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Wanganui Herald, Volume III, Issue 623, 2 June 1869, Page 2

Rumorkb Discovert of Gold at Rangitikei.—A part}' of Europeans are now on the Ruahine Ranges prospecting for gold. The natives from Te Hou Hou, near Major Marshall's, state they have found the precious metal.

In Memoriam.—We regret to have to notice the death of an old and much esteemed resident, Mr Chas. Thomas, after a short illness. Mr Thomas had many friends in Wanganui, who will lose in him an agreeable and warmhearted companion.

Cloth Manufacture.—During the time that the works of the Victorian Woollen and Cloth Manufacturing Company have been in operation, 74,249 yards of cloth have been turned out. The company is as present making 1,500 yards a week. To facilitate increased operations two new handlooms have recently been erected, and a pair of mules, received per Wimmera, will be fixed as soon as possible. There is a very great demand for all the seasonable goods. For the latter patterns, especially, the supply cannot be kept up to the demand.

Amateur Dramatic Society.—The gentlemen who made tlieir debut last night acquitted themselves most creditably, and no greater proof of this could be had than the hearty applau-e and laughter with which they were greeted. The performance commenced with the comedietta, "Living too Fast," which was intended to show the danger to young married couples who live beyond their means—a lesson the performers themselves would do well to profit by. Mr < "harles Prudent was rendered by a gentleman who was well up to his work. He spoke with fluency and case, which, combined with an easy carriage, drew forth applause at his excellent acting.

Julia (Mr Prudent's wife) was taken by a simpering damsel with a "bob" of gigantic size, and a gruff masculine voice. Her beauty was great, and her ■ figure divine, but her strides were prodigious. The affectionate embrace of husband and wife after the discovery of their poverty was heart-rending, and we noticed ladies among the audience with their faces in their handkerchiefs, giving forth convulsive gasps, no doubt sympathising with the lovely creature in her sorrows. The Hon. Capt. Craven Plausible, a Dundreary character who takes advantage of the married couple's want of cash to make love to the fascinating and lovely wife with the long strides, was rendered by Mr Freeman with such skill that it would-have reflected credit on a professional. His insipid and affected lisp, added to the studied grace figure, would have filled the heart of! many a "swell" witb delight. We sus-I peet Mr Freeman has " appeared" before.; Mr McDonogh took the part of Mr Cotton very nicely, and assumed the voice of an old man very correctly. After an interlude, Messrs Freeman and Meredith danced " The Nervous Cures," , for which they received a vociferous encore. Their " make up" was really ■ excellent, and peals of laughter attested

the skill bestowed. After a cornopean duet, which was rather clashing to the nerves, a lady played a pianoforte solo with execution and skill on a very bad instrument. " Fish out of Water," a farce showing how necessary it is for all to keep to their respective occupations —and how a cook could not be a secretary, nor a secretary a cook—ended the performance, l'he Steward was capitally delineated by "Mr Blaydes, whose fussy attention to his master was most comic, and the bye-play he indulged in would have drawn a laugh from a quaker. Sam Savory (Mr W. Watt) was a good piece of comic acting, which convulsed the audience, and kept them in good humor throughout: the piece : although, if we may venture a remark, we think he talked rather quick, particularly in his closing speech. Charles Gayfare (Mr McDonogh) was cleverly taken, but like Mr Prudent in the opening piece, he did not rush into his charmer's arms with much joy; we almost fancied he made a grimace. It is true the lady was not so fashionably attired as the former one, but the " peachy bloom" of her fair cheek ought to have made up for this. We hope the gentlemen will be warmer in their attachment when they enter into the " happy state." Mr Freeman and Mr Bates made two first-rate old gentlemen. We cannot conclude without a compliment to the society and their manager. There was no perceptible prompting or confusion, but everything carefully arranged beforehand. We hope to see the company again before long.