MUSIC AND DRAMA.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 211, 9 August 1894, Page 9

MUSIC AND DRAMA.

At the Theatre Royal the hoary-headed old George Barnwell and another “ old timer,” A Dream at Sea, is in the bill. An attempt to collar the clergymen’s patronage has failed, for though a managerial announcement invites them to “ look in,” where on presentation of their cards they could be admitted gratis, only one solitary clergyman have I seen present.

Post-office theatre parties have been organised, but listen to this ye gods—the parties are all on the free pass racket! 11 • * ■

From a veteran like Coppin I cannot understand this kind of thing, which, look at it whichever way you may, is a trifle rough on the other theatres. The much-married Second Mrs Tanqueray is now being produced at the Princess Theatre, and serves principally to show how great an actress Mrs Brough is. She fairly electrifies the audience, as the piece is one of the most remarkable ever produced, and as it is to go through New Zealand shortly I refrain from going further into details, and thus spoiling the treat in store.

At the Alexandra the ancient teardropper and handkerchief piece “ East Lynne” is being trotted forth, while right opposite the Alex, they are building a hippodrome. Harold Ashton has gone away from Melbourne, but is expected back shortly The Cogill Minstrels at the Bijou, and Clark’s crowd at the Alhambra, complete the Melbourne shows.

The recent theatrical football match panned out well, in all about one thousand pounds. Nellie Stewart, and the other fair stallholders, no matter though a sovereign were tendered, never gave any change. There are a lot of pros, out of collar, and it would’nt be a bad idea if a second football match were given with a view of rendering those “ poor players” a little pecuniary aid. Let me explain that the mentioned above goes to the Dramatic and Musical Association.

Mr Hutchison, M.H.R., is not so sure that in considering two evils—the totalisator and the bookmaker—the lesser would be obtained by adopting the former. But, says the hon. gentleman, the State should never adopt evil of any grade. But he should remember that needs must when a certain gentleman drives.

Mr Hogg, M.H.R., gave it as his opinion that it was very much to be doubted whether the bookmaker, compared with the totalisator of to-day, was not the best totalisator of the two. He believes that when the bookmaker was in existence and carried on his traffic a much smaller sum was lost from gambling than is lost at the present time, and the hon. gentleman also expressed the opinion that we had more legitimate sport. It is a bad thing to endeavour to interfere with the rights and privileges of a free Press. The Hon. Mr McGregor’s proposal to make it an offence against the law to publish betting market quotations and the results of races is a most absurd one, and could only emanate from a man who was badly in want of something to do. What does the hon. gentleman propose to do about the numerous Home and Australian sporting papers that circulate so widely in the Colony ? Is it likely that people will tolerate a law that will allow them to read racing news in foreign papers, but not in their own which they patronise for that and general information. The Press would not stand any interference with the privileges it had in the old days such a hard fight to acquire. It used to be hampered by the imposition of duties, censors, and the refusal of the House of Commons to allow reporters between its portals. There is even now an unrepealed Act at Home disallowing publication of Imperial Parliamentary proceedings, but this, with now long forgotten measures, lies in dust covered archives like lusty nails in monumental mockery.