AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2, 31 August 1915, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Notwithstanding the reverse weather conditions, there was an excellent attendance at His Majesty's 'Theatre last night. The new programme introduced the 11th installment of the Selig Company's Serial wild animal drama, "The Adventures 'of Kathlyn." Kathlyn escapes from 1 the burning building and with her I friends attends a dinner given by 'itamabai. The treacherous Umballah 'sends his chief spy to poison the wine, but when the latter sees Kathlyn about to take the deadly posion he relents and confessing his crime, dis--1 closes the fact that the King is living imprisoned in a hut in the jungle. '"The Man at the Key" depicts how a hunted criminal saves the lives of a train load of, passengers by his I knowledge of telegraphy. The other' films are excellent. The same pro- • gramme will be repeated to-night. "HINEMOA."

One of the most fascinating and interesting of love stories in any age or clime is that founded on the romantic Maori legend, which records how Hinemoa, daring all for the sake of love, performed an almost humanly impossible feat to reach the on© she loved. How she swam across the lake, and after trials many and great, was united to her lover Tutanekai, is too well known to need repetition'. The setting of these stories to music, which by the genius of the composer gives tone and style approximate to the subject, is also very valuable, for it will hand on to posterity some of the finest characteristics of the Maoris, many features and customs which otherwise would be forgotten in the course of time. For this reason the composer of the striking Maori opera, Hinemoa, is entitled to great credit and deserves strong and sympathetic encouragement.

On Friday night, at the Town Hall, Fred Bennett's Maori Opera Company will make its appearance in the charming Maori musical play by Percy Flynn. Every member of the company is remarkably versatile and talented, while the music is of a most inspirational character, and the scenery is magnificent. It must be made known that the profits of the tour go towards the relief funds for our wounded soldiers. We can help even by witnessing the performance of "Einemoa." Bos plan is at Grubb's. WAR LECTURE. An interesting war lecture will be delivered in the Town Hall to-morrow evening by Mr John Clegg, of Dunedin, who has just returned from th» Old Land. Seon after war broke out, Mr Clegg was made a captive on a German cruiser, and he has many thrilling experiences to relate of the time he was one of the "Kaiser's guests." Mr Clegg is travelling New Zealand giving lectures for patriotic purposes, and is receiving no remuneration whatever. A very interesting and instructive evening may be spent with the lecturer.