GEORGS KING’S BENEFIT.

Kumara Times, Issue 1156, 12 June 1880, Page 2

GEORGS KING’S BENEFIT.

The appearance of (he Adelphi Theatre last evening on the occasion of an entertainment on behalf of Mr George King, fonnerly a well-known resident of this town, was of a character to conclusively prove that when the community of this district arc appealed to on behalf of any charitable cause they always most nobly respond, as the house was literally packed from floor to ceiling. Opening .with the “ Overture to Caliph of Bagdad," in which although the orchresta was small (MiMiller, violinist, Brewer, flute, and Mjrs Williams, piano) no exception could be taken to the spirited manner in which this grand piece was rendered. The company next followed with the chorus of “ Down the river,” which, as a jChorus, was most successfully given, tile voices harmonizing well together. “ Tm still a friend,” by Mr Rogers, as also a song and chorus. “ Won’t you buy my pretty flowers,” by Miss Howe, formed the next two items of the programme, both being well given. Mr Wiiby’s song of “ The Wolf,” well suited to his voice, and a most difficult vocal piece to render, met with a general expression of approval at the hands of the audience. “Seeing Nelly home ” gave Miss Mogdridge an opportunity of displaying her vocal powers, which she did to such perfection as to receive a well-merited encore. A duet (pianoforte) by the Misses Hannan was well commenced, but the heavy rain on the roof of the Theatre during its performance thoroughly marred the effect, and when Mr Davidson followed with the. comic song of “ Burgundy Ben,” his gesticulations only were observable as it was utterly impossible to hear one note of song or music through the satincause. The audience, however, .most good humoredly testified their appreciation of' Mr Davidson" efforts by

applauding him to the echo* which necessitated his reappearance. The ‘‘ Good-bye at the door,” was then ino>t tastefully rendered by Miss Power, and _ well seconded by a song by Mr Brewer, the new beer duty appearing in no to affect the latter singeaa vocal iities. A “ local ” song by Mr Hope, who, on appearing, was greeted \Vith a round of expectant applause, caused considerable meniment as the UnfiClltunate objects of his relentless poetical effusion happened to bo amongst the audience. The next item of the programme might be - most appropriately termed the gem of the evening in the form of a recitation “My Arab Steed,’* by Mr Walter Atkin, , • which was given in the most masterly ' manner the Gocoutidn, expression, and action being perfect in every sense of the word, and honestly entitling tHo reciter to the unanimous and heartyapprobation evoked at the conclusion of its delivery. The same may almost be said of the same clever amateur when he delivered A stump speech, and which created the great- ' est amusement. A song and chorus in which Mr Weir rendered the solo, was followed by Mrs Williams giving, with great taste and sweetness “ Garrissima,” the pinaforte acco m pavi i men t to : whieh was most effectually rendered by Miss Ada Skilton. Mr Gavell then took the stage, find as a step dancer fairly de l lighted the audience by the splendid time and admirable niauner in which he toed the boards- he hating to twice, reappear in answer to repeated, de- , mands. 1 The old favorite,. Mr Taylor, ;; followed, and had as usual, to respond to an encore which his rendering of any i song is sure to elicit. “.God defend, = New Zealand,” with the chorus by.Jthe full strength of the dompany and .Miss * Mogdridge rendering the solo, terminated the first portion .of the entertainment. After a short interval..the curtain again rose to an ativlMug .forpe- 'entitled “ The Irish Tiger,” the character iii which were most ably sustained by Messrs J. H. King, Wilson, Mog-. dridge, Moloney, , dolly, and Mrs Wilby, and Miss Power, in which the fun was fast and furious thp actors, well up in their parts, the dressing eXtriffnely good, and the amusement afforded to the audience unbounded. During the interval between the Grst and second parts of the entertainment his Worship the Mayor (J. S. Pea rig Dsq.,), came on the stage and thanked: the audienceon behalf of MrKihg for' their generous patronage as, also thoSo ladies and gentlemen tfhd had ad kindly given their services voluntary oil the occasion in'aid of one who was . suffering from a most distressing afflictions 1 Taking the whole entertainment throughout the musical director, Mr J. Williams, may he congratulated on the success with which he placed it on the stage, and the thanks of tlie committee are none the less clue to Mrs S. Ill; Williams, who, as pianiste, had a most arduous task, and who performed it iff a manner that must have been as gratifying to the vocalists as it'was pleasing to the audience.