DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXI, 23 November 1895, Page 648

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, November 15. One reads with envy accounts of all the various social entertainments given in other towns when there is so little going on in our own, except, of course, public concerts, drawing-room entertainments, etc. An excellent ENTERTAINMENT, which was got up by Mrs Napier Bell for the guilds of the three principal English churches, was held in the City Hall on Friday evening. The first part of the programme was a variety enter taimnenL The second part a short musical comedy entitled ‘Our Toys.’ The evening was opened by Messrs Combs, Naumann, Gray and A. Finch, who rendered Bocherinis Minuet (string quartette) in a most finished manner. A song by Madame Venosta, ‘Vashti,’ came next, and was most enthusiastically received. For an encore she sang the favourite song, ‘ll Baccio.* Mr Burns Walter sang, ‘Lend me Your Aid,’ in his usual splendid style, and Mrs Logan then finished the musical part of the programme by singing ‘ Tell Me My Heart,’ in a charming manner. The faWeaiw;, entitled ‘ Strolling Players,’ were most effective, those who took part being Misses S. Webster, E. E. Ulrich. L. Roberts, S. Graham, A. Shand, E. Napier Bell, B. Elleston, Messrs Macfarlane, Harris, Kapley, Sale, and Cameron. During the tableaux Miss E. Bell took the part of a dancing girl, and performed a graceful skirt dance to a band accompanied by Messrs Macfanane and Harris and Miss E. E. Ulrich on banjo and castinets. During the second part of the tableaux Miss Bell danced a cachuca accompanied by the piano, two violins, and a singing chorus, at the close of which Miss Bell was fairly showered with bouquets and baskets. The play, ‘ Our Toys,’ was opened by a fairy dance, which ceased as the clock was striking midnight. Four tiny children, namely, Misses Mill (two), Macpherson, and Murphy acted as fairies, performing their steps beautifully. Miss Nma Gibson acted as queen fairy, and performed two excellent skirt dances, and explained the play in a short dialogue. The success of the dances was entirely due to Mrs MacSregor. The characters in the play were Miss McLean, Lady loll; Miss Shand, Little 80-Peep; Miss Graham, Red Riding Hood; Mr P. Hume, Lord Jennings; Mr D. McLean, Wooden Soldier; Mr J. Branson, Noah. The play proved most successful, as all the characters were splendidly taken. The songs throughout the play were very much appreciated, and many were the en cores they received. The accompanists during the evening were Misses Branson, Rogers, Messrs Burns, Walker, and Griston. Miss Mosely and Master Ulrich performed on the violin. At the conclusion of the performance Mrs Napier Bell was called for. and was brought forward by Lord Jennings, Wooden Soldier, Noah, etc. The reception she received was quite enough to show how successful the evening had been. A most fashionable audience crowded the hall, and I hope the success will be as great financially as otherwise.

Aileen.