AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19733, 30 December 1926, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

ms MAJESTY’S THEATRE “FEER BIG NIGHT” AND “TIME THE COMEDIAN.’’ Two star features show at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night, the mtiin feature being “Her Big Night.” The picture is a farce comedy, produced by Universal Pictures Corporation under the. direction of Melville Brown, and is said to afford the pretty, blonde comedienne the best role in her brief but brilliant career before the camera. The story, based on Peggy Gttddis’ “Doubling For Daphne,” deals in a way, with the movie industry, and is concerned mainly with the. somewhat embarrassing failure, of a movie star to show up for a personal (appearance which has been arranged for her at ft theatre in connection with the premier of her latest picture. In the efforts of the star’s producer and press agent to cover up her in* discreet disappearance in order to keep the ni’attcr out of the newspapers, a dozen involved comedy situations arise. The cast supporting Miss La Plante is an unusually large and brilliant one. Einar Hansen, one of the foremost screen stars of Europe, plays his first AjmericJan part opposite the comedienne. Such facile comedians, as Mack Swain, Lee Morgan, Zasu Pitts, Nat Carr, William Austin and others add many deep laughs to the picture. John Roche plays the role of a super-jealous husband and Cissy Fitzgerald as an equally suspicious wife. “Time The Comedian” is the supporting feature. Time is pictured as the grim comedian of life, twisting the destinies of mortals as a jester might play with puppets. An extraordinarily beautiful young wife is shown fighting a demon of discontent that threatens her life and happiness, but she finally gives way and seeks solace with her husband’s friend. Lew Cody, Mae Busch, Gertrude Olnjsted, and Creighton Hale fill the principal roles, and give superb performances. PONSONBY BOYS’ BRASS BAND. CONCERT AND CYCLING RACES. This evening, commencing at 8 o’clock, the Ponsonby Boys’ Brass Band will give one of their popular concerts at Cook’s Gardens, in conjunction with the Wanganui Cycling Club. Besides a splendid programme of instrumental music, there will be four cycling races, at which most of the leading amateurs will compete. A silver coin collection will be taken up in aid of expenses. GARRISON BAND RECITAL On Sunday evening, the Garrison Band, under Conductor Watson’s direction, will give one of their musical programmes in Cook's Gardens, commencing at 8.15. The large number of visitors at present in Wanganui, will be pleased to have an opportunity of hearing this band which has won so many successes on the contest platform, and is in splendid form. PICNIC AND SPORTS UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES Undoubtedly niany people were dc>terred from attending the annual picnic of the United Friendly Societies, by the heavy rain which foil on Christmas Eve and on following days, but despite the forbidding weather, hundreds of Wanganui picnickers set out for Ma-tarawa and an enjoyable day wa s spent. Preparations were attended to by a capable and energetic committee. Sisters Ellis and Rodgers of the Rebekah Lodge were especially enthusiastic members of the committee, and good work was done by Brother Clark, as secretary. •The Sports Committee, headed by Brother G. Larkin, handled an interesting programme of sports events. Officials were starter Brother Cox, handicapper, Brother Allpress, stewards Brothers Hooper, Greager, Gattschey, and Price; assistant steward, Brother Salterstall; judges, Brothers Brennan and Foley. Results of the sports events are as follows:—Boys’ race, 9 to 12 years— T. Harper; girls’ race, 9 to 12 years —A. Hodson; boys’ race, 12 to 14 years —R. Smith; girls’ race, 12 to 14 years —J. Greager; boys’ race, 14 to 16 years—F. .Beckett; girls’ race, 14 to 16 years—J. Greager; 100 yards, mem—3. Clark; 50 yards, ladies, single—Miss M. Siddells; three-legged race, boys under 14—Skilsey and Goss; three-legged race girls under 14—Misses Fairfull and Stewart; relay race (Friendly Societies) —Bishop Lodge; sack race, men —Aspinall; sack race, ladies—Miss Scott; sack race, boys—C. Roid; sack race, girls—Mis s Field; 100 yards, Friendly Societies only—B. Clark, Bishop Lodge; 50 yards, married ladies —Mrs Paul; wheelbarrow race, boys— G. Olliver and B. Olliver; threadneedle race, girls—A. Reid and C. Reid; bandsmen’s race—L. Wright; veterans’ race —-T. Penn; threadneedlo race, adults, mixed—Mr, and Mrs Evans; blindfold race—Mr and Mrs Evans; committeemen’s race—Brother Willis; tug-o’-war —Bishop Lodge; 10.0 yards, ladies (special prize)—Miss *N. Stewart; three-legged race (mixed) spe>eial prize —Mr Clark and Miss Stewart.

Musical items were given by the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band. At the conclusion of the sports programme, Brother Larkin apologised for the absence of Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., and requested Brother E. B. Toomath, Past president, to present the cup given by the Hibernian Society, to the winners of the tug-o’-war competition, the Bishop Lodge, U.A.O.D. Brother Toomath also presented Brother Cox, representing the Bishop Lodge, U.A.0.D., with the cup given by the Friendly Societies for the highest number of points scored.