WAITAHUNA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 68, 29 May 1869, Page 3

WAITAHUNA.

(From ow Own Correspondent.)

On Sunday night the dark clouds 'gathering in the north-east betokened a heavy fall of rain. Not long had we to wait before down it came, and continued in one steady pour until Monday noon, when the clouds broke, the wind veering round to the south, then again to the east and north-east, and ia now, like the dropping shots of musketry after a cannonade, pelting us with occasional showers, alternated with bleak winds. The fiver rose very quickly, and soon flooded the claims most exposed. A gold miner on Waitahuna has plenty of chance to practise the virtues of patience and perseverance, for, indeed, he is sorely tried. The winter is but young, and already have moat of the large claims been flooded out twice this season.

Independent, however of rain and flooded claims, the Waitahuna Dramatic Corps gave their entertainment ; and, to show their appreciation, nearly a hundred persons braved wind and weather to be present at it. I believe had the weather been fine the Assembly Room would have been crowded. However, the curtain rose at 8 o'clock to MoncriefPs play the " Spectre Bridegroom ; or, a Ghost in spite of himself." The characters were represented as .follows :- Mr. O'Keefe, took the part of Nicodemus, which he did in a most solemn and ghost-like manner. Squire Aldioinkle, the superstitious and nervous old man, was represented by Mr. Busst ; Captain Vauntington by Mr. Polson, and considering it was the first appearance of that gentleman, he played his part very well. Mr. Devonshire, as Dickory, convulsed the house with laughter by his ready and witty replies, and by his grotesque appearance after having seen Mr. Nicodemus, whom he supposes to be a ghost. Paul was well represented by Mr. G. Ritson. The ladies, though last on the bill, performed their parts in quite a superior manner, Georgiana being tsken by Mrs. Olsen, who was attired in a style neat and becoming, as the daughter of the rich old squire — one of the olden time ; Lavinia, her cousin, being impersonated by Mrs. Cook, who displayed great vivacity in her determination to obtain a portion of the old squire's riches, and to obtain the supposed ghost for a husband, in which she at length succeeds, to the apparent satisfaction of all concerned. The performers were greeted with loud and frequent bursts of applause, and at the fall of the curtain the thunder of appreciation was absolutely deafening. The appearance before the curtain of each performer was demanded in unmistakable terms, when the curtain again rose and then fell. After a short interval, Mr. Devonshire gave two comic Bongs — " The Happiest Nigger out " and "My Long-tail Blue " — and notwithstanding the remarks of your contemporary respecting Mr. Devonshire's singing, the audience were so delighted, that he had been called on again and' again had the programme admitted of it. Mis 3 Wilson then sang "My Pretty Jane," accompanying herself on the harmonium, for the excellent rendering of which' she received loud applause. On being encored, she played several well-selected airs in a manner which displayed considerable skill. Mr. B-itson next sang a comic song, which was deservedly encored, after which an interval of ten minutes was announced. After the expiry of the interval, the curtain rose to the farce "Which shall I Marry?"— Nailem Tite, Mr. Devonshire; Alonzo. Skipjack, Mr. Ritson ; Mary Moo, Mrs. Hansen. All the characters were well sustained ; and under the skilful management of Mr. Adolphus Huist, the piece passed off exceedingly well. At the conclusion of the performance the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till twelve o'clock. The enjoyment of the audience during the evening was greatly enhanced by the performance on the harmonium by Mr. Burton.