TIMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 49, 5 December 1901, Page 4

TIMARU.

A few much needed showers of rain fell during the week. The land is ho parched, however, that much more is needed to produce any appreciable effect. Miss E. McGuinnesp was very successful at the professional examination held in Christchurch. lately under Mr. Mietowbki. Through her time being so occupied, Miss McGuinness could only spare one week for preparation under Mr. Lund, of Christchnrch. and yet she was successful in carrying off with honors the A.P.T.L. degree (Associate Pianiste of Trinity College, London), whicn letters she can now append to her name. Mies McGuinees can rely on the congratulations of her many friends. - The following names appear amongst the successful candidates at the Trinity College local centre examinations recently held here under Mr. Mistowski, Mus. Bac. Oxon. : — Pianoforte Senior : Llsie Fitzgerald (Miss Fitzgerald, teacher), Patricia Geaney (Miss Darcy, Orari), Beatrice Knight, and Olive Larnach (Mips E. McGuinness). Intermediate : E. Burke (Miss Darcy). Junior : J. Harrison (St. Joseph's Convent, Temuka). Preparatory : J. Alexander, B. Lawry, and C. Maben (Miss Fitzgerald), 8. Austin, and M. Tarrent (St. Joseph's Convent, Temuka), J. Lawler and J. Symon (St, Joseph's Convent, Waimate). Ihe production of the comic opera, ' H.M.S, Pinafore,' at the Theatre Royal, Timaru, on Thursday last by a Temuka amateur company in aid of the funds of (St. Joseph's, Temuka, was well attendei despite unfavorable weather. The cast of characters was the same as previously reported, with the exception of ' Little Buttercup.' entrusted to Miss Wells, of Christchurch, Miss Quinn, of Temuka, being unable to take up the character owing to family bereavement. The Timaru audience fully endorsed the approval shown at Temuka and Geraldine. MissMoGuinnese, as ' Josephine,' never appeared to more advantage, and at the close of her first polo was the recipient of a number of bouquets. Her acting and singing' contributed much to the fcuccessful interpretation of a most difficult role. Mips Wells, of Chriatchurch, made an ideal ' Little Buttercup.' As ' Cousin Hebe,' Mrs. Fairburn, of Temuka. scored a great success by her natural acting, and was throughout one of tho most pleasing" and consistent performers. As ' Sir Joseph' Porter,' Mr. Duncan MaeDonald, Timaru. was in his element, and for an amateur his impersonation of the dignified 'ruler of the Queen's navee ' was a highly creditable performance. Mr. Flyger, Temuka, as ' llalp Ruokstraw,' and Mr. Heatley an ' Captain Cotcoran ' were each very successful, while ' Dick Dea4< ye ' (Mr. Leveus, Temuka) created great amusement with bin inopportune philosophy, etc. The choruses were augmented by the sutlers, cousins, and auuts of ' !->.r Joseph ' and ' the sober men and true ' of ' Captain Corcoran'. Aa orchestra of over 12 performers, under tue baton of Professor

Kearsley, Temnka, who also played first violin, supplied tho musio and accompaniments of the opera in first-class style, and double •nd triple enoorea occurred during the evening. Mr. Jeffries, as staye manager, was as proficient as ever. The \* hole of the performers, indeed, are to be congratulated.