AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4411, 10 May 1875, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

the theatre royal. The amusements which have been placed before the public since our last monthly summary do not call for any special reference more than to record the character and nature of the performances. The theatre claims our first attention. The Bates and Howard company have now concluded a very long season—in fact, the longest season by far ever yet attempted by any company in Wellington. Among the pieces performed were to be found almost every style of performance, from Shakspeare down to the lightest of light comedies, Mrs. Bates’ complimentary benefit took place on April 20, and was a great success. The company left this city for Christchurch on April 28, and intend playing a season there. ODD FELLOWS’ HALL. At the Odd Bellows’ Hall, the Kev. O. Clark and Miss Christian entertained large and fashionable audiences. Of Mr. Clark’s capabilities so much has already been said that it is needless here to recapitulate. . Amongst the subjects selected for his recitals were, “ The Tower of London,” “ Dr. Marigold’s Prescriptions,” “The Death of Little Nell,” and various humorous extracts froifi the “ Pickwick Papers.” A most enthusiastic reception was accorded to Miss Christian ori her first appearance. She possesses a sweet musical voice of the . mezzo-soprano rather than the contralto quality, and sings ballads with exquisite taste and exceptionally fine enunciation. The next entertainment held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall was of a very different character, but not in the least any the less pleasing and attractive on that account. The Sisters Duvalli made their- first bow to a Wellington audience on the 4th May, and have played to crowded houses since. On Hay 7, the Sisters performed what was styled tho Parisian “Can Can,” which haabeeusomuch objected to ; but, as performed by the Sisters Duvalli, it is merely a graceful dance, and affords them an opportunity of introducing those elegant “ poshes ” for which they are so greatly celebrated. A fresh company, styled The May-Howard Company, will perform at the theatre for tho first time, to-night, in “The Geneva Cross.” It would be unfair to anticipate the results of tho performance, which is eagerly looked forward to by the many admirers of the drama in Wellington.

arOBTS. The cold weather may fairly be considered as having set in and again introduced the outdoor pastimes. Football, as the schoolboys say, is in. Three clubs have already been started in this city, under the names of the “Wellington,” “Star,” and “Bank” Football Clubs respectively. From Timaru we leam that a club has been formed which comprises some of the champion English players, besides many public school men, who are of all men the most energetic footballers. Various matches have been arranged, but the weather has rendered it impossible as yet to attempt any play. The first match will probably take place on the Queen’s Birthday.