AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 192, 4 August 1908, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE PRIVATE SECRETARY."

A fair house greeted Prank Thornton's Company last evening, when that droU and evergreen piece, "The Private Secretary,' was presented. The central character, "Rev. Robert Spalding," was borne by Mr. Thornton, who was made for the part, or, rather, the part was made for him. The difficulties and woes of the unfortunate cleric, with "his goods and cliattels," kept the audience in a state of merriment throughout the piece, as did the doings of that bumotious, curt character, "Mr. CatteriuoW' which was sustained with considerable skill by Mr. Harry Ashford. The Tail >r of Bond-street, "Mr. Gibson." contributed considerably to the mirth of the comedy, the part being taken by Mr. Douglas Hamilton. Mr. Templar Power made a good nephew of "Mr. Catterniolc," and Air. Keppel Stephenson achieved success in his delineation of the part of "Mr. Marsland/ the hunting squire, Mr. Harry Stone acting the part of bis nephew. The heaviest lady's pa.-t was that of "Miss Ashford," which was successfully interpreted by Miss Harriet French. The other characters wore we'll sustained, and the whole piece was much enjoyed by everyone present. We are only sorry that this was Mr. Frank Thornton's farewell visit. He has for

years been a popular and interesting figure on the theatrical boards of the Dominion, and will, we feel sure, be much missed by those who have had the pleasure of hearing and seeing him.