ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2496, 8 May 1909, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CLEMENT L. WRAGGE.

Tlie ‘'Kentish ;•* Advertiser, ’’ referring" to a visit of the well-known meteorologist and traveller, Clement L. Wraggc, says: “Mr. Wragge gave Ills grand scientific entertainment on the solar system, which he might have termed 'a glorious luxury/ without being too bold. The series of magnificent slides that were manipulated werethe finest and best procurable, and the audience so thoroughly appreciated hisefforts that one scarcely heard anything but the lecturer’s voice during the whole evening. . V Picture after picture of marvellous beauty followed, showing portions of the vast space beyond our earth, sparkl.ing with yefe countless myriads of other spheres/’ In addition to his much-talked-of collection of views of the heavens, Mr. Wragge has just obtained and will show here views of the local celebrity Ngaruhoo, and some most beautifuily-cotor-ed views from the Antarctic regions taken-by members of the recent expedition. Popular prices should induce record attendance to these intellectual treats, for which seats may be reserved' at Mr. Miller’s.

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S ROYAL COMIC OPERA CO.

Box plans for the performances ox “The Merry Widow,” “The Dairy Maids,” and “The Girls of Gottenherg,” announced for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next, by Mr. J_. C. Williamson’s It ova. Comic Opera Company, will be opened at Mr. Miller’s this morning, when a very brisk demand for seats is anticipated. The Royal Comic Opera Company! organised over 25 years ago by Mr. J. C. Williamson, has become an institution in Australasia owing to the standard of excellence which has been sustained through all the changes end vicissitudes of that long period. On this occasion the season is of unusual importance in that it will serve to introduce an opera oF which we have heard so much, for during the past two years the press has devoted considerable space in its dramatic columns to accounts of the triumphs which have crowned the career of “The Merry Widow.” “The Dairymaids,” too, in its different way, has won almost equal fame. The freshness of the English country scenes, the novelty of the gymnasium scene, the catchiness of the lyrics, the bright tuneful music, the strong comedy*element, the completeness of the mounting, the picturesque costumes, and the finish which alwavs goes with the performances of the Royal Comic Opera Company, havemade this one of their big records throughout Australia. “The Girls of Gottenberg” is one of the most successful London Gaiety productions of recent years, rich with the glitter of military uniforms. The atmosphere is distinctly German, and the well-known. Koepenick incident (when a cobbler masqueraded as a military officer of high rank) is the amusing theme of the story, which one may readily understand must lend itself to comedy of the most humorous kind. The music is reported to be a most graceful feature, and to contribute largely to the wonder- - fui successes achieved by this merry piece.

THE BURXS-JOHXSON PICTURES-

The Burns-Johnson Pictures are to be shown in His Majesty’s Theatre, Gisborne, on Monday and Tuesday* May 17 and 18. Air. Keesing, who is directing the New Zealand tour rGr Mr. Hugh Mackintosh, is sparing no expense to make the tour of the Dominion successful, and has travelling with the pictures a powerful electric outfit, in charge of a competent electrician. The films of the fight are said to be remark.ably clear and sharp, and far superior to any boxing film previously exhibited. A number of miscellaneous pictures are comprised in the programme, including a film illustrating the marvellous equestrian performances of tho Italian cavalry.