CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIII, Issue 783, 9 March 1905, Page 18

CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

My Christchurch correspondent writes: Christchurch is reckoned their Mascotte town by the Wirths, and the season which opened last night is likely to confirm them in the opinion that the Cathedral City is the best show centre in N.Z. Certainly, all visiting managers do not endorse this verdict, but if a show is any good it is safe to draw here. It all depends upon the show. We are nothing if not critical. Well, to return to the Wirth’s. This circus is now generally allowed to be one of the very best touring these Colonies. I don’t know what the proprietary pays away weekly in salaries, but it must Ibe a large amount. No expense is spared. The very latest talent is secured. Such artists as Chefalo, with his ‘‘looping the death-trap” must require the salary as big as an Archbishop’s. His act is full of “thrill.” It’s marvellous. It holds the house. “Wild Friday” is another wonder, and Colquett’s jumping is simply wonderful. The Wirth’s men’agerie and collection of trained animals make visitors wonder. I must not forget to mention Miss Marizel Wirth, who is one of the cleverest, most graceful and .most daring circus performer we have ever had in Christchurch. The “turns” are all smartly given, and there is not a dull moment from the first item to the last. * * * Fuller’s Opera House Show continues to do splendid business. The popular firm of entertainers have been in treaty for Dunedin Princess’s and hotel adjoining, I hear, but, the price asked — £25,000— being considered excessive, the deal didn’t come off.

When is a start to be made with the erection of our long-promised new Theatre Roval ? —and echo answers, When ?

My New Plymouth correspondent writes; Waxworks Variety Company and Electric Treatment Combination are at present doing a season in New Ply; mouth. . . . Masters Jack and (B’ert Garry (violin and cornet players) have joined the orchestra of Williamson's BioTajbleau Co. . • • * * My Napier correspondent writes:—The only excitement here in matters theatrical. since my last, has been the visit of Abomah, the African giantess, who is “a boomer,” and no mistake. The ordinary individual never had an idea, of how piinyhe was till he sidled up aloinjgside the gigantic lady, who comfortably allows a g-ood-sized person to pass under her arms. As a vocalist the lady is hot a screaming success. Still, her pleasant, affable manner makes amends for her mediocre talent in the singing business, and the excellent reception she got from the packed house that congregated at the Theatre Royal the other night gave sufficient evidence that patrons were well satisfied with the height and' general ap. pearance of the tali' coloured lady. Abomah was assisted by Keilderson and Dr. Rowe, the former standing out head and shoulders in his specialities (ventrilo'quial and impersonation lines} over other performers who have preceded him in the same efforts, and his turn met with the appreciation it so justly deserved. Dr. Rowe, in his conjuring feats showed a dexterity and cleanness of. execution that stamped him as a first {lighter in the magic art. The company are working the towns on the West x Coast of the Island, en route to Auckland, where they intend to put in a lenthened season, which should prove profitable to the management, who in their efforts to give satisfaction leave nothing to be desired. * * * * Miss Maud Bejatty has obtained a decree nisi in the action for divorce against her husband, John Milbourne, commercial traveller. The parties were married in 1899, but the evidence of the petitioner showed that she had been left without suippiort! for three! years. She also testified that the respondent had admitted acts of adultery. * * * Mark Hambourg has again won! an enormous success at Warsaw, where he played at the concert of the Warsaw Philharmonic Society on December 19th. He was recalled 28 times ; had to play five encore pieces, and was immediately re-engaged by the Warsaw Philharmonic Society for theii; concerts next year.