AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12582, 1 October 1908, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

OPERA HOUSE BOOKINGS.

October I.— Hoyal Pictures. October 4 and s.— Riro-Riros. October 12. — Royal Pictures. v October 14 and 15. — Howard Vernou. October 21.— Royal Pictures. October 26. — Royal Pictures. October 27 and 28.— J. C. Williamson. October 29 to Nov. 3. — Wests' Pictures. Nov. 4. — J. C. Williamson — "Mrs Wiggs' Cabbage Patch." Nov. 7 and 9. — Messrs MacMahone. Nov. 10 to 12. — Branscombe'e Scarlet Troubadors. Nov. 19.— J. aud N. Tait— Mark Hambourg. Dec. 3. — Letdertafel Society. Dec. 7 to 9.— Dampier Dramatic Coy. Dec. 15 and 16. — J. C. Williamson. Dec. 17. — The Convent Annual. Dec. 24 to 26. — Montgomery's Entertainers

THE ROYAL PICTURES.

TO-NIGHT.

This evening at the Opera House the Royal Picture Syndicate present Weir fourth, programme of moving novelties, when a long series of humourous, pathetic, travel, illusion and^dramatic studies will be shown. The management are intoucli with the leading dealers of England and France, and consequently 'ocal audiences are seeing the pictures in Wanganui simultaneously with the exhibition of the same subjects in Sydney and Melbourne. The moving pictures as presented by the Royal Syndicate have undoubtedly "caught on" and at every exhibition large audiences are delighted with the show. The star film this evening will be the Grand Prix Motor Circuit Dieppe, 1908, in which some sensational motoring js shown. Miss Beatrice Butler will again contribute several beautifully illustrated ballads. The management still adhere to their popular prices, consequently patrons can secure two and a half hours' enjoyment for 2s, Is, or 6d.

MISS IRENE AINSLEY.

It is not often Wanganui's good fortune to receive visits from artists of such acknowledged' euperiority as presented themselves at the Opera House last evening. This could scarcely have "been realised by the music-loving public, as .iiere was only a medium attendance. How2ver. those who were wise enough to avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing auch distinguished vocalists as Miss Jrens Ainsley and Mr Hamilton Hodges, ■•vere treated to a sumptuous feast of song. Applause was frequent and unstinted, and the auditorium reverberated again and again with the enthusiastic plaudits of the favoured listeners, Miss Irene Ainsley being, at the conclusion of her last song, accorded a perfect ovation, the audience seeming quite loath to let ier go. This accomplished songstress has a contralto voice of rare resonance, range «nd strength. One can well understand Madame Melba's enthusiasm over her protege, who has met with most flattening receptions on her" long tour in England, and New Zealand may well be proud of the production of a singer of such unusual abilities. Her first number was a French composition, entitled "Man Coeur Souvre a ta voix," by Saint Lacns, which lent itself splendidly to the singer, showing her full powers of intonation by tne slowness with which the piece had to be kvmg. As an encore response, the ever popular "Annie Laurie" was lendered in magnificent manner and was, in the opinion of many, her best performance. This Avas followed later by three dainty ditfies, namely "Absent," "LiIdes,'' and "Invitation," in which the pifted singer exhibited her versatile powers, the subjects and style being varied. "Kathleen. Mavourneen" also received* the vociferous appreciation of a delighted ■ audience. Her final number, the "Lost Chord," was sung most melodiously, and with the different shades of expression which the piece demanded. This met with a storm of applause. Miss Ainsley has a charm of "manner, which is exceedingly attractive, and which enhances the pleasure of . listening* to her. Mr Hamilton Hodges is a baritone of a very high order, and one of the most ndtable vocalists of the Dominion, his services being in constant request. Mr Hodges is equally at home with declamatory selections or beautiful soft melodies, both of which he renders with true artistic expression and feeling. His selection of the "Two Grenadiers," was a happy one, this song having fortissomo passages which his voice was able to' express par excellence. We could have wished he had chosen more of this kind although his rendition of the "Song of Sleep" was very fine indeed. The romaining items of this gentleman's repertoire were "One More," and "Ballad of 3£isses.' J ~^ Every one of his songs was as in "the case of Misa Ainsley, encored. Mrs Ernest H. Queree, the pianist, played two solos in a most praisewirthy manner.

This talented combination will re-ap-pear here on the 13th of November, vhen we are confident a large gathering will welcome them.

East higfiig the tramway employees Jive a very successful social and dance in tire Fire Brigade. Hail,- about 60 couples were present. Among the guests were the Mayor (Mr C. E. Mackay) and Mayoress, Mr Baillie (tramway contßactor)}'aaoSMr Cowdery (tramway engineer). Dancing was indulged in till an early hour this morning. The music was supplied by Mr Copley in his usual well-known style, and Mr Hodson i.npplied an excellent supper, which was done full justice to.

There was a crowded attendance at Christ Clnirch last evening, which listened with much enjoyment to the programme of the farewell recital' of Mr C. W. Nay for, the retiring organist. Ml' Naylor, who was in excellent form, played six organ soles, asiollow: — "Prelude and Fugue in B Flat" * (Bach) ; "Curfew*; (Mackenzie); "Cantilene" (Weeldon); ''Andante" and "Allegro" (Bach); "Adagio from G Minor Quartette" (Spohr); "Pastoral Symphony" (Sullivan). The programme was supplemented by songs and -instrumental items, Mrs Levien singing "Ligliit in Darkness (Cowen); Miss Pinches, "Magdalen's Song" (Massenet); and Mr Shortt, "Glory to Thee My God" (Gounod). Messrs N. Miller and H. B. Naylor sang the duet "Watchman! What of the Night" (Sarjeant). Mr F. H. Hatherly played a violin solo, "Meditation" (Wilson), while Mr G. Buckley played the cornet sokxs, "Standchen" (Schubert), and-"Meiodv iv F" (Kucken)f

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