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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XI, 31 August 1895, Page 267

Mr Alfred Hill, of Wellington, formerly of Auckland, has added to his reputation by the new song, ‘ My Fairest Child,’ written by him to the words by Charles Kingsley. The sentiment of the words is admirably expressed in Mr Hill’s setting of them. The melody is simple, yet tuneful, the accompaniment is enriched with a tasteful and effective obligato for the violin, and a few bars of organ accompaniment add brightness and grandeur to an excellent climax on the words — Ard so make life, death, and that vast forever One grand, sweet song. The compass for the voice is C to F, and the song is published by F. Jones and Co., of Wellington.

Mr Titheradge’s appearance and acting recalled pleasant memories of this clever actor’s earlier appearances on the stage. Not that passing years have 111 the least affected his ability, but in this piece he is given a more youthful part than he has latterly been wont to take, and acted it perfectly. There are opportunities for the display of all the powers of an actor so ac-

complished as Mr Titheradge. ‘ John a-Dreams ’ is at times a poetaster dreaming of the murmurs of the waves; at others the ardent lover. It is a peculiar character, but is none the less welcome for being limned out of the ordinary mould. Mr George Gordon was drawn twice before the curtain to receive the acknowledgenints of his clever, artistic work. The play was, indeed, not permitted to begin until Mr Gordon had appeared. The sea scenes were most admirable. The yacht in the last scene is given the appearance of moving in the water, the beautiful panorama of a lit-up city passing away behind the vessel. The nautical scenes were very effective, a pleasant feature being the shanties sung by the sailors, real sailors too. The play should enjoy a great run.