DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 36, 3 September 1892, Page 889

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, August 25. I have kept my letter open to the last minute to tell you about MR DENSEM’s BENEFIT CONCERT, the occasion being his departure from Dunedin to join the ranks of the profession. He is gifted in a high degree with vocal and histrionic ability, and has been one of our greatest favourites. In proof of this the building was packed in every part, and rarely’ nave I seen the Princess Theat re look brighter. The entertainment was divided into two parts, a concert first, and the performance of the ‘Queen of Leon’ afterwards. Miss Rose Blaney. Messrs A. J. Barih. J. Timson, Rennert. J. Jago. Miss Nellie Stephenson, Mr E. Parker, F. L. Jones, and Mr Harry Smith were all upon the programme, but Mr Harry Smith was the favourite of the evening, it being his first appearance after a lengthened stay in Sydney. His lovely voice was quite a treat, ami a great ovation greeted him, everyone testifying beyond a doubt that they were very pleased to have him back again. He sang ‘ See Yon Rose,’ and as a recall Christ abel’s version of ‘ Maid of Athens.’ Signor Squarise contributed a violin solo, ‘Robert the Devil.' Miss Blaney wo e a cream figured pongee silk, finished with ruchings of orange, and looked very nice; Miss Nellie Stephenson was gowned in a robe of blue finished with a gold girdle; Miss Kate Maloney, who acted as accompanist, wore black velvet. Mr Denscm sang ‘ I'm the Factotum,’ from ‘The Barber of Seville.’ in response to numerous requests. The opera was staged with its old cast-Mrs W. Murphy (Queen of Leon), Mrs W. Angus (Donna Agnes), Mr W. Densem (the Regent), and Mr (’. Umbers (Philippe de Aquilar). Mrs Murphy was in first-class voice, and looked lovely in a gown which I have previously described to you. Mrs Angus was in good voice also, and also looked remarkably’ well. MrC. Umbers acted and sang well. OKITA CLUB DANCE. From the concert, some went on to the dance at St. Paul's, given by the ‘ Okita Club.’ Messrs Heymanson, Bannertyne, and Emmerson were on the committee, and all praise is due to them for the way the affair was carried through. Music and floor was all that could be desired, and the decorations of the hall and supper table were remarkably pretty. However. 1 must hurry on and try and give you some of the dresses in the hour 1 have*to spare before the mail closes. Miss Macdonald wore salmon pink wateredsilk. made with a long train : Miss Sparrow, pretty cream delaine flowered with red, the bodice relieved with lovely hyacinths; Miss Le Brun, salmon pink silk, with green ribbon streamers from the shoulders; Mrs McCurdy, wine-coloured velvet, the bodice relieved with pink chiffon; Miss Bisel, cream areophane, with low ne-k bodice edged with pale blue chi tt'on. long streamers from the bark : Miss Campbell, white, the bodice edged with deep whitelace ; Miss Stoneham, terra-cotta Liberty silk with streamers to match, the bodice relieved with a spray of pah pink apple blossoms; Miss Maxwell, winecoloured velvet made with demi-train; M iss Henry, black net relieved with pair green silk and feathers; Mrs A. Bagley, handsome black velvet, demi trained, with long pale pink silk sash ; Miss Stables, cream, the bodice trimmed with lace; Miss Farra, apricot nuns veiling with brrthe of lace finished with ribbon; Miss Pa erson, cream with fine red stripes, ribbons to match; Miss Macdonald, verv pretty long-trained gown of cream cashmere, the bodice and skirt trimmed with buttercups; Miss Muller, white muslin trimmed with chiffon ; M iss Wat kins, pretty pale pink nun’s veiling, low neck ami putted sleeves, pink silk sash, and pink plush opera cloak ; Miss Rolfe, gown of orange colour trimmed with ribbons to match ; Miss Harlow, black broche relieved with white ribbons and' feathers ; Miss Albert looked very nice in cream nun's veiling relieved with sea green ribbon bows; Miss Morrison, pretty gown of French grey: Miss Aitkin, cream flowered delaine finished with royal blue ribbons; Miss Conner, gown of cream, with Medici collar: Miss Swan, pink nun's veiling, low neck and' short sleeves, the bodice trimmed with chiffon ; Miss Gil<-hrist. cream nun’s veiling trimmed with pink ribbon streamm-s; Miss Bonghen. handsome black lace evening dress finished with long blark ribbon velvet streamers; Miss Wedding, pah- blue, with ope ra cloak to mate'll; Miss Macdonald, pale pink cashmere made with corselet bodice; Miss Faulks, white, trimmed with orange coloured ribbons anel feathers.

Maude.