Page 4 Advertisements Column 4

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2000, 8 February 1907, Page 4

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL. A MUSIC A.L TREAT. By , WELLINGTON, Tuesday. I suppose the Exhibition orchestra has figured largely in the public eye this past week. It began with wretched houses, and the laces ol the guarantors foil sadly, while there was much comment on the in appreciation of Wellington for art, and its neglect of golden opportunities. But the latter concorts made up lor the first, and at tho last tlio huge Town Mall—which I have only soon lull at a froo political mooting, anil only thou when a row was looked for—was crowded, oven tho choir scats being occupied. It was, too, an intensely appreciative crowd. A whispor was matter lor resentment, and a sneeze involved a series ol angry glares—as il' tlio sneezer, like tho child of Alice in Wonderland, only “did to annoy, because ho knows it teases.” Tho acme of enthusiasm was reached at the ond of the last concert, whon tho crowd rofused to loavo tho hall, and shouted and eheorod lustily, boiug only peaceful at last by tho return of tho orchestra to tho stage ;aml the action of tho conductor, Air. Mill, who mounted on a chair and led three hearty cheers for Wellington from his musicians. We never half appreciated Air. Mill, though his cleverness was recognised and his charming songs were sung. Milt ho has sprung 'into fame since he began to wield the baton of tho Exhibition orchestra. It is difficult to realise that that slight, small figure, with the boyish black head and pale face—nii atom of humanity in the huge assemblage—is the mainspring of all the exquisite harmony. 110 has brought his orchestra to a most artistic pitch of perfection, and those who have no chance to go t'o Christchurch will havo tho ploasnro of remembering they heard one of its chief attractions. Perhaps Haydn’s farewell symphony was the most appreciated item by tile general public, that is to say, the hall is darkened, tho only lights consisting of tho candle that each play has fixed to his music-stand; towards the end of tho symphony tho musicians gradually steal away, each blowing out his candle. At the last only tho leader of the violins and the conductor are loft, and then, when the bow stops, the candle is extinguished, and the player slips away, the conductor blows out his light and all is darkness and silence. The effect is both pathetic and humorous, and quaintily artistic, and the result was a storm of applause. It was a tremendous audience, and .£142 was taken, although tho highest-priced seats wero only two shillings. On Thursday evening, after the concert', tlio orchestra left for Lyttelton.

MADAME AREAL. Those—and they wore many—wlio did not go to hear this groat singer, have missed much. It is impossiblej to compare her with Dolores—their stylos are so dissimilar—but Madame Arral lias a splendid voice, perfectly trained, and is a most fascinating personality on the platform. She rarely sings in English—and, after all, French and Italian are far more suited to operatic selections such as she generally selects—but her voice is absolutely bird-like in its clear, sweet flow,' and so expressive is her singing that it is easy to understand the theme. She is a personage in the musical world, and has starred in Paris, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, singing to the accompaniments of an orchestra of hundreds of musicians, and before audiences of thousands. And yet in tlio Town Hall hero she faced a miserable array of empty benches, though the few hundreds who were present wore vehement in their enthusiasm. But tho singer gave us her best and even responded to the encores, although she must have felt the greatest, difficulty in fighting against the echoes in the comparatively empty hall. A feature of Madame Arral’s concerts are her frequent changes of gown, and as each frock is Parisian in cut and fashion,- and most elaborate, her apuearanees are of course most interesting to tho feminine part of the audience.' Her first gown was raspberrytinted panne, gorgeous with embossed embroideries of gold and pale tints, gold fringe edging the bodice draperies, Embroideries, exquisite in color and workmanship, adorned the deep ivory' satin of her next gown, and her amber satin as carmen was decorated with what looked like the border of a beautiful cashmere shawl, a train of crimson and white brocade falling from the shoulders. Last and loveliest, was a pale pink silk, veiled with deep flounces of sil-ver-embroidered lace, a cascado of great pink roses and foliage falling from shoulder to hem, and then halfway round the skirt. She herself is petite, dark-haired, and essentially Parisian from tho tip of her verypretty shoes to the crown of her elab-oratel.v-drpssed hair. .

SOCIAL ITEMS. There is no entertaining to chronicle, with the exception of sundry theatre-parties, and an afternoon tea given by Mrs Jack Rose as a farewell to Miss Caw, who returns home to Scotland sliortly. The dining-room—-a charming cherry-wood interior—was arranged with little tea tables, each with a bowl of roses, and Miss Caw and some of the guests sang and played during the afternoon. The latest engagement is that of Miss Lois Menteath, a daughter of Mr. Stuart Menteath, French Consul here, to Mr. Charlie Allan, of the Hutt. Miss Ella Adams, some of whose paintings are in the art gallery at the Exhibition, and have found buyers, is in Christchurch, so are Professor and Mrs. Rankino Brown, and Sir Robert and Lady Stout. With Mrs. R. Levin are staying Mr. and Mrs. Macßae, and Miss Toll, from Auckland, is a guest of Mrs. Miles. Mr. and Mrs. John Duncan, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Duncan left this week for Mount Cook. Miss Alice Rawson and Mr. Jack Rawson, son and daughter of Mr. Herbert Rawson, left last Thursday to catch the Waiwera. Mr. Jack Rawson goes Home to continue his medical studies. Mrs. Joffcoat and her son leave shortly for Home, and among the latest additions to the lengthy list of pilgrims Londomvards are Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy MacDonald. Miss Margaret Waldegravo is a guest of Mrs. Fulton, her aunt, Miss Eva Butts, who has recovered from 1 her illness, has returned from her I visit to Potanc, where she was stayI ing. with Mrs. Twigg, Mrs. Willie ! ■ Kennedy and • her daughter are in ! Christchurch, and Mr. and Mrs.. Waldegravo went South last week. Mr. and Mrs. James Mills left on Saturday by the Rivorina, on route for England. Miss Wardoll, of Masterton, is staying with her father, Mr. IT. S. Wardoll. Among tho visitors to Wellington are Mrs. George Sevmour, of Blenheim, Mrs. Shaw, of Now Plymouth, and Mrs. Corn ford, of 'Napicr, and Judge and Mrs. Dcnniston. AN INTERESTING VISITOR, There is at present, staying at the Grand, a man of many experiences. Ho is a Hungarian, young, a keen mountaineer, and a great traveller. Since he arrived lie has seen much of New Zealand, and among other trips

gmmm '■■' V. Z&i'-Sl&cn r (tiii*v r :il Affile vsr*rf *r£.&£ mmm im jS&Sa W«I««VS3 m w 3 m as i® Wh r»7>.SSSS iPJ*. ® / si? 3 *: ii&sssa v% SfcSi-l llplsla jsa T-r nas i fe# WW' *=* £ ® , 7^4