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MAYOR'S COURT.

Tins Day. (Before T. Birch, Esq., 11.M., Captain Eraser, W. H. Reynolds, and E. M'Glashau, Esquires, J.F.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. . Allan Nicholson for this offence was lined 10s, or twenty-four hours’ imprisonment.— Margaret Robertson, an habitual drunkard, was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonme nt. — James Anderson, ■ for being drunk and violently assaulting two females on the Vauxhall Jetty last night, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. ASSAULT AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Mrs Beath was charged with assaulting Mrs Briggs. This case arose out of a dispute as to the right of the two ladies to some fruit in a garden, which, from the evidence, it appeared, surrounded the houses of both parties. Some words arose, and defendant pushed complainant from the trees. The assault was considered proved, and defendant fined 10s. Another case arising out of the same affair was then called on, in which Mrs Beath charged Mrs Briggs with unlawfully plucking fruit and destroying fruit trees. Mr Wilson appeared for the defendant and Mr Ward for plaintiff. From the evidence of the plaintiff, it would appear the garden in question had been recently purchased by plaintiff, the defendant at the time being a tenant of the previous owner, and no other agreement had been entered into. Dismissed with costs.

THE PRINCESS THEATRE. We look for transformation scenes at Christmas time ; but whether we had a right to expect so complete a transformation as that presented at the Princess’s last evening may be fairly questioned. For a long time this deserving house has not received the support to which its merits entitled it; and bare and empty boxes have been the reward the management has received for its praiseworthy efforts to provide wholesome amusements and instruction for the people. This it must be confessed was very discouraging. Sundry ominous whispers were heard that the managerial temper was incapable of much longer endurance ; that the serious drain to which the managerial coffers had been subjected had suggested the propriety of closing the theatre, which the people in this benighted place appeared incapable of appreciating ; and that all would depend upon the reception which the pieces —the Christmas pieces then in preparation — met at the hands of the public. Certainly no management could be expected to continue its labors at a loss ; but there was something terrible in the threat which these whispers contained. To be deprived of the drama—that great engine for educating the people ; of the melodrama and burlesque by which we are made to pleasantly forget the cares that oppress and the injuries that madden us in our hard battle of life ; the very idea—though perhaps strictly in harmony with Mr J. G. S. Grant’s ethics or the cant of the ultra-Puritanical fraternity —was too barbarous for reasonable people to think of. If there was anything in these grim whisperings, we arc glad to believe it is now silenced for ever. There was a complete transformation in the appearance of the house last evening—it was full to overflowing. The chronic dullness, and the cold, chilling aspect of bare benches, with which we have been long familiar, melted away, giving place to smiling faces and merry laughter, which echoed through the house. It was a pleasure merely to look on the bright faces here presented. It evidences, we fondly hope, the attachment of the people to the Thespian art, and the acknowledgment of their allegiance to its sovereignty. We have seen many transformation scenes, but we confess we have seen none bodied forth by the mimic art which afforded us so much pleasure as that presented by the altered character of the house last evening. Of course great things were expected. It was Boxing-night. It was known that extraordinary efforts were being made to provide brilliant pieces for the Christmas holidays—that Shakespeare’s dramatic poem, “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” was being prepared for the occasion. It was known that Mr Willis’s artistic power was being taxed to the utmost to provide new scenic effects ; and, unquestionably, gorgeous things were expected. Nor were the people disappointed. It must be confessed that the “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is most elaborately placed on the stage, and that the scenery and appointments are the most beautiful and perfect we have seen in Dunedin. The power of the artist is brilliantly displayed, and the scenes are replete with high art feeling, and power. The “ Fairies’ Cave,” looking out upon a bit of quiet water scenery, lighted up by the moon and stars, is not only a beautiful poetic fancy, but a perfect gem of art ; and -we can understand the rapturous enthusiasm with which the house received it. Mr Willis was honored with repeated calls, and made his acknowledgments twice during the course of the piece. The whole piece is decidedly the best we have seen on the Dunedin boards, and, to say the least, is in every way deserving of public support. Of the actors—though we defer saying all we would—we must speak highly. The various parts were creditably sustained, and, though this was a first representation, there was not a hitch in the general conduct of the piece. The entertainment concluded with a pantomime. entitled “The Spirit of Fun,” in which Miss Jennie Nye as Columbine, and Mrs S, Howard as Harlequina, afforded great pleasure by their varied and graceful evolutions. Nor must we omit to mention Mr M. Forde, who though he lost his temper, gave great amusement as the clown; whilst Mr Bell as Harlequin, and Mr Inglis as Pantaloon, admirably sustained the interest of their parts. The Pantomime possesses some good comic business, which requires, however, to be concentrated, and to be rendered continuous. This, however, could hardly be expected the first night. We predict for these pieces a long and successful run.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18691228.2.8

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2073, 28 December 1869, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
964

MAYOR'S COURT. Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2073, 28 December 1869, Page 2

MAYOR'S COURT. Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2073, 28 December 1869, Page 2

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