MATTERS THEATRICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2706, 10 January 1910, Page 2

MATTERS THEATRICAL.

THE PRESENT POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

Mr William Miller, who returned from Auckland by the Monowai yesterday afternoon, in conversation with a reporter last evening stated that matters theatrical would probably be a bit quiet in New Zealand during the next six months, as with the exception of o u e or two very big attractions very few of the companies had made any profit during the past year and consequently several of the managers were fighting shy of New Zealand. Mr Williamson’s new comic opera company with Mr Richard Stewart in charge, is now appearing to record business in Auckland, where “The King of Cadonia” rail for nine nights: “Havana” will be presented until Wednesday next when the Company revive “The Country Girl.” In Wellington Williamson’s Kings-ton-Titheredge Company are playing “Tlie Flag Lieutenant,” “The Cheat,” and “Sherlock Holmes.”

The Pollards are appearing at the Theatre Poval, Christchurch in “The Belle of Cuba”, and will shortly produce “Miss Hook of Holland.” At Dunedin the Scarlet Troubadours are the attraction, while on the West Coast the Anderson Dramatic Company are filling the bill.

Pollard’s Midgets are now playing to wonderful business along the, line and will arrive in Gisborne on ,/ednesday morning. With the exception of the foregoing companies, Mr Miller stated, New Zealand is almost entirely given over to

picture shows. The demand for pictures is ever increasing and is causing the big serious thought as to ■liow it is going to affect tlie legitimate theatrical business in tlie. future. In Auckland 1 there are five picture shows now running to crowded houses nightly, and being patronised by all classes of the community. Mr Miller states that he lias made arrangements for several attractions for Gisborne, particulars of which will be announced later.