AMUSEMENTS.

Southland Times, Issue 1190, 9 July 1869, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

On Friday, 25th ult. the third of the series o Popular Entertainments, was held at the Theatre Royal, John Blacklock Esq., in the chair, who made a few introductory remarks, stating why a change bad been made in the place of meeting, the correctness of which decision on the part of the committee was no doubt evidenced by the attendance, and intimating that the beys must be leas demonstrative or the half-price would be abolished. This admonition was much required, for in spite of it, during the performance of the gem of the evening, a duet between the violin and pianoforte, some juevenfle scuffling -was taking place in the front of the pit. The readings composed of both poetry and prose, were of a highly humorous vein, and were well delivered in the order named, by Messrs E. D. Butta, Weiss, E. Rodgers, and Macrorie. In consequence of the unavoidable absence of Mr Marten, who had promised a aolo, the committee Omitted the commencement of the second part* Mr Chenneli gave a recitation " Goody Grim V* tapStonei" which was a great success; The instrumental music shciwed grSa* care and precision, and was evidently duly appreciated, and in the vocal parts the voices harmonised well. The dress circle and the front part of the boxes were filled showing a good attendance upstairs, while the numbers below could well have borne a good ad dition. This is the more extraordinary as the very reverse was noticable at the Exchange Hall, the front seats getting but little support, and the numbers at the lower price being excellent. Miss Dolly Green's Monologue Entertainment, the Seven Ages of Woman, was very fairly patronised at the Theatre Boyal, on Saturday evening last. The talented artiste had a difficult task to perform — single-handed to sustain for two Hours the attention of; aild afford amiiseirient to, a rather critical audience — but she seemed equal to the effort, judging from the frequent applause she received and the expressions of pleasure generally indulged in by those present. The rapidity with which the changes from one character to another were made was truly surprising, consider jngthe great diversity often existing between immediately consecutive representations. Change of dress, tone, gait, and everything were accomplished with a precision and despatch which showed long and careful practice. A Conversazione, in connection with the Total Abstinence Society, was held at the Exchange Hall, last evening. The attendance was pretty numerous, but the location of the seats did not appear to be well selected. For instance, the moßt, if not all of the fair sex present, appeared to be placed at the back of the room, thus giving an air of coldness and unpleasantness to the whole affair. Indeed, the word conversazione was altogether misapplied. On Monday evening, a meeting was held at the Provincial Hotel for the purpose of reorganising the Invercargill Amateur Dramatic Club. The names of twelve gentlemen were enrolled, and a committee of four formed to act in conjunction with the stage manager, in the selection of pieces, and casting of characters for the first performance, which is purposed to be held in about three to four weeks from the present time. The Club meet again this evening, for the furtherance of this object, and the decision regarding what charitable institution Bhall benefit from their inaugural entertainment, will be made. A general desire was expressed by the members to act in harmony with, and not in opposition to, the Friday Popular Entertainments.