THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3897, 13 October 1880, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

Another large audience patronised tho Diorama last night, when the lecture portion of the entertainment was undertaken by Lieutenant Herman. This must have been a welcome relief to Mr Chalet, upon whom has hitherto devolved tho whole burden of lecture and ventriloquism. That ho has succeeded in rendering himself thoroughly popular, no ono can for a moment doubt. His descriptions of the various scenes as they pass before the spectators are given with an amount of dry, but not obtrusive, humour which cannot but be appreciated ; while his feats of ventriloquism not only amuse but greatly astonish the audience. The usual distribution of gifts took place last night, some variation from tho ordinary routine bein/* given by the fact that a lady drew the order for a suit of clothe?, and an employee of the theatre drew the gold watch. Licutununt Herman at first announced that he would draw again for this prize, as the audience might think that there had been some collusion ; but the hearty cries of " It's quite fair, givo the man tho watch," induced him to keep to the programme. Tho recipient, who said he had purchased his ticket in tho usual way, was loudly applauded us lie received his prize. The suito of furniture fell to nn occupant of tho stalls. To-night is styled a "conundrum night," as a gold watch will be given to tho composer of tho best conundrum on tbo subject of ventriloquism. Tho chief prizo will again bo a suite of furniture.