"THE BIRTH OF THE EMPIRE."

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 15000, 19 September 1900, Page 2

"THE BIRTH OF THE EMPIRE."

SKCOND NIGHT. HUNDREDS TURNED AWAY. Uy half-piwt seven, last evening, on the occasion of the second production »f "The Birth of the Empire," the building was crammed in every part, and many hundreds: of" people (considerably more than on the opening night) had to be turned away disappointed. So far as the performance was concerned, the brilliant success of the first night was repeated, and, if anything, the applause which greeted the different phases of the beautiful spectacle was more hearty itnil vociferous thnn before. Business, during the buzaar interval, w;is brisk, the little army of raffle-hunters being particularly energetic. The scene during the "sale" hour almost baffles description. The wonder was where the swarming crowd, literally filling the body of th« hall, came from, for on looking round the tiers upon tier* of seats appeared to be as full as ever. The sight of tho moving multitude, viewed from the stage or from one of the side seats, wan dazzling. One could almost imagine that ho wa.s looking into a huge kaleidoscope, in which hundreds of human beings -took the place of the pretty-coloured and evorchaiiging pieces of glass. In reference to* the spectaclo produced under the direction of Signor Bor/.oni, it is interesting to note that the aggregate cost of the charming costumes worn by the performers is estimated 1 at; between £350 and £400, the dresses, worn by the sixteen ladies and gentlemen being valued at at least £70. When it is remembered that more tiian enough to fill the hall were turned away Inst evening, ife may sifelybe predicted that there will be another large attendance to-night. "The Birth of the Empire is a spectacle to be remembered. Certainly its like has never before been witnessed in Wanganui, and eveiy- j one, young or old, should make an effort to see it at least once. People whose spending power is limited need not hesitate to attend, for there is as much room for the nimble sixpence as there is fw tne golden sovereign. In any case there is no compulsion to spend more than the popular price of admission, for all above which the fair vendors offer "full value" for money. Tho lion, m-cretury (Lieut. McNauglit) desirea through our columns to apologise to the hundreds of patrons who were turned iuvay the lust two nights. He ;il.so wishes to state that, in addition t« the side door. .Hie double doom facing Maria Place will bs opened to admit those who have tickets. At tho side entrance ticket* may be piocurcd from the box office. Residents cf Castleeliff are notified that arrangements lmvt been made to run special traiim every night during the xesi.son, leaving the Heads at 6.30 eliurp, and returning .nt. 11 11. m.