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Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 425, 14 May 1879, Page 2

[We are at all times ready to give expression to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.] (To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir—There lias been a ,drama in three acts performed here before a large and admiring audience of both ladies and gentlemen, and being a public performance, I crave the right to discribe and criticise it. The plot was laid away back in the dark ages, and is intended to show the civilization of the past and present timesThe Father collects his children at stated times, and selects two of the most respectable as scape-goats, Be loads them with reproaches for different crimes—one of which is “ heresy,” the penalty of which was death by the civil power in olden days ; the other crime being for obtaining money under false pretences. (One of his sons ne accuses of being chased out of a far country, and he predicts that he will soon be chased again but in charity, and as a means of living; the indulgent Father gives him a new name, that nobody may hurt him, and gives him permission to sing. This scape-goat is now known by the name of “ Moody.” FIRST ACT. The Father appears in gorgeous attire. He is an excellent ellocutionist, and with a wonderful amount of egotism, assured his audience that he was a skilful physician—that when a gangrene or ulcer attacted society he knew well how to apply the excising knife; that desperate diseases required desperate remedies; that he would not allow his two “ truant ” sons to be a disgrace to the rest of his children ; that be would cut them off from the midst of his family. —Curtain falls. SECOND ACT, “ Moody ” appears with a pale nervous face, streaming, with tears, and beseeches his kind and indulgent Father to hear him; but the Father replies,—am your Father, what Ido is for your benefit. I have accused you of crimes, but that will not effect your character as long as you are “ humble,” and allow me to slander you; therefore I shall not hear you.”— Curtain falls. LAST ACT. “ Moody ” appears surrounded with yelling animals. Two mongrels were let loose on Him by their keeper. One of these sprang up at “ appeared to have a wall eye), let out a yelp and disappeared. The other was not muzzled, for which its keeper was afterwards, as the creature mangled poof" “ Moody " very badly.— Curtain falls amongst great uproar. gj rj —The only criticism that I wish to pass on the performance is, that the last act did not look well. It might have suited the people one thousand year's ago. As it is in my opinion rather sentimental, I would suggest that it be left out of the next performance. The Company are to perform again at the Town Hall, Hawera, shortly, when some of the gorgeous attire will be left out, and there will be also a change of stage managers, and the entrance will be free; but no squaling children will be allowed. More anon. —I am, &c. CRITIC. i Hawera, 9th May, 1879. o