Untitled

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 31, 1 March 1873, Page 2

Music ITall.—Notwithstanding the almost continuous, and constantly irritating rains of the last month, our amusements have come off very satisfactorily. Wednesday night, we are happy to say, formed no exception ; for although the day was a regular soaker, familiarly termed, the Hall was conveniently and comfortably filled. We estimated upwards of 200, who gathered together to testify their appreciation of 't he event, and to judge .alike of the capabilities of our new institution, and the merits of the amateurs of the new society, who, in their triad character, made their first bow in public. The management gave the honor of taking the initiative to the Ormond corps ; and at eight o’clock the curtain rose to a call from the “Area Belle.” There are few persons who have not witnessed the performance of this Farce, and are unacquainted with its detail. It is the lightest of the light, and serves to expose, in rather exaggerated colors, the style of life “ below stairs ’’ in large towns where both bells and belles ring and reign. Thus “ Chalks,” a country yokle, is in love with “ Penelope,” the kitchen queen of a not very aristocratic family, and illustrates the intensity of his affection by bringing two new-laid eggs to present to her as a proof of the purity of his love, but which get smashed in the ardour of his appeal. “ Tosser,” a “ very full private ”in the Grenadiers, arrives in due course, not seeing the signal, a suspended pepper-box, flying at the window-pane, to prevent a collision between him and “ Pitcher ” the Bobby, who comes without a knock and ring, shortly after. The consequence is that a collision does take place, and the usual comicalities of such situations follow. The supper scene which succeeds a reconciliation, is enlivened by two songs rendered by 999 X, and the Grenadier in their happiest style ; of course, the denouement comes with the arrival of the “ Misses,” in the midst of their hilarity, and considerable fun is extracted from the extravagant fact that the soldier takes to the cupboard and the Bobby to the copper which latter is made, first “ rather hot ” and then “ rather wet ” for the occupant, who in emerging, takes refuse under the table, on the re-entry of Mrs Croker. A considerable number of funny things are done, and done well by the several characters, which, after chalks beats his two antagonists out of the field, brings the piece to a close; but we think the members of the corps are worthy of “ better stuff ;”dhey sustained their prestige, in their admirable and true conception of very trifling situations. The “ Captiva.. Slave ” was rendered by one of the Ormond members in a very effective manner, which, being re-demanded, was followed by the "Slave Slip.” The accompaniment was nther light for such dramatically-poised songs, but that was no fault of the pianist. He did his best <ith an imperfect score. The “ Niggers’ ” next took possession of the boards, and went through their role very creditably, but, we fancy not satisfactorily to themselves. We know that the members are aware of the faults

which still exist, and we give them credit for an earnest endeavour to overcome them. We caunot compliment a single solo, as coining up to the rehearsal rendering. The “ Vacant Chair” had no excuse for being so empty of volume; the gentleman rendering it has a good compass, and if sang as at the practice would have been one of the gems. But nevertheless, we are bound to say that the accompaniment seemed to afford no assistance. So with “ Dreaming of theea beautiful Solo aud Chorus, which did not fulfil the promise of a musical treat expected by all. The favorite, “ Ella Leene ” was musically, but too softly sung, much of the intonation, —as also in the “Bonny Blue Flag ”■—being lost. The “ Battle Cry of Freedom ” was the best sustained chorus, and a slight attempt at an encore was made. “ Toll the Bell ” was only marred by a necessity to prompt the singer. It has a veiy sweet chorus aud the several voices blended exquisitely —the alto leading, as in the others, very effectually. The “Belle of Tennessee” evidently had a cold and did not captivate. The baritone redeemed his laurels in his old favorite “ We Afeet Again,” which, although not yet up to his mark, was well given. Two or three jokes were given; but no one seemed to be happy, and what dialogue there was, was generally inaudible. This portion of nigger entertainment requires, we beg leave to say a great deal of practice and more variety to insure success. Twoorthreeamateursbelongingto the calisthenic branch of the “Triad,” went through some very clever performances on the horizontal bar, which elicited encomiums from all sides ; as also did the stage tricks with the dancing pole, poising a burning flambeau on the apex of the nose, &c. The performances were brought to an end by “Fighting by Proxy.” We have not space, neither do we consider it necessary, to enter upon a detailed criticism of this piece. The members of the Trio Club have made a very successful hit; they have established themselves in the estimation of the public, and, as this was but a trial of capacity, we do not desire to be invidious ; of course there were a few hitches, but taken collectively, the characters were delineated with a tolerable correctness which showed that a great care had been taken in rehearsing. We shall be permitted to say that elocution above all must be studied; more effort should be made to suit “ the action to the word quantities must be disposed of more evenly ; and a more intimate acquaintance made with the author’s meaning, based on grammatical construction of that which has to be delivered. AV e congratulate the Society on its first success —and trust soon to see them at it again. The members of the Ormond Club were entertained afterwards at supper by the Trio Club at the Argyll Hotel. , Land Sale.—The number of Town lots advertised for sale was 213. Of these 54 were sold, realising £ll3 10s. in advance of the upset prices. Of the Suburban allotments 19 were sold, leaving 92 unsold. These reached £46 10s. over and above the upset prices. Gross proceeds of sale £1,082. Road Board.—Mr. Lusk met the members of the Road Board at the Board office on Thursday, to confer with them on several matters of public importance. The question of Harbour imj rovements was fully gone into; aud Mr. Lusk promised to give the matter his attention. On his return to Auckland he would communicate with Captain Burgess, with a view to ascertaining the necessary extent and character of improvements required. If any money is available for the purpose, probably £2OO will be given by the Provincial Government.—The Impounding difficulty, such as it was, has been cleared up. The Board, it would seem, have misread the true intent and meaning of the Act which gives the power to impound within a given radius of 10 miles from any proclaimed Pound, and not rendering it necessary, as it was thought, to extend the boundaries of the already proclaimed district before being able to do so. In our advertizing columns will be found a notice to that effect; and that operations will commence on the 17th inst. We shall take an early opportunity of publishing the Act in extenso. —Mr. Lusk estimates the amount to be paid to the Board from General Government Grant will be between £6OO and £7OO, or about 30s. in the pound sterling more or less on the Assessment list for 1871-2.—The Provincial Council has voted £3OO for works in this district.—An offer has been made by the A.S.P. Company to run the Comerang down this coast for a subsidy of £5O per month, which was delayed acceptance until Mr. Lusk shall return to Auckland; he, however, feels certain that the Government will accept the tender. —A suggestion having been made to that effect, Mr. Lusk will endeavour to get the Reserve, No. 96 in the Township of Gisborne, set apart as a Harbour Endowment.—On the subject of forming new roads, Mr. Lusk spoke confidently as to their being little or no trouble in cases of public necessity, and promised to assist the Board in passing them through the Superintendent’s department, to whom the recommendation of the Board must be made. —Mr. Lusk informed the Board that town section No. 50 in Lowe Street had been set apart as a Reserve for Public offices.—The question of appointing a Sheep and Scab Inspector was discussed; but it was left to stand over until the wishes of those interested in the matter are made known to the Government.

Ecclesiastical.—We are glad to advise our Presbyterian frienffs and others, of the arrival of the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Root in Gisborne, by the Comerrfng on Wednesday last. The Rev. gentleman has not arrived a bit too soon, and he will find his time fully, and we trust not unprofitably, occupied in furbishing the moral conception of his flock on their understanding of more than one observance of the Decalogue. We are requested to state that Divine Service will be held by. the rev. gentleman as follows until further notice, commencing to-morrow:— Ormond, in the morning at 11 o’clock, Matawhero, at 3 p.m., and Gisborne, 6 30 p.m.