Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1881.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 228, 24 September 1881, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1881.

Tas Theatre was crowded last night on the occasion or " Lea Cloches de Corneville " being presented in Nelson for the first time, and although the Company were only "Lilliputians" there was a very general feeling of curiosity to witness the opera of whicb so much had been heard. The plot of the piece we published yesterday, so tbat there is no need to repeat that now, neither do we purpose to criticise the Binging, which would be scarcely fair, as the audience who went to hear children's to ices, and it would have been too much to expect a great treat frora this source. Of Master Osmond's sweet voice we have spokon before, and aB Jean Grencbeux he was as delightful to listen to as he waa as Ralph Rackstraw. None of the other roic£s call for special mention. The acting, however, was wonderfully clever, and especially that of Miss May Pollard as Serpolete, Mis 3 Simmons as Germaine, Master C. Osmond as Grenicheux, Master E. Osmond ab the Bailie, Master H. Salinger as Gaspard, the miser, and Master ,T. Sheehan as Gobo, the Clerk of the Court. The dances were of the mo3fc graceful description, especially that round the Maypole, from the summit of which a dozen broad ribbons were suspended, and these were taken hold of by as many performers who commenced an in-^ tricate dance round the pole until it was plaited with the ribbons, when the dance was reversed and the unplaiting commenced and was carried out. The ballet at tbe commencement of the third act was also an exceedingly pretty sight. The tableaux, of which there are several, were simply perfect, and were greeted with tremendous rounds of applause, which, however, was not confined to any one particular portion of the performance but was heartily and repeatedly bestowed upon the deserving young actors and actresses from the rise to the fall of the curtain. We can honestly recommend all who desire to enjoy a real treat to witneas the final performance of this very talented company this evening. Notwithstanding the wretched state of the weather there wai a large crowd at the afternoon performance at the Theatre to-day, and the hundreds of youngsters who were preaent appeared to enjoy " Pinafore " most thoioaghly. The new Oddfellows' Hali at Richmond, which is reported to be a very comfortable and convenient room for the purposes for which it was built, was opened with due ceremony yesterday, and in the evening a concert was given which was very well attended and passed off most successfully. It has been decided that the annual Fire Brigade dinner is to take place at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening next, when the cbair will be taken by His Worship the Mayor, and the vice-chair by Mr A. Pitt, M. H. R. t A change in tbe management of the Nelson branch of the N Z. Clothing Eactory is notified in our advertising columns. Mr Mills. Superintendent of the Asylum, desires to return thanks to Mr Pollard for admitting the parents to the afternoon performance free of charge.