ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2170, 21 April 1908, Page 1

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROWING CLUB SOCIAL,

lVhihrny’s Hal! was taxed to its utmost last night to accommodate the largo number of people who attended iho social under the auspices of the Poverty Bay ltowing Club. Dancing was commenced at 8 o’clock, and was kept up with great zeal until 10 o’clock, which was tho hour set down for tho pleasant ceremony,of presenting tho prizes whioli had been won by members of the club during tho past season. Mr. W. Lissant Clayton presented the club prizes and Mr. G. 13. Oman handed to tho captain of the club the Licensed Victuallers’ Shield, which had been won by tho P. 13. Club in competition wit'll tho Gisborne Rowing Club. Mr. Clayton made a short speech, in which lie said that it afforded him great pleasure to be present, and' to distribute tho various trophies. lie had tho greatest sympathy with clean sport, and, in his opinion, no sport was 'kept moro clean than rowing. (Applause.) Mr. G. .13. Oman said that lie had much pleasure, on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers of tho town, in presenting the shield, which they had fairly and squarely won. Mr. J. Webb, captain of the club, returned thanks, and also expressed his gratitude at the'support which the club had received from the public. He expressed regret that all the winners of trophies had not attended to receive them.

At the conclusion of the presentation ceremony, dancing was recommenced, and was- kept up to an early hour this morning. An excellent supper was provided by the Indies’ committee, who are to be congratulated on their efforts in this direction. Messrs W. Webb and J. Harvey officiated as M’s.C., and Miss Moore supplied the music. It is the intention of the club to hold fortnightly dances throughout tho winter with the object of raising funds for the erection of a now clubhouse. Last night’s function will leavo a handsome credit balance after all expenses have been paid.

‘•THE PARSON’S OATH.” The Rice Dramatic Company staged a melodrama of the most pronounced type, entitled “The Parson’s Oath,” at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The building was well filled by a holiday audience, who thoroughly entered .into the spirit of the play. Upon the programme the piece was described as a sensational drama, and as far as improbable and impossible situations were concerned, was certainly deserving of that description. The villain, one Captain Westwood, is a villain of the deepest dye, so cold-blooded that his existence would only he possible in a melodrama, for in the first act lie is caught redlianded committing theft and murder. He has already committed bigamy, forgery, and many other crimes in the criminal code, yet he stalks through the other three acts of tile play, calmly smoking the inevitable cigarette, and mixing with"apparently 'respectable, people without any interference or any fear of arrest. When “The Parson’s Oath” was written, the author probably had a most vivid imagination of what life in a huge city like London would be if all tho criminal laws were temporarily suspended, and, if that was the case, it must in fairness be stated that he lias succeeded in producing a most interesting play; but the plot could hardly be justified upon any other basis.

The performance itself possessed -many touches of merit, and contained not a few fine character studies. Tho •Mabel Verner of Miss Racliel Rice was particularly well done, though perhaps at times over-wrought, and her work ill tho heavier scenes was convincing and effective. Mr. T. A. Holdsworth, as the parson, the Rev. John Sudley, acted well and naturally. He spoke his lines clearly and with freedom, and rapidly gained the confidence of his audience. As Captain Westwood, Mr. W. H. Daw provided a great deal of unconscious and. unintentional humor, and was the least successful member of the caste. The comedy of the evening was in the hands of Mr. R. H. Clark, as Simon Peter Muggs, a street vagabond, who is “fond of the bottle, and a saveloy,” and Miss. Ray Nelson, a bugler in the British .Army. Miss Esther Dalroy as Katinska Podiska, a Russian spy. Mr. H. iHav as Farmer Verner also acted well,; while the minor characters were: Ryan (Mr. W. Anderson), Flanigan, Hooligan, Mulligan, and Hanigan, soldiers’ at the front, taken b.y Messrs. Dudley Trent, Martin Hoyle, A. Taylor, and 11. Meyers respectively. During the progress of the play songs were given by Miss Ray Nelson ami Mr. Trent.

The scenery and mounting was particularly good, especially a setting showing London by night.

WEST’S PICTURES AND THE BRESCIANS. The moving picture is the solution of the future education, for no other means can better convey to tho mind tho realism of far-away places and in the school of tho future the prophetic eye may see nought of map or geography or weariness in the pupil, but a' school where the children will follow with absorbing interest scenes in their own home-land and in distant countries which will bo fixed for all time and convey a knowledge of men and things. Tlio kiddies should be brought to West’s Pictures. Laughter, tears, and breathless interest and tho emotions that' alternately sway the great audiences wherever these great entertainers appear. The box plan is open at Miller’s, tobacconist. The doors will be open at '7ilo and the curtain will riso at 8 o’clock sharp.