CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue III, 20 January 1900, Page 130

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, January 8. The Broughs still hold sway at the Theatre Royal, and are having good houses, and on Wednesday night the building was packed, a large wedding party from Cashmere considerably swelling the audience. It was unfortunate that a piece of so little merit as “The Gay Lord Quex” was on the boards, but Mr and Mrs ■ Brough smoothed over

many a difficulty; and were ably assisted by the Company. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Harry Lance (Waikare), Mr and -Mrs Northeote, Mr and Mrs Fred Wilson, Mr and Mr» J. D. Hall, Mr and Mrs J. Turnbull, Mr and Mrs W. B. Fox, Mrs Studholme, and Mr and Mrs W. Studholme, Mr and Mrs G. Rhodes, Mr and Mrs E. D. O'Rorke, Mr anil Mrs Ranald Macdonald, Mrs and Miss Reeves. Mr and Mrs Hanmer, Misses Nedwill, Haslam, Harley, Wilson, Westenra (2), Mr Di’.lworth Fox (Waikare), Misses Lean (2), and Prins, Mr and Mrs L. Matson, Mr and Mrs W. Watson, Mrs E. and Miss Garrick, Mrs H. Rose. Mr and Mrs and Misses Waymouth, and others.

On Thursday night Tuam Street Hall was packed with such an audience as Christchurch has never seen before for enthusiasm, the stirring band music, the decorations of r:d, white and blue, and the crowd all enthusing to the finger tips, was a scene which will long be remembered. The Opera House was glowing - with colour, every window-si il Was a. mass of flowers in red, white and blue alternately; a mounted eannon was on either side of the stage and surrounded by some of our gallant defenders; on the stage were the Mayor (Mr W. Reece), Messrs C. Lewis, W. W. Collins, G. Laurenson, M.H.R’s., Colonel Dalgety, and others. At the back was a beautifully designed V.R. and crown in flowers, and draped over the proscenium were the flags of England, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand. The whole dress circle was garlanded with flags, interspersed with patriotic mottoes, and the back of tie hall hung with red, white and blue. A number of songs were well rendered by Mrs Howie, Miss Graham. Messrs A. Millar, W. Day, Pooley, and some stirring selections by the various bands at intervals. Miss Graham, wearing a black evening dress with a red. white and blue badge, sang “The Red, White and Blue,” and this roused the audience to an immense state of excitement, even greater than when Mrs Howie, looking very handsome in a trained green velvet with beetle wing trimming, stepped out to sing “Tommy Atkins.” About £220 was collected at this meeting, hut there are so many lists out now it is difficult to know

the exact amount that has been subscribed. Last night that clever little company, “The Bright Hours Children,” gave one of their engaging performances for the War Fund, and which will add considerably to the children’s efforts on our soldiers’ behalf. We can only talk and think war, and weave it into our work and play; even some of the Sunday collections are given to the War Fund. Miss Cabot’s call for “Nightingales” has been answered to thg number of 174 (up to date), and I hiave not yet heard the result of Mrs Mickle's appeal for Crimean shirts. Our War and Patriotic Funds, combined, amount to over £SOOO, and are still growing. The sale of the “Absent-minded Beggar” has been |»henominal, and is still going on now, set to music.

DOLLY VALE.