BENEFIT OF MR. F. M. BATES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4933, 13 January 1877, Page 3

BENEFIT OF MR. F. M. BATES.

On Monday night Mr. Bates makes his last appearance on the Wellington stage, and takes a farewell benefit. Everybody will acknowledge. that this gentleman deserves more than a passing word when reference is specially made to him or his performances. Mr. Bates is an actor on our colonial stage who stands . out prominently as a star ; and his presence has frequently lightened the darkness, so to speak,' of our theatres. We write now of j Mr.. Bates’ colonial experience, and do so, not forgetting for a moment that his . reputation—a reputation which is no doubt dear to' him, as it should be to the heart of every professional man—extends over a wider sphere, arid is still green in the memories of people inhabiting large cities in America and elsewhere. But it is preferable to speak of a man 'iffi’brie finds ; him, and ever since we have known Mr. Bates he has shown himself to possess mental qualifications. of a high order and a practical acquaintance with the business of his profession attained by years of experience and earnest. study to which he has - been incited by an honest love of the “noble art.” " In tragedy and comedy he is alike good, and never fails to bring out the attributes peculiar to any character he may represent. During the past season Mr. Bates has presented the public of Wellington with a series of high-class plays, always meeting with the appreciation of the theatre-going public. In private life Mr. Bates is as much esteemed for his social qualities by those who know him personally, as he is on the stage by those who know him only as an actor. It is due to this gentleman alone, apart from any special attraction which may he presented, that his benefit ; ahould be indeed a benefit, and -we expect therefore to see the Theatre Royal largely at- , tended.on Monday by the lovers of the drama and the admirers of Mr. Bates. Incidentally, however, it may . be mentioned that the programme, as published elsewhere, is of the most attractive.character, consisting of the comedy of “Money,”, which will be followed by the farce of “ Poor Pillicoddy.”