Le cinématographe de Thomas James West (Opera House,6-9 novembre 1905)

Thomas James West s'installe à l'Opera House où il présente des vues animées.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Masterton, lundi 6 novemrbe 1905, p. 1.

La presse locale consacre un long article aux projections cinématographiques :

WEST'S PICTURES AND THE BRESCIANS.
Another Splendid Programme.
An entirely new programme was submitted by Mr T. J. West, in conjunction with the " Brescians " troupe of vocalists and instrumentalists, at the Masterton Town Hall, last evening. There was a crowded and enthusiastic audience, and the combination of pictures makes the entertainment an extremely enjoyable one.
Last night's programme opened with a remarkably clear set of cinematograph pictures, depicting the " Falls of Clyde," in Scotland. " A railway ride in Wales " gave the audience a fair glimpse of the scenery in this part of the world. Many pictures have been shown from time to time of Niagara Falls, but the series shown on the screen by Mr West embraces a totally different and far more comprehensive series. The audience gain an insight into the work in connection with coal mining in the pictures entitled " The Daily Life of a Collier." The films illustrating the different stages of the race for the last Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase found special interest .amongst the sporting portion of the audience. A clever "Musical Drill" by school-children makes a fine picture. The various occupants of the London Zoological Gardens are shown to great advantage. The cinematograph pictures also comprise a number of humorous and trick films. A few that are worthy of special mention are : " Spring Cleaning," "Jack's Rival," "The Child Stealer," " A Drama in a Balloon," a study of child life entitled " Crumbs and Feathers," " Burglars at Work," and a large collection of views depicting life in the reign of Louis XIV. Mr T. N. Lax presided at the piano during the time the pictures were being produced.
The Brescians are assigned the middle portion of the programme. The party consists of four ladies and three gentlemen, and their contributions were particularly well-received. The opening orchestral item was a selection from " The Bohemian Girl." This was followed by the company singing "Good Night" without musical accompaniment. Miss Domenica Martinengo, who possesses a rich contralto voice, and who sings with faultless taste and expression, was heard to advantage in her song " Allan Water." Another item capitally rendered by the same lady was " Sing Me to Sleep." Miss Antonia Martinengo gave the audience a proof of her ability as a comedienne in her item entitled " Lessons with a Fan." Miss Adelina Martinengo is a gifted violinist, and scored a marked success in her solo. Miss Sara Hendy accompanies herself on the piano when singing the ballad " Its Just Her Way," which her mezzo-soprano voice suits admirably. Misses Domenica and Antonia Martinengo contributed an amusing ditty. Mr Rudall Hayward rendered that old favourite song " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep " in a manner that earned well-merited applause. Last, but by no means least, comes Mr Fred Mills. The first song was entitled "A Sort of a Feeling," which succeeded in amusing the audience. The next item "Am I in the Way," was equally successful. To the inevitable encore, Mr Mills gave a particularly good imitation of bagpipes (with organ accompaniment) which fairly brought down the house. The plantation serenade " Down South," concluded the musical portion of the programme.
The Company appear in the Town Hall again this evening. A matinee is announced for Thursday afternoon, and the final performance takes place on Thursday evening.

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Wairarapa Daily Times, Masterton, mercredi 8 novembre 1905, p. 5.