“THE BIRTH OF THE EMPIRE.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2424, 12 February 1909, Page 4

“THE BIRTH OF THE EMPIRE.”

ANOTHER' FINE PERFORMANCE.

High enconiums have been passed on the four .productions of “ The Birth of the Empire” by the three thousand or four thousand spectators who have so far seen the display, and the hearty applause -which greeted the various items last night was ample evidence that the praise has been well merited. Any person in possession of an artistic sense in the slightest decree and with but the vaguest appro- A elation of the beautiful cannot faujto ! be charmed by the many magmfett|w and gorgeous scenes. Tne movements in the different marches and dances have ail been designed by Signor Borzoni in a manner chat secures the finest effects; and the color scheme has been so carefully worked out that tne spectators are held enraptured and entranced throughout. But much as the beauty of the display appeals to one, tiie precision of every movement aiso calls ior warm praise, and earns the wondering admiration of ail. Une minute every section of the perfoimers is mixed up in seeming cnaos, and then suddenly, in response to a brief command Lorn the director, there is evolved, in a bewildering fashion, some exceptionally fine scene or tableau. Bo methodically and quickly, yet without undue Baste, -is me thing done that the audience is completely fascinated. Ot coursc, minor mistakes occasionally occur, but these are rectified so rapidly that they pass practically unnoticed, hew have seen the display but wish to eee it again, and. it is almost needless to - say, there are few amongst those who have not been but intend to go. Last night’s attendance was to some extent, detrimentally affected by the rain, but the performance was fully up to the high standard set on the opening night. The Py-ranud of I 1 lags and th© Drench cake-tyalk- again aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators, and a particularly fine item is as tlie dainty- dancing of the two tiny lasses, Belle- Pearce and Ivy Robertsonu. A squad of 12 men from the Gisborne Rifles gave an exhibition ox“ physical drill, calling for high commendation. _ . As before, the major portion of the music was supplied by the City- Band in fine style, whilst the services of Mr. Harold Piper at the piano added materially to the success of the several dances. Near the conclusion of the performance, a pleasant ceremony took place, being the presentation to Private James Coe, of the Napier Rifi.es, who is at present situated in Gisborne, of a 20-years’ long-service medal. The Gisborne Rifles, under Captain Beere, and a detachment of the East- Coast Mounted Rifles, under Lieut. C. Hellier Evans, were drawn up in the centre of the floor, being surrounded by the whole company of performers. The presentation was made by Captain Beere. Addressing | Private" Coe, he said: •'•'You are being made the recipient of this medal for having completed 20 years’ long and efficient service. You have faithfully done your duty, and if every volunteer would stick to his colors as you have done there would be very little talk of compulsory training or conseription. I hope every man here wifi endeavor to remain in the service until he has earned a medal for 20 years’ constant service.” Captain Beere then pinned medal on Private Coe's breast, ana the ceremony terminated with three hearty cheers for the recipient. A special feature this evening will be the cyclists’ and ambulance display, which will be given under conditions indicative of actual service.