THEATRE ROYAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4363, 8 March 1893, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

6onceitinaidofthe Queensland Relief Fund. The great disaster which has befallen Queensland, has aroused on ovory baud the deepest sympathies of all, and a ready response to the call for assistance lias been made, espwU ally in the neighboring colonies. Even Mastertonivas not in the background, and, in addition to the subscription list, which is yet lying open at the Borough Council Chambers, some energetic gentlemen, headed by Mr W. F. Croxton, determined to get up an entertainment, the proceeds of which would go to swell the funds. Lust night tlieentertainment,which took the form of an amateur concert, eventuated, and was a success from every point of view. Seldom, indeed, has a more fashionable and enthusiastic audience assembled at th'e Masteston Theatre Royal than that! present last evening, and wo certainly should not be far out in stating that abetter amateur concert has never been held in this town. Every item of a lengthy programme was received by the audience in a most appreciative manner, and imperative encores \tere frequent. At eight o'clock, the Theatre was packed in every part, and at a few minutes past the concert opened with the overture " Le Chevalier Breton," by twelve performers, under the leadership of Mr A. von Keisenberg, who for many years past has figured prominently before the musical public of the Wairarapti. Tlio selection was gone through in the must finished manner, the execution of even the smallest part showing careful study, Afterwards came a song from Mr D. B, itobinson, who made his first bow to a Maaterton audience, wi'.b "Simon the Cellarer," bis really fine bass voice being heard to advantage in the old favorite. Then came a song by Master Jago— " That i'b Love"— which was so well rendered that a vociferous enoore had to be responded to. Master Jago has now become Buoh a popular favorite that no concert seems complete without him, The next item vae a violin solo by Mr B. P.Ginders, who delighted his hearers with that beautiful and touching melody "Homo Sweet Home," the rendering of which convinced all of the player's undoubted! ability. Afterwards oame the bolo " I Love my Love" by Mrs P. Diokson, who sang sweetly and effectively, gaining well-merited applause. Mr James Aitken (another established favorite) followed with the ballad" Queen of the Earth," most artislioally rendered, after which Mr Harry Rees(who has been absent from Mastertonfor several months) fairly brought down the house with the cornet solo " Death of Nelson." He proved himself a perfect master of his instrument, and was obliged to appear a second time, Then came another item by a lady-Miss Gross—who with feeling and expression sang " Olde and New" in a moßt charming manner, the audience insisting on an encore. The first part of tho programme concluded with one of Dibdin's good old sea songs, " Every Bullet has its Billet" by Mr W. F. Croxton, whose fine singing mai?e a decided impression upon his hearers, and caused the wish to be freely expressed that he may soon again be heard in public. He is possessed ol a good bass voice which he certainly knows how to use. After an interval of five minutes Mr C. Clifford's orchostm opened the secoud half of the programme with a selection from Balfe's "Boheumn Girl." Tho piece was most effectively dealt with by the performers, and that the audience appreciated it may he judged from the fact that it gained a hearty encore, in responso to which " The Highland Wreath " was given, Mr T, H. Jackson followed, with " Alone on the Baft," and being in splendid voice fairly excelled himself. The next item was tbe song " Hemember Mo no More " by Miss Pownall sung with perfect taste and expression, after which came a novelty in the shape of a piano duet by ■ two Native ladies, who have recently left college. This item pleased the audience hugely, and the ladies were greeted with tumultous applause at its conclusion, Mr 0. Clifford followed with the song, ''Only Once More," bis ■ cultivated voice being heard to tho fullest ad v vantage. Afterwards came a violin' solo by Mr J. Candy, whose splendid rendition of "The Harp that oncei through'-Tata's JMU" held tho| audience spellboupd, and despite the lateness of tbe hour was not sufficient to satisfy them without another effort on his part. That Mr Candy is a musician of more that ordinary talent was plainly demonstrated. Last, but not least, on tbe programme came Mr 8. H.Ealph'ssonc!,!' The Fisherman and his Child," and so well did he acquit himself that he was called upon to appear again, but simply bowed his acknowledgment. •■ The entertainment concluded with a laughable farce entitled "The Theatrical Agent," in which the following gentlemen took part: -Mr W. P. Croxton as Mr Willis (a Theatrical agent) j Mr B. P. Ginders as Sam (the man servant); Mr C, A; Pownall as AlphoQse. Augustus Squeaker; Mr D, E, Robinson as Sjgnpr Fpghorn; and Mr 0, Clifford as Madame Carlolta Berletti. Each character was well sustained, the efforts of Mr Ginders as "Sam'! being particularly happy,

We niu6t not forget to state, that Mr 0, Clifford played most of the accompaniments to the songs in a faultless manner, the Misses Pownall, E. : Walker and Williams taking the re-1 mainder. •. ■

Very great praise is also due to the Committee who undertook tliemanageme'nt. and "carried Hie affair to BO successful an : .issue, ■ : Eveiy member did his best, Messrs W, H. de Lisle and Goodwin and the indefatigable Hon. Bee, Mr W. F. Oroxton hoing especially prominent,