Dora.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 31 January 1891, Page 2

Dora.

The plot of the pastoral idyl that will be presented on the stage of the Public hall tonight, by the Royal .Dramatic Company is one that shows the various phases of feelings in a family in which the desired course of love does not run, as wished. The old farmer, Allen, Mr C. F. Searle, has the leading part, and represents the obstinate, but kind hearted, parent of the last century, one who has been accustomed to his father's word to be law,and who is determined his word shall also be taken without protest. In the family, a young lady, Dora (Miss Austen Eliot) has been cared for, and it is the wish of the old farmer, that his son, Will Allan, Mr Alfred Woods, shall marry her. To make matters more inconvenient this young man has already married, privately, * Mary Morrison, (Miss Amy Coleman) and the scene in which the fact comes out, and he is driven from home, is very pathetic. After a lapse of four years the son dies, and in his father's fields come his wife and baby boy to reap. Dora who had been in love with Allan sees them, and a pretty scene follows, in which Dora declares her intention to risk her position with the old farmer, to secure the recognition of the widow and her child. Living also with the family is one Luke Bloomfield, Mr H. N. Douglas, who has been endeavouring to secure the hand of Dora, and whose intercession, at the finale, after an outburst of grief and rage on the part of 'the farmer and a declaration that he will take the grandchild, but will have nothing to do with the mother and Dora is altered into a general and happy reconcilation. It will thus be seen that there is ample opportunity for good acting, and that a company who would attempt such a 'play, must be aware of their strength. We certainly look forward to a pleasurable entertainment in seeing this piece alone, ■ whilst those who enjoy more pronounced exhibitions will have their fun to follow ix£ the comedy and medley olio. We hope 1 to see house in accordance with the merits of the performers;