AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 306, 4 February 1910, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

BATHERS' ENTERTAINMENT. The East End bathers' iivst public attempt to entertain and gather in funds eventuated last night, and was an immense success from every point of view. Tho attendance was variously estimated at from sixteen hundred to two tbotisand people. During tlie early part, of the evening there were fully three hundred people bathing, and about 0.30 the "grand march - ' of swimmers of both sexes took place. Then followed a display of rescuing apparently drowning persons 'by Mr. A. Ilardjjrave, whilst Mr. S. C. Crisp "restored" the victims as' they were landed, their instructive and skilful exhibition being watched with keen interest. The use of tho life-line was also explained by practical demonstration. Mr. Pf.inkueh gave an exhibition of surf-gliding, a favorite pastime of the natives of the Polynesian group. On shore, the Garrison Band played a fine programme, and a minstrel troupe performed creditably. Messrs. Peddie and Howell gave a clever acrobatic display, and '.Mrs. {'larke conducted the "gip-'y tent,'' divining the future of numerous patrons. The grounds were brilliantly illuminated from the municipal electric lighting installation. Amongst the visitors were the Motttroa. "Beachcombers;' in costume, who were heartily welcomed on their arrival in a motor launch. Before leaving for homo they illuminate!! their little craft with colored lights, with fine effect. The ladies' committee entertained the performers at supper, and the men's executive also was kept hard at work the whole evening. Tho takings in cash were over tin. and tickets sold are estimated to be worth £2O. Thus the gross return was about £4O, with the" profit from which the committee hopes to make extensive improvements. The complete success of the function must be very gratifying to the promoters, and an endorsement of the East. Enders' decision to popularise the resort and to adopt the system of mixed bathtag. HEWITT'S PICTURES. " The best programme yet given Uy Hewitt's" was the verdict of those who attended the Theatre Royal lust evening. The programme opened with a view of Marseille*' striking feature-', including a very pretty water scene with a large number of swans and other water-fowl thereon. " The Romance of a Gipsy Camp" provides a stirring dramatic subject. A really good picture is that relating to the " Racing bulls in Ca» margue." The animals, are shown mustered in a mob by a crowd of stockmen, who pick out the best animal.-' for branding. A fete is held, at which the whole countryside attends on horseback to witness the liranding. An exciting feature is a tight between two of the bulls. "Nick Carter, the double," is a detective subject that has many exciting turns. A very pretty and artistic film is that entitled "Cupid's Four Darts'." It is beautifully colored, and illustrates the merry little Cupid being sent out on missions of happiness from tlie temple of love. A very laughable picture is " The Prize Camel.'' The camel is drawn in a lottery, and the owner has a highly exciting time galloping the weird brute through the thoroughfares of a city. " Scenes in the French Revolution" !-'hows the troublous times Paris had to pass through during that tragic period. One iu taken through some interesting scenes in the film '' On the Banks of the Ganges." Everything is highly colored, as is the cu-tont of that country. The strange custom- of the people, and dozens of great temples, shrines, etc.. are .shown in a remarkably well-defined manner. ' ; the Cgly Girl" is a highly interesting dramatic picture, being elaborately colored. Several other good pictures are shown. The programme will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night.