BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue VI, 6 February 1897, Page 167

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bke. January 26 POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY, which has established itself as a first favourite here, and is always certain of a cordial reception, opened its season last night with ‘ Boccaccio ’to a packed house. It is a brilliant performance, and the dresses and stage accessories are of a gorgeous description, and the music of a very pleasing nature. It is very amusing, and Messrs Quealy, Percy, and Albert excited a great deal of merriment, as, indeed, they always do. Miss Maud Beatty and Miss E Metcalfe sang exceedingly well, but Miss Marion Mitchell was hardly iu her usual form. Her voice sounded thin, and when she began was decidedly sharp in tone. Miss Agnes Smith has a clear, fresh voice, which under good tuition will, no doubt, become a fine organ. ‘Rip Van Winkle’ is advertised for to-night, and will attract a large audience. Among those present last night were Mesdames Mclntire, Waddy, Griffiths, Snodgrass, Greenfield, Black. Carey. R. Bell, Thompson, Ansenne (Auckland), Mac Shane, A. Duncan (Picton), Clouston, Orr, Hiley, Johnston, Furness, Mclntosh, Bright, and the Misses Bell (three), Horton (four), Carey, Farmar, Waddy, Ball (two), Rees, Horne (two), Johnston, Rogers, Butt (Wellington), Butt (Gisborne), etc., and Messrs Bright, Griffiths, Black, Teschemaker, Bell (two), Thompson, Orr, Wynn-Williams, Temple. Witchell, Snodgrass, Greenfield, Mclntosh, Bunting, H. Robinson, Trevor, and Mr and Mrs H. Howard. An exceedingly PLEASANT PICNIC down the Opawa was given last Thursday by Mrs Bull. The majority of the party left town at four, filling three boats, and were followed at five by a number of gentlemen, whose official duties prevented thtm leaving at an earlier hour. After tea various games were played and a charade acted, the party returning to town by the light of the moon and the accompaniment of vocal music.

Frida.