AMUSEMENTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 365, 31 May 1911, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE PICTURES. The Empire Picture Company, in spite of the inclemency of the weatfier on Monday evening last, attracted quite a large, crowd of people, who now look forward to these interesting and unique entertainments with keen interest. The dramatic subjects "The Stronger Sex," "Winning Back His Love," and "The Fugitive," were splendidly screened, and brought forth well-merited applause, while special mention must be made of "The Lad From Old Ireland"—a splendid Irish drama, which was also well received. The comedy and comic subjects were some of the best that have been shown here. The "star comedy," "Jean the Matchmaker," showing how cleverly a dog can be trained, is a beautiful and very laughable subject, the audience practically the whole of the time being convulsed with laughter. The scenics, "Vireggio," and "Dart and Dartmoor," and the comics "Neighbouring Flats," "After the Ball," and "Foolshead" came in for their usual amount of applause. We are promised a very line programme for Monday evening next, when the prices will be as usual.

ALEXANDRA RINK

The following were the winners of the heats of the. half-mile open handicap skating race, which took place on Monday night:—First heat: W. Walker 1, E. Longhurst 2; a good race. Second heat: A. Longhurst 1, Makin 2. These competitors compete in the final to be held on Thursday evening.

"THE WANDERERS."

"The Wanderers" musical costume comedy company's visit to Te Kuiti last night drew a crowded house at the Town Hall. Following on the lines of the original Scarlet Troubadours, the half-dozen or so members of the company were dressed in scarlet, and the curtain rose to the rattling chorus "Wanderers Gay," sung by the company. Mr John Dennis Keenan has a poor baritone voice, further diminished by the obvious hoarseness' he was suffering from. He sang "The King's Minstrel" indifferently. Miss Ruby Guest is a clever little banjo [dayer aid mandolinist, and her items were generally appreciated. Mr Leslie Holmes, the comic man, caused much merriment in his encore song "To-morrow," and generally amused the audience, which roared with laughter at his quaint facial contortions. Miss Madeline Feme has a fine presence, but a voice of unequal value. She sang "Garden of Roses" and two other items. Mr J. Leith Harvey, the tenor, has a powerful voice, and caused much fun in singing "Down by the Ferry," to the antics of "Slim" and "Jim" with their snecial extension arms at full length, lie also sang "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes." Miss Everii ilaggie was prettily dressed in her second song "In Cherry Blossom Time," and gave the audience the only specimen of dancing they were favoured with. The "star" of the company, Miss Phyllis Hopwood-Foldi, was frankly disappointing. She told a number of amusing yarns, and gave a dramatic musical monologue "Devil May Care," but the audience were not held by her style or power, and she secured only a very feeble recall. Mr George Winstanley has a remarkable soprano voice, and exhibited its powers in "The Swallows," giving alternately the soprano and baritone voices. The evening's entertainment went briskly, and wound up with the short comedietta "A Regular Mix Up." The final numbers and the "Bottle" symphony, by the joint company went well, the latter item being enthusiastically encored. Altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent.