AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10270, 23 June 1911, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THOMPSON-PAYNE PICTURE*. By 7.15 o'clock last eveming the, Foresters' Hall was packed to witness the' change of programme, aa»s scores had to be turned away. The chief attraction" of the entertainment, which commenced at 7.45 o'clock, was the film depicting the life history of the unfortunate man, Ben Hall, the bushranger. The story was enacted in natural surroundings, and the interest was sustaind throughout. Briefly told, Hall's career of crime was brought about through one Melville, a magistrate, who attempted to kidnap the former's wife, and through whose plotting Hall, though innocent, was convicted of horse stealing and put in gaol. On his release Hall finds his homestead deserted, and his cattle and sheep dead. A gang of bushrangers, headed' by Frank Gardiner, then persuade Hall to join them. His life with them and their various acts of lawlessness are finely portrayed. The last scene of all shows the bush-' ■ranger shot by a policeman. A number of other capital nictures supported this "star." The" Biblical drama "Herodias," was a splendid study, some of the scenes being magnificent. "The Bridal Trail" was a fine story of the west, while "The American and the Queen'' caused plenty of excitement, being a wtory abounding with thrilling situations. "Make Believe" was a pretty ballet by pupils of a big Parisian dancing school. The picturesque beauty of Sardinia was delrniated in a film of that title. "Her Fjsrst Long Dress" was a oriht comedy, but equally as much laughter was raised by "Tired of Life" and "Dancing Powder." This splendid programme will be repeated to-night. THE JOCK WILLIS- DAVE SMITH COMBINATION, The above combination will play a return season of one nftght at the Masterton Town Hall on Saturday next, June 24. The company comprises a number of sterling artists, who special r ise in the rendering of the auld, auld sangs. The Caledonian quartette party will render English, Scotch, and Irish melodies, humorous sketches, and the latest song successes. Jock Willis will supply the comic element, and returns with a batch of all. the latest laughs and absurdities. Old favourites in Mr Tam McLean (basso), Mr Colin. Cameron (tenor), .Mr Robert Fergussn (baritone) will be seen and heard in new items. In Mr Edward HeJadlam the company have secured a monologue entertainer, of exceptional merit from the Queen's Hall, London. His item, Singers and their Songs, is most amusing. The second part of the programme will serve to introduce Mr Dave Smith, New Zealand champion middle-weight boxer of the world, in a refined athletic display, introducing ball punching, rope skipping, and shadow sparring, concluding with an exhibition spar with Arthur Kelly. The entertainment on the whole is spoken of as one of the most delightful surprise packets that has yet toured the Dominion. The box plan is now open at Miss Rive's. 5