ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 225, 21 March 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE. . ~ Last night saw another change of programmeat the Empire Theatre. The. films were a diversified lot, and were quite in keeping with the high standard ~ set by the proprietary. A picture tlu-t----attracted considerable notice was that descriptive of "Minor Trades m Malar." In it the village cobbler was seen at his work in the open—in Malay the natives take their work as well as their pleasure al fresco—the weaver plied his calling _ with the aid of the crudest and most primitive appliances, and a family of mi--tives, lunching in their own peculiar fashion, was amusing as well as instructive. There were other scenes, and they afforded a very comprehensive insight into the manners and customs of the Malays. "The Coffin Ship" unfolded a dramatic story, and embraced several realistic scenes, including a shipwreck,, the launching of: the lifeboat, and the hardships of two survivors on the raft. "The Coffin Ship" also has a moral, jvjiicn is forcibly impressed on the unscrupulous, shipowner who sent an unseaworthip' 1 "" craft to brave the perils of the deep. Un ; known to him his daughter was oil'» ~ board the vessel, and the anxiety be went through had a very healthy effect on hk future life. As a contrast to the serious subjects came a screamingly funny comic, "Bill Buys Champagne." Scenes on the Swedish-Norwegian Boundary were responsible for some beautiful panoramic views, besides giving a glimpse of the salmon iridustry. Something rather sensational comprised the Kalcm .. drama "By Aid of the Lariat." There • were enough cowboys, the inevitable redskins, six-shooters and the like to stock a small "wild West" township. One of the most diverting films showed Run on the Bank," and how. it was stopped, largely through the efforts of a strikingly pretty girl and her lover; and the perhaps unscrupulous use of a circus lion that mounted guard in the bank until the bullion reserves came oil the scene, and effectively scared the dense crowd of panic-stricken depositors-off the premises until all danger of breaking ttfe J *" bank was past, rivetted the attention .of the audience. "Pussy's Cousin" was a decidedly novel picture.. To the uninitiated it afforded a good idea of the lifa of young ferrets, and the ways of the otter, and that sly old rascal the fox. On the dramatic side the programme was exceptionally strong, and in this connection mention might be made of "Waived in the Balance" and "At Jon.V Ferry." A mirth-provoking comic—"TontO" lini Stops Everything"—topped off th« series, which will be shown againut.his evening.'

OVERDALE GARDEN PARTY. The "Overdale" garden party,, whicli t takes place this afternoon, promises to be a huge success. Innumerable amusements, sports, etc., have been provided; and special energy is being taken to keep the children merry. The Garrison Baud will render a specially-selected programme. Among the many side attractions are work, produce, sweet anil ice cream stalls, bran tubs, sheep, cake,, pea and bean guessing, bowls, Aunt Sally, quoits, fortune-telling, motor rides, ete. < A trophy is offered for the best hat trfrii- • med with natural flowers and' worn by the competitor. The admission is Is (including afternoon tea); children halfprice,

THE IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT. TO-NIGHT. The theatre-going and concert-loving public should scarcely need reminding that the annual Irish Nationl Concert tp'kes place in the Theatre Royal tonight. Every item on the lengthy programme ie said to be first-class and by reputable performers. The orchestral items by the Royal Pictures Orchestra include the beautiful "Gems of ne(y." Mrs, Rowe is playing the accompaniments. The Garrison Band, in a selection, and Mr. A. L. Cooke, violin solo, provide the balance of the instrumental items, with the exception of Mr. Carbines in his inimitable musical sketches. The vocal section of the programme is particularly strong, including Miss Teresa McEnroe, the well-known Wellington soprano, and Miss F.~ Ward, of New Plymouth, Messrs: B. McEwen, Johnstone, and J, Somerville, Norris will dance the necessary jig. A better programme could scarcely be arranged locally,, and certainly, no ofie could expect more for their money than is being provided by the performers, and the committee in charge of the function. Prices are Is and 2s, and a fewseats are remaining to be booked at Hoffmann's without extra charge.