ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1860, 20 September 1913, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

9 OPERA HOUSE. Tlio King's College Boys and Society Entertainers were well patronised at the Opera House last night, which was the last night of tho present programme, all now items being prepared for tonight's entertainment. The Vienna Trio (harps and violins), Miss Marcelene Boiilais (soprano), and Miss lona 'Augusta were all successful in their several selections. THE ELL WOOD TRIO. The exceptionally fino renderings of the old masters by tho EUwood Trio during tlio present week caused another largo and appreciative audience to as'semblo in the Concert Chamber of tlio Town Hall to witness tlio final concert. This famous trio appeared with the utmost success in works by Bach and Haydn; Mr. Harry Ellwood, tho talented violinist,- played 1 Paganimi-'s "Caprico" as only a master of technique could play it, liis'other a.nd equally exhausting contributions being: "Regaudin" (Monsigny), "Gipsy Dance" (Nacliez), "Le Prcciosa" (Couper.tnKreisler), "Scherzo" (DuttendorfKreisler), and "Variations" (Portini). Mr. George Ellwood 1 , probably tlio most gifted 'cellist a Wellington audience has had the privilege of hearing, gav« a really delightful rendering to SaintSacns' "Concerto," his other solos including "Arioso" (Handel), "Abendlied" (Schumann), and "Harlequinade" (Squire). The vocalist was Sir. John Brouse, who has proved so -popular during the week, and ho gave delightful expositions or three of Mallinson's songs, "Eldorado," "Eventide," and "Wo Sway Along," whilst Henchcl's "Young DeidTiclr afforded him still better scope for good effect. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho Banzai Family of Japanese acrobats have made such a- name for themselves in Wellington sine© their first performance 011 Monday that tho accommodation at His Majesty's Theatre lias scarcely, been sufficient and tho bookings have been abnormal. Not only is this sensational star turn well worth tho timo and expense spent by tho house, but tho supporting turns are each excellent in their way. Tho" Romas do some astonishing i'eats in the way of weight-lifting; lilimo and Klifton are eccentric gymnasts who are both funny and clover; and Olga Pennington, Ernest Pitcher, tho Lyrical Four, St. George, and Dyne, Madge Beresford, and Neil Cant, vocalists of varied styles, aro all weil rcccivcd. • In addition, Mr. John Fuller, Ken., pleases the audience with "Sally in Our Alley" and "Good Night Beloved," being imperatively recalled. A matinee at reduced prices oJid to-night's performance will bo the last two occasions 011 which tho Baiizais and other artists will appear. THE KING'S THEATRE. Millionaire Rainey's pictures of animal lifo in Africa, which are being shown at the King's Theatre and described by Mr. Barrio Marschel, who gives a stirring story of tlio millionaire's perilous expedition, must bo seen to bo appreciated, and last night's patrons woro quito enthusiastic over the lion's battle with dogs, tho cheetah treed, tho comic baboon, and tho various views of wild animals depicted at homo in tho jungle. There is to be an educational matinee for tho children this afternoon and tlio final performance, to-night. On Monday a complete set of new filniß will ba'presented. The management directs particular attention to tlio now star feature "Wamba tho Chief of tho Jungle,"l which is said to 'bo a picture of exceptional merit. " ; . SHORT'LS'.. PICTURES. "Hearts of tho First Empire," a splendid Vitagraph dramatic' study is the chief film at this theatre, but "The Stolen Bracelet," "Love Me, Love My Cat," and others aro almost equally well rccoivcd. ! THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Those who have not yet witnessed tho present programmo of the Empress" Theatre continuous pictures will have a last opportunity of doing so to-day and to-uight, Tho A.B. "feature" drama, "Under the Shadow of the Law," is the prime attraction. This is a stirring story of an ox-convict, who, on discharge from prison, is mercilessly shadowed by the detectives, although lie is without any'evil intention. Fate gives him an opportunity of rescuing a young woman from the clutches of a wealthy villain, and eventually he receives a mortal wound 'in heroically coming to tho assistanco of the girl in a subsequent adventure with her persecutor. "When Fortune Smiles" is another of the Edison Company's serial stories of "What Happened to Mary." Some charming scenes in an ancient city fef India, aro displayed in tho travel subject "Seringapatam." Tho B. and C. Company's drama, "Tlio Old College Badge," is a play enacted in Jamaica with plenty of "local colour" as a background. Among others tliero arc: "A Roso at Sixteen" (Universal comedydrama), and "Making a Baseball Bug." A new programme will be produced 011 Monday. v THE CLARA BUTT TOUR, Mr. J. Novin Tait is on his way to Now Zealand by tho Malieno, and 110 is coming direct to Wellington in'order to arrange for tho opening of tho New Zealand tour of Madamo Clara Butt and Mr. Kcnnerloy Rumford, which takes place ' at Wellington on October 9, and 110 will also arrange Mr. John M'Cormack's tour, which takes place later in tho yoar. Madame Clara Butt and Kennerioy Rumford woro in New Zealand somo fivo years.ago, and tho triumphant' success, which they achiovcd then will doubtless bo remembered by all music-lovers. Tho famous singers ■ have been in Australia since last Slay, and they have enjoyed a remarkable success. They have given something like fifty concerts in tlio Commonwealth, and these have been attended by over 100,000 people; so it is apparent that Madamo Butt's glorious voice, and Mr. Rumford's finished singing have lost 110110 of their attraction. In Sydney and Melbourne nine were given in oue series, and record receipts woro obtained when they opened tho Auditorium, Messrs. J. and N. Tait's new concert hall in Melbourne. Tile coming New Zealand tour will consist of about twenty concerts, tlirco of which will take place in Wellington, and three each in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland, and concerts will aluo bo given in Invercargill, Timaru, Napior, Wanganui, and several other towns. With the famous singers, Messrs. J. and N. Tait are bringing an excellent company, which includes Mr. William Murdoch, the brilliant young pianist, who was here with Madamo Kirkby Lunn, Mr. Mowat ; Carter, violinist, and Mr. Harold G'rixton, accompanist. Madamo Butt and Mr. Rumford's porsonal party is also a very large one, for they are bringing a secretary, a tutor, and governess for tho children, _ and a maid. They leave by the Tahiti on October A, and reach Wellington on October 8. -7 SUNDAY CONCERT. The Wellington Professional Orchestra will give tho fifth concert of the present series at His Majesty's Theatre 011 Sunday, under tho conductorship of Mr. Christian Hellemann. Included in tho I programmo is a trombono solo, "Thou'rt 1 Passing Hence" (Sullivan), with or- ' chestral accompaniment; overture, ' "Masaniollo" (Auber); concert picces, "Palmedo Printemps" (Geohl), and "Humoresquo" (Dvorak); overture, " "Tho Magic Flute" (Mozart); gavotte, ; "Hens 011 Herz" (Lalann); overture, r "Maritana" (Wallace). A silver coin c collection will ba takon at the doors. J 5

NORDICA AND ENGLISH SONG. Mmo. Lillian Nordica, the great soprano, who is delighting Auckland music-lovers, is a great beliover in song in tlio vernacular, and lives up to her convictions by always including numerous English Bongs or translations in her concert programme. The famous singer also believes in lending a helping hand to the young composer, and naturally Mine. Nordic's patriotic impulse is directed towards music by American and English composers. In connection with this the great diva, says: "It is not fair to compare" tlio work of our young Anglo-Saxon composers with tlie more mature works of a Wagner, a Verdi, or a Strauss. I am an English-speaking singer, .and I; sing Wagner and Strauss in German and Verdi in Italian. Why should I, myself, therefore, look complacently on whilo my mother tongue is ostracised from tlio operatic stage ? I sing and enjoy hearing others sing in French, Italian; German, and Russian, but I do not like to liavo English for-! gotten.- English properly sung is, with! tho exception of Italian, tho most musical language in the world. Wo have none of tho distressing nasal sounds of tho French, noiie of tho throaty,guttural sounds of tho German, or tlio somewhat unintelligible consonants of tho Russians. Why should wo, there-' foro, neglect our own language? No, I hail tlio work of the young AngloSaxon composer and look forwaril with joy to tho day when ho ■■ will bo given equal chance, of interpretation with l other nations." Mme. Nordica will give her first concert at the-Town Hall on Thursday, September 25. A UNIQUE ARTIST. Many people who aro blessed with tlio use of bbtli hands have tried to paint pictures, and a large percentage of tlicm have failed. When a man comes along who has no hands, or even arms, and, undertakes to paint pictures with • brushes held in tho mouth, it is onlynatural that 110 should be looked upon as a remarkable individual. Such a man is Mr. W. Smith, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia, 25 years ago, and who will give ah exhibition of his extraordinary talent in Manners Streot throughout to-day. Tho circumstances undey which Mr. Smith becamo an armless artist are somewhat tragic. When nino years of age, 110 fell from a tree, breaking his arms so badly that tlioy had to be amputated from tho shoulders. Thus handicapped, and liav- , iiig a desire for painting, lie set about using a brush 111 his mouth. Sir J. Coles, Speaker of the South Australian Parliament in 1904, was instrumental in Mr. Smith's success as an artist. After receiving; tuition from Mr. J. Ashton, an Adelaide artist, Mr. Smitli sot, about painting pictures, and then offering them for salo. Tlio artist is very versatile, and landscapes, animal life, and floral subjects come natural to IIIV brush. 0110 of the pictures he will paint here will bo the wrecked steamer Devon. Further particulars concerning • this unique artist will be found else-' where in this issuo. " THE QUAKER GIRL." On Monday, September 29, J. O, Williamson's, famous Royal Company will inaugurate a season of thirteen nights in an elaborate production of the remarkably successful musical comedy " The Quaker Girl," which enjoyed a run of over tVelvo months in London, and which succeeded in break-, ing the record established in Sydney'' and Melbourne by " Our Miss Gibbs. \ Only six' representationscan bo given of " The Quaker Girl," and 011 Monday,' October 6 and the two following nights, " Tho Sunshine Girl." the gorgeous Gaiety production, will be staged., Onit Thursday and Friday " Miss Hook of Holland " will be revived, and on Saturday and'Moliday tho SeasbA' mil close |' with two representations of "The Bcllo of New York." For the past thirty years tho Royal Comio Ojiera, Company has been regarded as tho best j and most popular organisation under 1 tlio J. C. Williamson management. Tho j ranks of tho Royal Comics have been i filled at various times by some of tlio best comio opera artists tho present generation lias produced, amongst them being:—Nellie Stewart, Florence ; Young, Violet, Varloy, Maggio Moore, Florence Perry, Grace Palotta, George Lauri, Howard Vernon, Charles Ken- • niugham, Wallace Brownlow, Georgo Graliam, Henry Bracy, Hugh J. Ward, and tho late J. C. Williamson himself. ' Of course ( the above-named were conuected. with tho Royal Comic Opera ) Company at different periods extfeiimng over a number of years. It is question- > able whether at any timo during its prosperous career tlio [premiere Williamson oga.nisation ever included such;, an array of talented aM popular artists as those who interpret tlio characters in "The Quaker Girl" and "Tho 1 Sunshine Girl." > Tlio names are: —' Misses Grnco Palotta, Blancho Browne,) Olivo Godwin, Jessio Lonnen, Billio Barlow, Connie Milne, Vera Pea ice, ; Lybus Caffyn, filsio Stevenson, Jessio CafTyn,' Im Milne, Mary Morris Smith, ■ Ruby Armfield, Mrs. Geo. Lauri; lyossrs. Leslie Holland, Jack Cannot, 0. it. Bantock, Frank Greene, Edward Noble, Fred Reade, lan Maxwell, 1 Arthur Lissant S. Middleton, and G. ; Young. . _ / The box-plans for the six represcnta- ' tions of " Tlio Quaker Girl" will bo opened at tlio Dresden on Thursday morning -next at nine o'clock. A qucuo will bo formod trom 8 a.m. THE FRIVOLITIES' CONCERT. At St. Mark's schoolroom last evening, before a largo audience, "Tho Frivolities," an amateur comedy costume company, gavo a successful conoert. Tlio company, which was under tho direction pf Miss M. Easson, comprised: Misses T. Brown, Lenzini (2), Harinor, L. Shakes. M. Easson, N. Tobin, and Messrs. A. H. Robins, B. R. Lankshcar, H. G. Shakos, G. Peek, R. jiicgg, and P. Atkinson, and both their 'individual and concerted items met ivitlr general approval. A musical programmo was also provided by tlio Wellington Gas Company's Orchestra, under tho conductorship of Mr. B. J. Shardlow. Miss Doris Easson was the pianiste. WELLINGTON LIEDERTAFEL. This society's second concert of tho present season will bo given 011 Wednesday next, 111 the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, when a well-proparcd programmo will 110 presented. Tho I principal item to be rendered by tho Liedcrt-afel will bo Dudley Buck's setting of Shelley's "Chorus of Spirits and Hours," from "Prometheus Unbound," with Mr. G. 11. Bannister as tenor soloist. Now part songs by Coleridgo Taylor and others will also bo. given. Tho interest of tho concert will bo greatly increased by the appearalico of Madame Nellie Fieldhouse, tho well-known contralto vocalist, and Miss Mona Moore, a gifted pianiste, new to Wellington. The seating plan is at tho Dresden. THE COMPETITIONS. From tho manner in which the entries for the third annual festival of tho Now Zealand Competitions Society aro coming in, it is expected that tho 1913 festival will far eclipso tho two previous efforts. Entries aro advertised to.close 011 Tuesday, September 30.

The Swastika Gold Mines, Ltd., un- ' dertook tho work of developing the property on the-reports made by Mr. Sidney Fry (Assc. M. Aus. 1.M.E.; late Director of tho Westport School of Mines and well known throughout New Zealand), and Mr. J. Bowies Wilson (Batchelor of Engineers, Member of the Institute of -Mine Managers, Member of : both the American and Australian Instii tute of Mining recently re- ■ lieving lecturer on Mining and Geology at Sydney University ana now practising in Sydney). . These gentlemen reported favourably on the property and recommended that • work on certain specified lines be carried out.' This work was done and is referred to in the Report of the Directors made after their visit' to the mine in June last. Extracts from Report of Inspection. : ' Bv Directors:—Messrs. J. KEIR (Chairman); and H. P. HANIFY, C.E. Inspection was made of tho two stamp mill. The method of gold saving was examined, tho .tailings and concentrates having been saved aiid stacked much interesting information was gathered by demonstration .of the metallurgical problem that confronted the Company in dealing • with. the high percentage of sulphides contained in the reefs. This problem has been satisfactorily solved by the experiments of Mr.. Sidney Fry and by one of the largest mining companies in the Dominion and Directors j were amply satisfied that by oyanido alone' a very high extraction can be made. A bulk sample of No. 6 assayed £5 10s. per ton and extraction was demonstrated equal to £5 3s. per ton, thus showing that the ore under modern treatment will yield its value, to compare favourably with tho general run of mines in the Dominion. On Saturday, the 21st, a tour of inspection of the mine proper was undertaken. After ascending the hillside about 800 feet above the battery tho level at wliich Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 veins .had been'prospected was reached These aro all together in a zone 100 feet wide from West to East. No. l is the Westernmost. These have been driven for distances varying from 30 feet on No. 2 to 160 feet on No. 5. Tho veins, though Bmall, showed most remarkable values. The principal objective here is No. 6. A heavy flow of water has prevented extension on this. At about half-way in. the reef was visible in the floor of the tunnel and shows a brilliant prospect going under foot. \ Mr. Wilson, 8.E., whose advice in tho main has been followed, considers this a most promising section of the property; its high value la indisputable, some ; stone crushed from here gave 'a return of lsoz. at the battery, its assay value ascertained by Mr. Fry j/ent as high as 6oz. But, as he says, the presence of coarse, blotchy gold makes assay tests uncertain as a criterion of actual valuo. • From this point we descended to No. 6, which, as reported, is the most important feature of our property, it measures 18 feet in width at tho outcrop, it has been driven on 115 feet, at 87 feet a cross-cut was put in disclosing a thickness of 14 feet. Dolly prospects showed a fine sample of free gold, although probably the major value is contained in the concentrates. Regular sampling of the last 65 feet driven has given as reported assay values varying from 19 dwts.' 14 grs. to 6ozs. 10 dwts. 16grs., this is roughly from £4 to £24 per ton. The ore to-day looks big and strong and permanent. ' From this point wo descended about 100 feet to No. 7 level, whore a tunnel has been put in on a vein varying from 8 inches to 18 inches in thickness. Thiß stone shows freo coarse gold and assays 3J ozs., about 30 feet to the East, of it another reef over 2 feet in width has just been discovered and it is particularly favourable-looking stone. From here again we descended to No. 8, 125 feet below No. 7 and 225feot below No. 6 A cluster of reefs aro here met with, six in all, within 20 feet of ono (inother. Tho biggest, 3 feet in width, is being driven on, at 30 feet in it contracted to 18 inches, the value was low— 3 dwts. 22 grs. But as the stone was directly .in line with tile big reef (No. 6) it has been decided to push this level in for 225 feet, which was calculated to bring the drive to a spot directly under No. 6 and thus provo. its existence and .values at a depth. Wo arrived when this tunnel had advanced about 100 feet in, and, as the stone had altered considerably in its appearanco, tho sulphides becoming prominent, a sample was drawn which assayed at the Westport School of Mines gave a return of 1 oz. 8 dwts., or, say £5 10a. per ton: tho reef here was 3 feet In thickness. The difference in height betweon No. 8 and' No. 5 is 426 feet, and as No. 6 is practically midway betweon the two levels the indications of a large tonnage and gold values are the position over carefully and summing up the prospects for tho future, we are firmly of tho opinion that, the Company has a property of great valuo. Not only is the gold bearing quartz thero, but it is in^cnormoiis

quantities. Further, the outlay to work the mine is comparatively small; £4000 in estimated as tho outside cost of a ten-stamp mil] and cyanide equipment. Our only and main object now is to obtain the very latest, most effective and economical machinery for obtaining the gold. For the information of shareholders we might point out as the result of our observations that the cost of working the mine will be ,as low as it is possible to expect. The levels on a steep hillside are drained naturally, no pumping is" required. No power for winding or transport is necessary, the stone from its liberation in. the stopos will gravitate fight to the stamps, so all the factors are present to assist the lowest raining costs that could be wished. Yours faithfully. 'J. KEIR. H. P. HANIFY. Two months after the visit of the Directors of the Swastika Gold Mines, Ltd., the property was most favourably reported on by Mr. W. J. Meehan. ' Mr. Meehan is the senior mine manager in the Reeftoa district, was formerly manager of the well-known anil successful Globe and Blackwater Mines, and is at present Superintendent. of, the,, Murray Creek and Millerton' Company's Mines. His report is hereunder given in full.