A MINIER'S TRUST."

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12749, 21 April 1909, Page 5

A MINIER'S TRUST."

The Australian play, either wholly or in, part set in. Australian surroundings, has of recent years found increasing lavour on this side of the world, and, pending the time when we shall develop our own school of dramatists, ' it is but natural that we in New Zealand should find ah interest in those productions which deal with the life of our cousins across the Tasman Sea. Therefore the success which Messrs Meynell and Gunn have met with in the presentation in the Dominion of "A Miner's Trust" is easily understandable. It is frankly a melodrama, with the usual melodramatic, and at times rather strong situations,' but its prevailing tone is pleasingly wholesome, and its characters are drawn with a due appreciation of what is natural* and trite' to life. Add to that its interpretation' by a company ofexcep- 1 tional merit, anS a setting complete to the last detail in the way of dressing and beautiful scenery, and it must be said to form a very attractive item in the company's repertoire. The scenery has some special features in the representation of an Australian mining camp (in which is introduced a beautiful dream, tableau), and a thrilling vreck scene with a heaving eea, and a gallant rescue by means of a rocket line, and thjse two features met with the heartiest approval of the audience.

An outline of the plot has already appeared in these columns, so we need do no more than refer to the efforts of the caste. That prime favourite, Miss Beatrice Hol/oway, as "Alice Medway," the blind sweetheart of "Jack fioward," charmed her audience with the grace and feeling with which the acted, and scored a distinct success. She was ably supported by Misses Lillian Meyers and* Mabel Russell, as "Ida" and "Florrie" Medway respectively, both of whom sustained their parts with naturalness. Miss Alice Deorwyn, whom we never tire of seeing, gave a laughter-provoking, though slightly caricaturish sketch of a maiden aunt, "Hypatia Medway," and contribute! largely to the humour of the piece. As the hero, "Alan Trengrove," Mr Herbert Bentley was excellent, never over-doing his part in the slightest, and acting throughout in a way which^ stamps him aa both clever- and eo»_ scientious. "Arthur Trengrove," thecharacter of a. money-hunting cousin of "Alan's," was taken by Mr F. Coape, who was most excellent, being true to life, and perfectly free from staginess. There were several relly spendid studies Ist night, in the parts of "Le Rouge." a French escapee ;M: J. B. Atholwood), "Mr Probit," a lawyer (Mr L. D. Chateau), "Bill Bobstav," a retired sailor (Mr Harry Halley). and "Durant,' a French detective (Mr Gordon Thomas), all of whom were really artistic in their acting, and who won unstinted approval. "Bill Bobstay's" humour was especially good, and an extra word must be given to Mr Atbolwood for his acting. Mr J. R. Howard was quite at home as "Captain Medway," a retired naval officer, as. were Mr L. Vance as "Algernon Fairbnrn," t, budding admiral, • I Mr Gus. Neville, as "Jack Howard." The minor parts in t£e play were likewise creditably T»erformed, an< j tj, e com pany is to be complimented on an excellent opening of their season.