WAIPORI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 58, 20 March 1869, Page 3

WAIPORI.

(From our Own Correspondent).

The Thalians of Waipori made their first appearance on Thursday, the 18th instant, in the Oddfellows' Hall. Although the weather was unfavorable, there was a large number of people present. lam happy to say that the ladies on this occasion attended very well j perhaps this was owing to the object of the entertainment being for the benefit of the local school.

The stage was a complete masterpiece — thanks to the untiring labour and skill of Messrs. Raggitt and Webb, whose taste in decorating, &c, added considerably to the success of the entertainment.

Mr. Baker, our schoolmaster, was kind enough to write and recite the following prologUe : — Ladies and gentlemen it really is too bad— These prologues, I declare, will drive me mad! I feel the honour of ush'ring in the' play ; But "here's the rub," Idon'tknowwhattosay.

There's Shakespeare lying handy on the shelf, Suppose I quoits a line or two by stealth, And tefi yod " All this World's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts." 'Tis thus in all the world ; and even here Both tragedy and comedy appear. The scenes are ever shifting day by day — We are the actors in lif es earnest play. If this be so, we may obtain our cue As to the best and wisest thing to do In time of doubt and danger : And thus may we receive instruction From this dramatical production. But you're not come to hear me moralise. And steal quotations from old writers wise ; So now, raising the curtain, first behold A lady worth her weight in purest gold — Her name is Mrs. Bobtail ; and you'll see That she's the better half of Mr. B : A good true-hearted wife, a faithful friend — Basely maligned. She triumphs in the end. Next Mr. Bobtail comes upon the stage, By scandal roused into a fearful rage. He shows how dang'rous 'tis to lend an ear To a false friend's insinuating sneer. Of such a friend I pray you all beware ; And such an one is Mrs. Wagtail there— A mischief -makiug,^tattling» jealous wife : The foolish woman's only aim in life Appears to be to "«et folks by the ears." And Wagtail's almost, if not quite as bad, For 'twixt them both poor Bobtail's driven mad, Until the fend^reinoves his doubts and fears, "When Mrs. B. in her true light appeai-s, And virtue triumphs over alllherjjioes. The Curtain falls — but you must not suppose That all is done ; our frieuda must change their clothes. Meanwhile an intei val of song succeeds, And then the "Dead Shot" your approval pleads. Of this I can't say much : I only know The moral of the piece designs to show That young affections can't be trained at will By all match-makers' matrimonial skill ; And proves beyond a doubt That when a woman will, slit will you may depend on't ; And when she won't, she won't, and there's an end on't.

The curtain then rose to the first part of the c vening's performance, '• My Pretty Betsy." The manner in which this piece was produced reflects great credit indeed on the Thalians. Mr. Cable, in the arduous part of Mr. Bobtail, was not to be surpassed even by professional talent. He was -well supported by the ladies. Miss Donnelly as Mrs. Bobtail, and Mrs. Wiley as Mrs. Wagtail, acted their parts with great spirit and truthfulness. Mr. Cairne3 in the part of Mr. Wagtail, and Mr. J. Cox as Langford, displayed considerable ability. Nancy Muddle was remarkably well performed by Miss M'Lauchlan, and caused considerable amusement.

On "My Precious Betsy" being concluded, a musical melange succeeded. A duet, " What are the Wild Waves Saying," between Mr. Baker and Miss k. Cox, was given with marked effect, and was highly appreciated by the audience. Mr Stevens, who gave " Polly Perkins " in character, and sung it in splendid style, received great applause ; and on an encore being demanded, substituted the " Squatter's Daughter," which he sang in his usual talented manner. Mr. Baker and Mr. Cairnes then followed in the duet, " The Convent Bell," which was rendered with great taste and feeling. Mr. J. Cox appeared in an Irish character, his "get up" and rich brogue bringing down the house.

An interval of ten minutes then took place, when the curtain rose to the "Dead Shot." The several characters in this piece were very ably sustained, and the acting was far above the ordinary performance of amateurs. In fact, I may say that I have seen many professional actors and actresses who did not do the piece the same justice as the Thalians. The tv/o lady performers are especialJy worthy of mention — Miss A. Foy as Louisa Lovetrick, and Miss Donnelly as Chatter. Mr. Cable made a first-class Timid, acting with great spirit, and thoroughly identifying himself with the part. Mr. Cairne^s personification of Wiseman was splendid, acting Lhe slow, bashful lover to perfection. Mr. Buchanan appeared as Captain Gannon, and I question very much whether the character was ever better acted. Mr. ,T. Cox, as Frederick, acted with great vivacity. Altogether, the entertainment was a complete success, the amount realised being £20.