AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19301, 2 May 1925, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

HIS MAJESTY’S “JOE” AND OLIVER PEACOCK The entertainment provided for patrons of His Majesty’s Theatre to-day and to-night is something quite out of the ordinary and looks distinctly firstc^as?'. picture of familiar faces and fatniliar sights! “Joe” is the epic of Australasia! It is a story of colonials, of colonial cities, and the glorious free life of Australasia. It was made by the colonial producer, Beaumont Smith, famous for “The Man from Snowy River, ’ and “The Sentimental Bloke,” and acted by colonial actors and actresses. Based on Henry Lawson’s book, “Joe Wilson and His Mates,” “Joe” is a story of our own life that goes to the heart of things, with the typical Henry Lawson touch. “Joe” is just a colonial man who marries a colonial girl, and they take up a farm section, finally achieving comfort ano success aftei many hard and bitter struggles. Incidents are laid in SydnP.Y« a.nd include “The Ambassadors.” The bush and country scenes are excellent, while tense excitement is provided by a real bush fire, Australia's deadliest menace. Arthur Tauchert makes a splendid Joe Wilson, and Constance Graham, Gordon Collingridge, Marie Lorraine, Fernande Butler, and Dunstan Webb give excellent support in this wholesome picture which breathes a genuine colonial atmosphere. Oliver Peacock, the eminent baritone, hasn t taken long to become popular in Wanganui. He had a flattering reception on his first night and last night the audience were reluctant to let him oil the stage. He sings popular songs iu a bright and breezy style which never fails to delight his audience. 1 his well-known baritone will appear again this afternoon and to-night.

WANGANUI RATIONALIST ASSOCIATION. “THE TRIAL OF A MODERN HERETIC.” All thoughtful minds were startled a few months ago, cn hearing that Bishop Brown, well known as author of “Communism *iiH’ Christianism,” was to be tried by a court, c</H posed of members of the HouSb of Bishops of the United States Ef .jropal Church, on a charge of heresy, and a great deal of interest was evinced in the meagre reports which reached this c. -i.i'tn\ Mr J. T. Wait], president of the Wanganui RationsJist Association, has recently received particulars from Bzshop Brown himseif of the trial and the events leading up to it, and also a great deal of interesting matter dealing with his beliefs, which the bishop suggests should be made known to the Association. This is the substance of an address, which, as advertised elsewhere in our columns, is to be delivered by Mr Ward, at the usual monthly meeting of the Association, in the Jockey Club Board Room, Maria Place, on Sunday, at 7.30 p.m. The general public arc cordially invited to be present, and t-o take part in the discussion at the conclusion. FIREWORKS DISPLAY

The announcement that the Queen Alexandra Band has engaged the Wainoni Park Firewarks Company to give one of their renowned displays on Cook s Gardens next Wednesday night, is commanding wide attention. The proceeds of the display are to be devoted to the band's funds, and the enterprise of this popular combination .should be rewarded with a record attendance of the public. Viewed from the spectacular aspect, a display of pyrotechnics when carried out on elaborate lines is probably one of the mosc popular forms of entertainment. Fireworks never lose their cnarm. They make a wonderful appeal to old and young alike. Several years have passed since the well known Wainoni Park Co. visited Wanganui and gave one of their displays, and an announcement that the company is in charge of the exhibition of pyrotechnics to be given next week may be accepted as a guarantee of excellence. The programme will include the firing or a large number of set pieces in varied design, and several of these are said to be most fascinating in their effect. Fountains and waterfalls on fire, cascades and bouquets, stars and wlieops, and the always popular rockets and aerial bombs and shells, will, of course, be included. The company have recently given several displays in the Dominion to very large and delighted attendances. Prior to the fireworks display the band will give a short musical programme.

A well attended social gathering was held in St. Barnabas’ Church, Durie Hill, on Thursday evening, in aid of the church funds. During the evening “The Merrymakers” contributed one of their bright and original pro grammes. Refreshments provided by the ladies were handed round and an enjoyable evening concluded with a dance.