The Original of Trilby.

AN AUSTRALIAN STORY. If there ever was an original Trilby O'Ferrall, Mine. Anna Bishop, it is thought (saya the London Sun), must have been she. This famous singer, born in London of French parents, made her ddbut in 1839, and conquered the whole musical world in the ensuing years. She married Sir Henry Bishop, the celebrated composer, and in 1844 went to America, under the direction of Bochsa, the harpist, whose influence over her was regarded as irresistible. These data we glean from an article by Albert L. Parkes in an American Magazine, and also the following statement quoted from Frederick Lyster, a well-known manager, who was business head of Mine. Bishop's company in an Australian tour. Mr Lyster says ; —"The book of 'Trilby,' and the play as produced by Manager A. M. Palmer, seem to be founded on the career of Anna Bishop, for. Svengali is simply an exaggerated presentation of Bochsa, her musical director, while the Madame of the story is a replica of Lizzie Phelan, dame de champagnie, the very shadow of the great artist for nearly 40 years. ■ The relations between the singer and the harpißt were purely professional yet his will dominated her every action. He rehearsed her songs in the strictest privacy, and when illness prevented Bochaa's presence at general rehearsals Mme. Bishop would also remain away, leaving me to rehearse the band without her. On these occasions some of the clever instrumentalists would remark, ' Bishop's brains are sickabed.' Although Eochsa's influence over the prima donna was evidently paramount, I never saw him descend to the slightest familiarities. He was her maestro, her friend, her guide, and nothing more, while she was almost childlike in her meek submission and dependence upon him. Personally she was h sweet, amiable woman, apparently without individual will power, and without even the faintest sense of ambition. Shu sang and acted because she was told to do so, seemingly as if in a prolonged dream. Even when pitted by Bochsa against Jenny Lind she appeared to take no interest in the rivalry, but obeyed and trusted to Bochsa and the management for the rest."

_ A lump of coal which was found alongside the Bkeleton of a long-missing prospector named Araoia in the Kaitoke Ranges, Taranaki, about a month ago has been analysed by Mr Skey, Government analyst, who reports that it ia bituminous coal, resembling that from the Westport mines, and consequently very valuable. The Turanaki Herald remarks that though it is impossible to Bay at present where tho coal came from, it is hardly likely that the dead prospoctor would have carried Westport coal with him, therefore it may be assumed that he picked up this lump while fossicking about the ranges, and was on his way out to report his discovery when he met his death. It suggests that the matter is worth following up.

The Singer Manufacturing Company which originated in a humble venture, backed by the modeßt capital of 40 dollars, (£8) borrowed money, now commauds a working capital of £2,000,000, aud threefourths of the sewing machine trade of the world as well. An army 53,000 strong represents its employees throughout the world (with 4000 vehicles and 6600 horaes), 12,000 of this host being employed solely in manufacturing machines. E, Chrisp, resident! agent.— Advti,