with Mechlin laco. An embroidered tulle veil was worn over a coronet of orange blossoms. Her bouquet was a gilt from the bridegroom, who also presented her with a gold bangle set with diamonds. Miss Ethel Cooke acted as bridesmaid, and was tastefully attired in a pretty dress of pale blue crepe de chine, finished with silk and lace, and smart white hat with ostrich feathers. Her bouquet was tied with pale blue ribbons, and she wore a curb bracelet, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr D. Cooke acted as best man. A reception was held later by Mr and Mrs Baker at their residence, Tuakau, when a large number ot guests were entertained. The happy couple left by the evening train lor Rotorua, the bride going away m a pretty blue dress, and black hat.

The marriage of Mr James W. llussell, dentist ot this city, to Miss Uussie J3allm, third daughter of Mrs L. Ballin, of i'airtax lioad, Epsoni, takes place on the 24th inst.

A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. David's Church on March 4th, the contracting parties being Mr J. H. Ferry, of Sydney, and Miss M. K Gracie, of Auckland. The Rev. Gray JJixon officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dainty frock of white nmsiin, finished with real lace, and also a pretty white crinoline hat trimmed with ostrich plumes. The bridesmaid, Miss Minnie Clark, cousin of the bride, wore a becoming creme frock, and green hat. Mr Albert Irvine, of Jipsom, acted as best man. After the wedding breakfast, Mr and Mrs Ferry left on their honeymoon.

The marriage of Miss Isabel Law, daughter of Mr and Mrs T. B. Law, of Waihi, to Mr William Wilton, also of Waihi, took place quietly in ohe Waihi Primitive Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 11th. The Rev. T. R. B. Woolloxall officiated. The bride was given away by hor father, and wore a handsome navy blue costume, with wreath and tulle veil. A little sister of the bride acted as bridesmaid, and Mr John Sainsbury was best man.

Christ Church, Whangarei, was the scene of an unusually interesting weuuing on Tuesday, March 10th, inasmuch as the wedding of the bride's mother in October, 1876, was the first to take place in Christ Church, and the respected Vicar, the Rev. L. L. Cubitt, at the same time performed his first marriage ceremony. The contracting couple were Miss Edie Belle Seccombe (niece of Mr J. T. Seccombe) and the Cairns, of Epsom. The Rev. L. L. Cubitt officiated, assisted by the Rev. J. H. Hawkes, and the service was fully choral.

The bride was given away by her eldest brother, Mr Harold Seceombe, and was attended by her sister, Miss Seccombe, and Miss Mabel Cairns, sister of the bridegroom. Mr Lester acted as Wist man, and Mr Gilbert Seccombe as groomsman. The bridal party afterwards drove to the residence of Mr Sissons, Kamo, where the wed-

ding breakfast was served. Mr *aid Mrs Cairns left by the s.s. Ngapuhi for Auckland in the afternoon.

The marriage of Miss Elizabeth Mcßride, fourth {laughter of Mr J. Mcßride, of Stratford, to Mr R. S. Hill, of Te Aroha, ls*te of "Gleiicoe," Hamilton, was celebrated iv St. Andrew's Church, Stratford, or. 26th Februa-y. The Rev. J. M Thompson officiated. The bride was given away by her father ; and wore a dainty dress of fine white muslin, trimmed with Valenciennes lace and insertion, and tulle veil over a wreath of orange blossoms. Her bouquet was the gift of Mr K. Phillips, of Stratford. The attendant bridesmaids wore tasteful creme dresses, trimmed with lace and insertion, and creme leghorn hats, trimmed with chiffon. They carried pretty "bouquets, and wore gold brooches, the bridegroom's gifts. Included amongst the many wedding gifts were a number of substantial cheques irom relatives and friends.

On Wednesday, March 11th, the marriage was solemnised in St. Paul's Church, Cambridge, of Miss Gertrude Allen, eldest daughter of Mr Edmund Allen, of Pukekura, and Mr Horace Death, of Eltham. The ceremony was performed by the Key. YV. i±. Black. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a beautiful dress ot white brocaded silk, with court train, and tastefully trimmed with lace, true lovers' knots, and orange blossoms and lily ol the valley. A tulle veil and lovely shower bouquet completed a dainty toilet. The bride was attended by her sisters, Misses U. and M. Allen. Mr A. jl ond was best man, and Mr J. fc>. Alien groomsman. Alter the wedding breakfast, Mr and Mrs Death left by motor for Ohaupu, where they joined the express lor Taumarunui and the YVanganui River.

A quiet wedding -was solemnised yesterday ( Y\ ednesdayj morning m &t. (Stephen's Church Ponsonby, when Ai/ss Aurioi Gittos, second daughter of Mr John Gittos, was married to Mr Edward Percy Jiiarle, ol DevoniJOit. The Rev. A. MacCauley Caldwell officiated, assisted by the Rev. Mr Gittos, uncle ol the bride. The bride was g'ven away by her lather , and looked exceedingly well in a simple and dainty dress of white organdie muslin, finely tucked, and trimmed with lace, and smart hat of stretched Copenhagen blue silk, bound with shot blue *\ud gold silk, and wreathed with autumn roliage, and large blue silk roses, mixed with old rose coloured roses, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet.

Her sister, Miss Doris Gittos, acted as bridesmaid, wearing a pretty dress of white organdie muslin, with fine tucks, and trimmed with lace, and becoming rose coloured stretched silk hat, wreathed with flowers to niatch, and brown tulle, and she carried a beautiful pink bouquet. Mr Hugh ilishworth, of Gisborne, acted as best man. Mrs Gittos, mother o l the bride, wore a black merveilleux gown, the bodice finished with black lace, over white silk, and pretty black and white bonnet, finished with ospreys and wreath of tiny pink flowers ; Mrs W. Morpeth, sister of the bride, looked well in a dress of lavender voile, with white silk -tripe, and smart green hat wreathed with flowers ; her little daughter was dainty in white ; Mrs MacCauley Caldwell, dress of pale green striped voile, and white' and black hat ; Miss F. Oooke, dainty creme dress, and brown hat wreathed with flowers. The wedding breakfast took place at the residence of Mr andtMrs Gittos, Hamilton Road.

Messrs East and East bad a good portfolio of landed properties to offer at their land sale on Friday last. The estimates of value by the bidders, however, failed to reach the owners' reserves. The various lots were consequently withdrawn, and remain in the hands of the firm for private negotiation. Some choice city and suburban properties are set out In their advertisement in another part of this issue.

After an extensive and highly successful tour of the South, the Messrs McMahon will inaugurate a return season with their living picture entertainments at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday next. A large assortment of entirely new films will be produced, as well ap the everpopular "Robbery Under Arms." Special attention is drawn to the fact that ladies will be admitted at half price to the dress circle, orchestra stalls and stalls, while children will be half price to all -arts of the house.

Pale, nervous women with, little strength and failing appetite are among those who receive the greatest benefit from Steams' Wine, the matchless tonic and strength restorer. Try it.— -Advl. \