IN A GOOD CAUSE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 967, 7 November 1910, Page 9

IN A GOOD CAUSE.

ENTHUSIASM AT THE OPERA HOUSE. GENEROSITY OF THE STAGE. A fine spirit of enthusiasm was witnessed at tho conclusion of tho ■ final performance of "Lovers'"Lane" by the Plinimer-Denniston Company on Saturday evening. After two or three most enthusiastic calls had caused the curtain to assumo unusual activity, Mr. F. W. Haybittlo came forward on tho stage, and, whilo apologising for appearing in mufti amidst such charming surroundings—tho scene was Parson Singleton's apple orchard in springtime—said ho had boon asked to say a few words by way of thanks to tho members of tho company who had so spontaneously and delightfully come forward to assist in tho fete given in honour of the Rev. Mother Mary Josoph Aubort's golden jubilee, which had that day been brought to a magnificent climax. In rcferenco to' that estimable old lady, he would liko to say that she, in her great and noblo work, had tho esteem and respect of the whole community, irrespective of creed—-(applause)—and there had been a remarkable community of interest, Protestant and, Catholic, all working to make the fete, a first-class success. (Applause) It was impossible yet to give tho exact .results, but he had been assured by Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, who took a great interest in Mother Aubert's work, that it had been wonderfully successful, and that this had, to a great extent, been attributable to the unwearied efforts of the members of the PlimmerDenniston Company, who had given such pleasuro by their admirablo performance that evening. (Loud applause.) Recently they had had evidence of ■ .tho' generosity of visitors in tho help accorded by Mr. Hugh Ward and his company in connection with the Children's Hospital, but he would point out that no one could accuso the Plim-mer-Denniston Company of any selfish motive, as the good work they had done had been accomplished on tho day of their last appearance in Wellington. (Applause.) The company had offered to give a matineej.which would have been a valuable and special attraction, but as it Would have collided with tho fete the offer had to be declined, but they must all appreciate the kindly feeling which prompted the offer, and thank the company as if the matineo had been given. He had also to thank tho members 'of the Fuller Company, together with Mr. John Fuller and charming wife, for tho great help they had given that afternoon. In connection with tho Beauty Show; lie thought it- was distinctly unfair for the Plimmcr-Dennis-ton Company to enter Miss Lizotto Parkes against thejr Wellington beauties. Tho result was a foregono conclusion, though ho had been given to understand there had been a tussle between Miss Parkes and No. 218 for the honour of being selected the beauty of the show. . Ho felt- it a special privilege to speak that evening, particularly as Mr. Harry Plimmcr had bee;i his lifelong friend. Ho had known him in his schools days, in business, and as a distinguished member of the profession, and he could say that ho (Mr. Plimmcr) had always been actuated by the best and most generous motives. (Applause.) Mr. Demuston was also a New Zealander, and from tho conscientious performance that night, and also in "The Passing of tho Third Floor Back," ho judged that the new firm had a future before it. Good luck to.them! (Applause.) There was just ono other word ho would like to say about another delightful lady. He alluded to Mrs. Robert Brough. (Applause.) Many would recall the strenuous times when they had sent away their boys to battle for the Empire. When the Third or Fourth Contingent loft Wellington the Brough Company was in Wellington, and gave ono of their delightful performances as a scud-off. On that occasion, Mr. Brough had heard at tho last moment that the ship .was without a piano, so he went down to Mr. Brookes, of tho Dresden Co., and said: "Put a piano on board, and charge it to mo I" Ncw Zealanders .did not readily'-forget such acts of kindness. Ho called on the audience to rise and give the PlinimerDenniston Company a hearty vote of thanks and three hearty cheers. These were given . amidst great enthusiasm, after which,the great audience dispersed. The company left for Lyttolton en route to Dunedin by tho Mararoa on Saturday night.