Page:The Student, Edinburgh University Magazine, New Series, Volume V., Summer Session 1891.pdf/27

 refinement unusual in a beginner. The play was well received, but the gods were somewhat hilarious. The farce entitled “The Spitalfield Weaver” was at good as the average farce is, and that depends much on the taste and fancy of the audience.

the run of opera and burlesque which the Lyceum has had of late, this clever military play comes as an agreeable change. John Strange Winter’s pretty little story, which every one knows and every one likes, or ought to like, lends itself very well to stage adaptation; and from the strong company which produced it here on Monday night it receives very capable treatment.

The part of Booties is entrusted to Mr L. Cory Thomas, who makes an excellent appearance as the good-natured and generous officer; while Mr C. F. Caravoglia, as Captain Gilchrist, is a sufficiently villainous villain, and displays considerable ability in the “scenes” with Helen Grace, especially, perhaps, where he leaves her for the last time. As Helen Grace, Miss Edith Ostler is charming, and alike in the pathetic scenes and in the more lightsome third act, where everything is unravelled and every one pleased, she does full justice to the part, which is by no means an easy one. As Captain Lucy, the butt of the regiment, Mr A. Courtenay is capital; as is also Mr Douglas Munro as Private Saunders, and Miss Philfair as the Nurse. Mr Harry Crouch as Doctor Blantyre, Miss Madge Ruskin as Mrs Smith, and Miss Gracie Robinson in the part of Laura Norris, leave nothing to be desired; and the parts of the subalterns receive good treatment. Not the least attractive feature of the performance is the appearance of Miss Maggie Bowman, who makes a very clever little “Booties' Baby”

—The first annual inspection of this battery took place in the Waverley Market on Wednesday, 20th March,—Colonel Thomson, R.A., being the inspecting officer. Sir William Muir, Sir Douglas Maclagan, Professor Annandale, and Dr Tillie were among the many spectators present. Lieutenant Cossar Ewart was in command, and Mr B. S. Lockwood, Battery Sergeant-Major. The battery paraded about sixty-five strong, in full uniform under arms, and presented a very smart appearance. At half-past four Colonel Thomson entered the market, and, after a general salute, he proceeded at once to inspect the ranks and the men’s equipment. This over, the battery marched past in quick time and also at the double, and went through various company movements. Lieutenant Ewart next put his men on the guns, where the usual field gun and repository drill was gone through, the work being done with a smartness that speaks well for the chances of the battery at Barry Camp next July. At the close of the inspection, Colonel Thomson made a few remarks complimenting the men on their drill and smart soldier-like appearance. He at the same time impressed on the men the necessity of coming down regularly to drill, lest the ignorance of a few should impair the efficiency, of the whole battery. The battery was then dismissed, after having safely passed through that most trying ordeal—its first inspection. We are requested to state that all information concerning the battery can be obtained from Professor Cossar Ewart, or from any of the non-commissioned officers.