THE CHRISTMAS DOINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5538, 27 December 1878, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS DOINGS.

AT THE CHURCHES.

The Christmas festival was worthily inaugurated in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Thorndon, on Tuesday evening. During the day the church had been tastefully decorated by several ladies of the congregation, under the energetic direction of Mr. Riemsnschneider, to whose unwearied efforts the success of the work was mainly due. The main features of the decoration were the graceful nikau palms, and the texts running round the nave, transepts, and chancel These latter, consisting of white letters on scarlet ground, were most effective. The reading desk was nicely treated with bright flowers on a white ground, and the pul-pit-wreathed with ivy,holly, and lycopodium, and decked with Christmas lillies—kept it worthy company. The font was most chastely done by a lady of no ordinary skill, who also arranged the altar flowers. Over the altar was a floral cross, and a handsome shield with the sacred monogram, the work of Mr. Stowe. The effect of the whole when the church was lighted for evensong was strikingly beautiful. The service commenced at half-past nine with the short anthem (sung as an introit), “ Arise, Shine,” music by Dr. Elvey. The prayers were monotoned, and the responses were choral. The canticles were sung to a service composed by the organist and choirmaster, Mr. Robert Parker. The prayers were concluded at the third collect, and then followed, as an anthem, a selection from Handel’s “ Messiah—the oratorio associated above all others with the Christmas feast. The solo portions were carefully and devotionally sung by members of the choir, and the choruses were given with great spirit and heartiness. The dreamy Pastoral Symphony came out with charming effect on the soft stops of the organ. After the anthem a short address was given by the Rev. B. W. Harvey (the Rev. Mr. Thorpe having read prayers), and then followed the offertory voluntary (also by Handel), which brought out the capabilities of the splendid organ. The service was closed by the special feature of the carolsinging, of which the first was the fine old air “The First Nowell.” This was succeeded by a beautiful composition by the late Dr. Dykes, “ Once again a blessed time," and by a solo with chorus, “ See amid the winter's snow,” the composition of Sir John Goss. Gounod's quaint air, “ Nazareth,” was then sung by a member of the choir, with a chorus of male voices, and the carols ended with another of the old traditional airs " Good Christian men rejoice,” heartily sung by all. A very beautiful hymn, “ Angel voices ever singing," specially appropriate to such occasions, brought the service to a fitting close. The words of the anthem and carols were thoughtfully provided for the whole congregation, who were thus able to follow the whole service intelligently, and to join in the choruses of the carols, many of their number having attended the special practices held during Advent. Altogether the bright and joyous opening of this Christmas festival should he long remembered by those who were privileged to attend the services at St. Paul’s.

On Christmas Day there were three services at St. Paul’s, vi2., at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11 a.to. The latter was choral, and there was as usual a large congregation, attendance not being confined to the members of the Anglican i Church. The musical portion of the service was rendered ably by a full choir, under the direction of the organist, Mr. Robert Parker. The music list was as follows:—lntroit Adeste Fidelea, Venite 200 ; Psalms—3 Dr. Woodward, 71 Hine, 8 Russell; Te Deum, Dyke's in T' • Benedictus 117, Sir John Goss ; Anthem, Goss’s, “ Behold I bring you good tidings ”; hymn, “ Hark, the herald angels sing ”; Offertory sentences, Barnby’s 18, 19, 20. The Rev. B. W. Harvey read prayers, and the Rev. Mr. Thorpe preached, taking as his text •* Blessed are the peacemakers.” ' He delivered an earnest discourse, urging upon his hearers the practical lesson involved in the text. At all times, but especially at this season of the year-, should the Christian principle of gentleness and forgiveness have free play. Every Christian society was too apt to regard , ordinary courtesy as all that was required for the daily intercourse of life, and scandal and backbiting were much too freely indulged in. The Christmas services at St. Peter’s Church were very successful. The Rev. Archdeacon Stock -and Mr. DeCastro officiated, the sermon being given by the former gentleman. The anthem and the Te Deum were marked features in the services, both for the harmonious rendering of the vocal parts and for the grand and impressive nature of the festival music chosen. The church was very prettily and tastefully decorated, all the windows being festooned, scrolls of appropriate mottoes being also inscribed above tho altar, on the gallery, and elsewhere. Both on the organ and in the transept a very noticeable and effective feature in the decoration was the garlands of white lilies and red geraniums. Both as wreaths and as a relief to the festoons of evergreens this form of church decoration can bo heartily recommended to our readers. The beauty of the lilies was certain to recall the well-known text which compares them to Solomon, who, “in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.’’ At the Catholic Churches frequent services were held on Christmas Day. THE HARBOR. The Stormbird and Manawatu made repeated trips to Lowry Bay, under the auspices of the Artillery Band, taking a crowd to this favorite resert. This affair was a pronounced success. As usual on holidays there were numerous private parties in various directions on the shores of the harbor. Most of these got home before the change in the weather occurred. THE RAILWAY. The number of passengers taken by rail yesterday was very largo. At the Wellington station some 900 tickets wore issued, a number fts near as may be tho samo as last year. All alonv the line to tho Upper Hutt places were chosen by pio-nio parties, which, judging by the faces of those returning, were thoroughly enjoyed. At tho Petoni station at six o clock one party might bo seen continuing tho enjoyment to tho last moment, for tho platform was occupied by some dozen couples trippingly, to tho sound of some improvised music. The traffic arrangements were, so far as, we are aware, complete. It may be mentioned as an incident that tho 6.3 Q train from the Hutt consisted of eighteen carriages. This is the longest train we have seen travelling in this : district.

RIFLE MATCH. The Kaiwarra Rifle Volunteers fired yesterday for prizes, and to finish firing for the clock presented by; Captain : Thompson, and the revolver presented by Mr, W. Donald. There was also a special prize presented by Mr. W. 'Staples. The blowing were the principal scores for the clock:—lj FIRSST MATCH.

• Member Greer also won, Mr. Staples’ prize. v-V-' BECOND MATCH. The following were the principal scorers for the eix-chamber revolver

There were also four other; prizes ins this match. vn'j i, THE THEATRES. THE KOTAIi. ;• The grand sacred concert at the. .Theatre, Royal, given by Miss Amy Sherwin, assisted by Miss Morgan, Mr. Alexander, and lady and gentlemen amateurs, was fairly well attended, and passed off with tolerable success. Miss Sherwin was in splendid voided'and her exquisite rendering of the soprano solo “ With verdure clad,” from the “ Creation,l’* was a perfect treat, as was also the scenn (‘ Hear ye Israel,” from “Elijah.” ' The highernotos rang out with a clearness’ and ’expression quite charming, while the easiness i with which the delicate runs and difficult passages were trilled forth gave further evidence.,of the high culture Miss; Sherwin's voice has attained. The duet “ He" ’shall; feed liis flock,” by Miss Sherwin and a lady amateur, was beautifully rendered, notwithstanding that the lady amateur was nervous. By the' way, when will some of our- lady amateurs* study etiquette a and learn Jthat it .is not usual foran amateurwho has been permitted' to appear in company with a first-class artist to.insiat upon appropriating and ostentatiously* acknowledging half the applause which greet! an effort. The solo, “Thou did'st not leave," from the“ Messiah,” was sung by alady amateur, with correctness and great taste and feeling,i and was greeted with well-deserved applause. Mr. Hollister gave several; selections -from “ Elijah ” with great effect, and sang with Miss Sherwin in the beautiful, duet-between .the Shunamite woman and Elijah. • This was .one’ of the beat efforts of the evening,- the two voices mingling and Miss' Sherwin infusing into her part that energy and fire without which half the beautiea of the cbm-7 position are lost. Of the other’ pieces, except the second overture by the band, it is advisable to say as little as possible!' Mr. Mack Alexander has some good notes,-but “Stabat Mater” music is quite beyond him;’ and‘Miss Lizzie Morgan is much more successfuliu “Whip-poor-will” and songs of that character, IHau': iu “ Angels ever bright and- fair.” The gentleman who sang the. tenor ’recitative “Comfort ye " and the solo “In native worth "was mot a success; but !with a band accompaniment out of time and tune it was not to be wondered at that the singer was terribly, flat.; • -* HENRY V. The flourish of trumpets by .which - iMr, George Bignold was heralded' into this'city was fully justified by the production of this patriotic and historical play of Shakspere’s at the Imperial Opera House last evening. ToMr. Righold is duo the credit of' having are*; vived Shakspere, and revived him with a just and fitting tribute to his greatness, for thesdale. of grandeur and magnificence with which, “Henry V.” was last night placed ou the stage far surpassed all reasonable expectation. To say that the production was a marvellous sue-: cess is using an expression which conveys but? a small idea of the effect which the play produced upon the audience. They had gone to the Opera House to see something which they were told would be altogether out of the c6m«mon, and they came away delighted beyond expression. And never before did the imperial Opera House present an appearance at once so gay and: fashionable... All ..parts,/ of? the spacious auditorium were filled to overflowing; and the atmosphere of the place became so objectionable that nothing but the deepest; interest in the performance could have induced the audience to sit out the play until within' half ah hour of midnight. - That the', house, was so full, too, despite the fact that. rain came down heavily before the. opening of the doors, and still continued to fall, augurs well for the success of the season; and, what we are still more pleased to observe, it shows that the people of Wellington have a taste for the legitimate drama, and that they are ready to patronise high-class talent whenever the opportunity presents itself. To play-goers of cultivated tastes, the play of- “ Henry V.” must have afforded a grand relief - from the frivolities of the stage to which they. are, alas, too well accustomed, and we alike congratulate them and those -who have been instrumental in placing before them a superior class of article such as that which was catered for them last evening. The play of “Henry V.” is entirely new,to• Wellington. No management has ever made , so speculative a venture as to attempt its production in New Zealand, and without doing it ■ well, it is just as well the enterprise has never, been undertaken until the present time. Mr.' . Darrell has shown a great deal of public spirit, i and pur only hope is that by the time the i season draws to a close he will find the play to . ■ have been quite as successful in a pecuniary point of view as it undoubtedly has been in a i dramatic sense. . ' ; <

As presented last night, even those. comi paratively unacquainted with Shakspcro could discover that it is not a play which depends, for public favor and approval so much on the i acting power of the dramatis perzonar. as upon i the spectacular effects with which it abounds. There is only one personage from whom' i acting can be expected, and that is the. King- , himself, and there is no other play of Shakl spere's in which prominence is so intensely centered in one figure alone. Mr. RignolcT ■ made the very most of his opportunity, and he ' won the praise and good opinion of the audience before he had appeared’ in many :scenes.f Mr. Rignold belongs to a: new school of actors, ■ or rather, it should be said, to a school whichis new to Wellington. He appears to ignore, and we think wisely, most of the old traditions of the stage, and acquits himself more as a man . than an actor. There are, as everybody knows,, numberless temptations in the assumption' of such a part as Henry V. to convert the valiant monarch into a veritable' stage hero, and to indulge in rant and- declamation: of the worst description; but Mr. Rignold was beyond reproach. He acted throughout in a subdued and gentlemanly way, ! and; displayed an excellent education. His interpretation of the part could not have been better or in more perfect keeping with the mind of thegreat man who created it, or with the historical repute of the soldier-king. Successful as Mr.Righold was at all stages of the play, his wooing with Catherine DeValois was to our mind the very best of his scenes. His acting here may be termed comedy of the very highest class, and the contrast it afforded to the heroic passages of the play was appredated os an excellent display of acting power and versatility. : Mr. Rignold possesses enormous advantages over most other actors. His proportions are princely, and his voice, look, and gesture are hi his favor. He struts the stage as one' can' readily imagine Harry would walk the battlefield ; he looks and acts like a hero, and when 1 he does his wooing in the final act, he is a polished gentleman and an ardent lover without being in the least degree forced or un,natural Of the long cast, it is unnecessary to speak, beyond recording the fact that Pistol was capitally sustained by Mr.-A.-Elliott; and Mdlle Solange Navaro also deserves to be mentioned for her piquancy as Princess Catherine.’ Mr. Charles Burford, as the King of- France,also played with great credit. As to the scenery, it is impossible; to speak in sufficient terms of praise. It far surpasses anything that has ever been witnessed by a Wellington audience. It would take; up tbo much space to describe it in detail. The battle-field scenes were grand ; spectacular triumphs, and the entry into London after tho battle of Agincourt wash, spectacle worth bo. holding. Much as one can see to admire on one evening, both in Mr. Rignold’s playing and in tho magnificent scenery presented to view, two or three visits to the Imperial Opera House are pepcssaxy to enable one to form a correct notion of the'whole thing. Last night there was only one thing to complain o^—that was the singing, which was simply execrable' from beginning to end, but failure was most complete whore the , company tried to sing tho “Men' of Harlech,” and again at the nuptials of King Henry and Catherine de Valois. This break down in the music is all the more unaccountable when it is considered that the company includes several accomplished vocalists. ■ Whatever the cause may be, it would be better to omit the singing altogether unless an immediate improvement i

effected in this respect. On the other points, the management nhcl Mr. B,ignold_ deserve the congratulations,'-nay, the gratitude, of the public for having .presented them with a treat each as few men would be inclined to supply them with on account 6£ the enormous expense attaching to it.. It is to be hoped that the people o£ Wellington will so appreciate the enterprise that at the end o£ the season Mr. Darrell will'bo able to declare that he has reaped his well-earned reward.

MB ARCADE. The Arcade was utilised for the purpose of a grand ball, where all who were not surfeited with holiday-malting previously had an opportunity of “ chasing the golden hours with flying feet” till an early hour this morning.

Corporal Coleman 'TnoQyds. .. 49 SOOycls. 48 Tl. 97 Private Greer .. -B4 95 Captain Thompson 43 43 94 Private Menzies.. - 53 94 Corporal Clarke .' .. S3 53 ©1

lOOyds. 100yds. Tl. Private Greer? . . .. 40 / n 5S ioa Private Clarke . . .. S3 Vii Private Menzies.. . .... 45... «u Corporal Coleman 44 - Private Gregory .. 44 00 Lieutenant Orerend .. 43 00